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Spare A Thought For Firefighters: Hall

The Nationals MP for Eastern Victoria, Peter Hall, has called on all Victorians to spare a thought for firefighters over Christmas.

By The Nationals - 21st December 2006 - Back to News

Mr Hall made a heartfelt statement in State Parliament this week, praising the work of the volunteer and DSE firefighters, as well as all the support people battling the fires in the north-east and Gippsland.

"I wish to acknowledge the magnificent efforts of those volunteers and also the paid officers of the various government departments who are involved in combating those fires," Mr Hall told Parliament.

"Last Thursday morning I had the opportunity to visit the incident control centre and assembly area in Heyfield.

"It is only through first-hand experience that you can appreciate the enormous logistical exercise in assembling people to combat fires of the magnitude of those currently raging in Victoria, and the people involved in that deserve the strongest commendation of all members of this chamber for the efforts they are putting in."

Mr Hall said the events on last Thursday (14 December), when a number of houses and many outbuildings were lost on the outskirts of the Latrobe Valley, were something he would not forget.

"On Thursday afternoon I was within an hour of fires racing through areas like Toongabbie, Cowwarr and Seaton, and we could all see the enormous ferocious winds that were brewing. The climatic conditions last Thursday made it a horrific experience.

"My heart goes out to those people who lost property during the course of the fires and in one case a family who unfortunately lost a life.

"All those combating the fires deserve our very best wishes and sincere gratitude for the efforts they are putting on. Let us realise these fires are still current.

"While some of us will be enjoying Christmas, many Victorians will be out there at the fire front, and let us not forget their magnificent efforts," he added.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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