Community Safety Month

Community organisations, schools, groups and individuals are encouraged to host and/or participate in events that promote safety within their community. Held in October each year, Community Safety Month aims to promote awareness about a broad range of safety matters, including fire prevention, personal safety, safe work practices and staying safe during an emergency.

Initiated in 1996 by the Victorian Safe Communities Network, Community Safety Month encourages people to look at ways in which they can improve safety in their homes, work, schools and communities.

This year’s official state launch of Community Safety Month will be held on Wednesday October 3  at 10:00am, Aspendale Gardens Community Centre, 103-105 Kearney Drive, Aspendale Gardens. 

Members of CFA Edithvale Brigade are showing their support by attending the launch and talking to locals and families about Summer Fire Safety on lead up to fire season as well as some kids’ activities.

Co-ordinated in partnership with Kingston Council and members of the Victorian Safer Communities Network , several community safety and emergency service agencies; including CFA, Neighbour Hood Watch, Vic Roads, RACV, SES, MFB, Vic Police, KidsafeVictoria; promote community safety messages while carrying out some fun and family orientated activities.

Last year’s launch event was held at Batesford Reserve with the help of Basin Brigade.

Brigades across the state are being encouraged to promote and record their community fire safety events and activities by emailing communitysafetymonth@mfb.vic.gov.au detailing name of event, date and location.

Information on Community Safety Month can be found at: www.communitysafetymonth.com.au.  

Here are some examples of activities your Brigade can organise:

• -Promote Community Safety Month in your organisation's newsletters and on your website.
• -Organise a community forum or seminar on a community safety topic of your choice.
• -Run competitions with a safety theme in your local newspaper or organisation's newsletter.
• -Distribute information (flyers/leaflets) to promote your organisation and their safety message.
• -Undertake safety audits of local areas - home, business, and shopping centre.
• -Prepare a safety display for your local shopping centre.
• -Launch safety projects and campaigns in your area.
• -Run practical workshops on safety, for example a self-defence seminar.
• -Create an open day style event, enticing the public to get an inside look at the safety measures you have in place.