“We showed them the basics of using an extinguisher,” said District 24’s Gary Richardson.
“It took a while but they got there in the end!”
While their kids tried out the knapsack, the CFA display set up by District 24 staff assisted by Tallangatta brigade, gave mums and dads the chance to pick up some fire safety tips.
CFA’s new Landscaping for Bushfire brochure in particular proved to be a hit with the public - many people commented that they had already checked out the plant selection key online.
Gary, a brigade administrative support officer for the Rutherglen and Wodonga/Towonga catchments, said that the level of interest in fire safety had been high compared with similar events in the past.
“Anything from house fire safety to having a home assessment, people did seem genuinely interested.
“Probably the most valuable aspect of it for me was the opportunity to catch up with a lot of volunteers I hadn’t seen for a while.
“It was just great to see so many people coming out of the woodwork,’ he said. “The people we spoke to are the ones we don’t normally catch up with,” Gary said.
“We were able to talk in depth with a number of staff who work in the local aged care hostel, as well as with the residents themselves. This is an audience we would never normally get to under normal circumstances.”
A number of CFA volunteers took the opportunity to have their photo and details taken for their new member ID card.
DSE also participated in the event, bringing a ping pong ball helicopter and maps showing plans for fuel reduction burns.
The Tallangatta Farm and Water Expo is an annual event organised by the Rotary Club.
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