News

Violet Town takes a leap towards emergency readiness

By Contributed

Aug 25, 2023

Back (L-R): Strathbogie Shire Council Emergency Management Officer Mark Leitinger, Hank Bakker, Violet Town CFA Captain Jeff Jennings, Violet Town Police Leading Senior Constable Ian Hamill and Ambulance Victoria’s Paul Johansson.Front (L-R): SES Community Resilience Coordinator Liz Frazer, SES member Lorretta York and Bruce Hunt Hughes. Photo by Contributed

The Violet Town community is now prepared for local emergencies thanks to the LEAPing into Resilience Project.

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The Violet Town Local Emergency Action Plan (LEAP) has now been released following a collaborative process with the local LEAP Steering Committee.

That includes members from CFA, VicSES, Ambulance Victoria and Victoria Police, along with Council’s support.

Strathbogie Shire Mayor Cr Laura Binks said the Violet Town LEAP was the first plan to be prepared under the grant funded project.

“The LEAPing into Resilience project enables people to become more aware of the risks facing their community and identify ways they can be better prepared for emergencies and able to respond and recover from these events,” Cr Binks said.

“Council has collaborated with Murrindindi and Mansfield Shire Councils to deliver the project thanks to a Federal Government grant.

“The project will eventually result in the production of five LEAPs prepared for each municipality.”

Violet Town LEAP Steering Committee member Bruce Hunt-Hughes said the plan is a result of many community members coming together and brainstorming what was needed during emergencies.

“A sound plan can help to stay calm, safe, be helpful and know how to ask for help,” he said.

“It does seem likely that extreme weather events will get more frequent and more gnarly.

“Let’s hope for the best and be better prepared for what may come. We hope you use this document as a starting point to get in touch or to keep the conversation going.”

Cr Binks said the Violet Town LEAP could be found on Council’s website (www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au/services/emergency-preparedness/local-emergency-action-plans-leaps/).

“A limited number of hard copies are available at the Violet Town Community House, Violet Town Library and the Violet Town Cafe and Corner Store,” she said.

For more information visit share.strathbogie.vic.gov.au/LEAP-resilience/

The LEAPing into Resilience project is a joint initiative between Mansfield, Strathbogie and Murrindindi Shire Councils, funded by the Federal Government.