Bushfire Volunteers have deeply appreciated the great opportunity to be a key guest speaker at the WAFarmers Regional Roadshows this year. The final Roadshow was held in Esperance last Friday night and was a huge success for all involved. With an amazing turnout of approximately 80 guests, including farmers, firefighters and politicians from the all over the south-west region.
Attendees included long-time volunteer and one of the Lower Great Southern Zone Representatives from the Associations Committee, Kingsley Scott, who took the time out of his weekend to show up to the event and raise important issues affecting many brigades across regional Australia. Including the lack of funding allocated to regional Bush Fire Brigades across WA for fit-for-purpose trucks and other essential firefighting equipment.
A variety of important issues were raised at the Roadshow by Bushfire Volunteers Executive Officer Darren Brown, including the continuous importance of highlighting the difference between the Bush Fire Service in WA and how unique this service is compared to the other fire and emergency services across the state. As well as the lack of awareness from the general public about the issues that occur within the fire service, due to a top down culture headed by a department who manages their own funding without checks from external entities.
After a long and informative evening of discussion about the issues that continue to affect regional farmers and firefighters alike, many stayed and enjoyed at meal at the Esperance Deep Sea Angling Club thanks to Roadshow sponsors DryKirkness Chartered Accountants and Bailiwick Legal.
Bushfire Volunteers would again like to extend a massive thank you to our Farmer Engagement Partners WAFarmers for inviting us as a key guest speaker at their Roadshows and look forward to working together to host more informative regional events like this in the future.
