Heatwave and bushfires - a message from the Mayor

Good morning East Gippsland,

The last few days of consecutive hot weather have been uncomfortable for us all.

We have not had a heatwave of this magnitude for some time, and it was certainly a reminder of how hot it can get here in East Gippsland and the challenges that come with that - not least of all bushfires.

As Mayor, it has been pleasing to see how individuals, health and community organisations, volunteers, businesses, and Council staff have responded over the past week.

Whether that was how they have prepared, checked in on the vulnerable, supported their own staff, made cool spaces available, enacted emergency response plans, shared information to inform emergency response decision making, or helped service the needs of visitors and emergency responders it has been noticed.

Our thoughts are with all communities as they face emergency warnings, begin to fully understand losses, and move into recovery.

The Premier's disaster declaration overnight reflects the enormity situation across the state.

Fire impacts us all in different ways, and our community has recent lived experience of bushfire. Please check in with one another, and if you need to please access support services.

Please stay vigilant, support one another and, if you haven't already, make sure your bushfire plan is up to date, you have downloaded the Vic Emergency app and saved our Emergency Dashboard website as a favourite on your devices.

- Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth

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