18
November 2022
Staying safe this summer
Caring for the Community
In September 2022, fire danger ratings changed in Australia to the Australia Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS).
Whitehorse volunteers make invaluable contributions to many Council programs. One of these programs is our Parkland Advisory Committees (PAC), established to manage and maintain major parklands in the municipality. There are 13 PACs in Whitehorse, including the Bellbird Dell PAC (pictured) in Vermont. Anne Makhijani the secretary of the Bellbird Dell PAC, joined the committee when she first moved to Whitehorse 20 years ago. “Our committee was created 45 years ago due to public demand for community representation when the park first opened,” she said.
Fire danger ratings provide information so people in affected areas can take action to protect themselves and others. The higher the fire danger, the more dangerous the conditions and the greater the impact will be if a fire starts.
was disturbed due to farming activity and it was very weedy,” said Anne.
Bellbird Dell PAC work alongside Friends of the Dell to coordinate regular working bees, weeding, planting and mulching in the park. They have also held Clean Up Australia events in the Dell for the past 15 years. Their hard work has been incredibly beneficial to the park’s wellbeing. “The Dell is now accepted as a high conservation value park, whereas the time of its creation, the land
Old signs are being replaced on a priority basis for those communities whose fire season traditionally arrives first.
The Committee is also passionate about sharing their environmental knowledge with the wider community.
“We have held education events, walks and working bees with members of the community and PACs provide residents with the various organisations like schools, opportunity to be actively involved in the planning, promotion and care corporate participants and the public,” said Anne. of the park. Volunteers become “We have supported our local experts on the park’s natural high school with their Duke of environment, developing a deep Edinburgh program for the last understanding of its flora and seven years, assisting their students fauna so that it can thrive. to develop an understand and “The benefit is community interest in the environment, habitat, representation on all decisions flora and fauna. We have worked with regard to major parks, plus with our local special school and the longevity of local knowledge, kindergarten, assisting the children enthusiasm and interest. That longenjoy nature.” term stewardship has been very valuable, with Whitehorse having very well managed, maintained and biodiverse parks,” said Anne.
The AFDRS uses new technology and research that improves the ability to accurately predict fire behaviour and the potential threat to the community. It means those working in emergency services will be better prepared, make improved decisions, and provide better advice to the community.
If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, email info@bellbirddell.org or visit www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/ volunteers
You can also visit one of the PACs working bees – the last one for the year will be held on 3 December from 10am to 12pm. “Joining the committee or the Friends of the Dell group is a great way of meeting other likeminded people, feeling empowered by making a real and tangible difference to the local environment.”
Volunteering opportunities for young people in 2023 Whitehorse Council’s Youth Services is looking for young volunteers aged 12-25 to get involved in their local community in 2023! Places are currently available for the Whitehorse Youth Representative Committee (WYRC) and Flying Pig Events FReeZA Committee.
events and consultation opportunities on youth issues and with both local organisations and council departments.
Both committees offer opportunities to gain and use a range of skills, obtain valuable experience and meet likeminded people to work with on shared initiatives that benefit the community.
Flying Pig Events FreeZA Committee
WYRC The WYRC is a committee focusing on youth issues and being a voice for young people by advocating to Council and the wider community. Initiatives include organising Youth Forums, community
The FReeZA Committee’s Flying Pig Events focuses on organising music, art and cultural events. Events include Film Festivals, Music Events, Art exhibitions, Community events and many others! For more information and a full position description for both roles, call Jacqueline Piper at Youth Services on 9898 9340 or email Jacqueline. piper@whitehorse.vic.gov.au
