Thankfully the Mornington Peninsula is so far largely untouched by the tragedy and terrible destruction visited on other parts of Victoria. But we must remain vigilant, for the risk is still extremely high, and will remain so until the autumn rains.

 

The State’s emergency services have performed beyond all expectations, both during the immediate emergency and it’s aftermath, and in the grim task of recovery and victim identification.

 

The men and women of local our local CFA Brigades have been in the thick of the action at Kinglake, at Bunyip and at so many other fires across the State. In recent years we have experienced a run of large and long-running fires which have placed enormous pressure on our fire-fighters, this last probably the worst ever seen.

 

Despite all that has been thrown at them they have been equal to the task. As a community we owe them all a huge debt of gratitude. They have been prepared to leave their families, and to put themselves in harms way to protect the lives and property of their fellow Victorians.

 

While no words can ever be sufficient I thank them for all they have done, and all they will do in the dark days ahead. They have set a selfless example for us all.