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Wayne Berry MLAACT Legislative Assembly Member for Ginninderra |
Home / Community /
Bushfires See Also: Home / Personal / Career |
As a former firefighter Wayne has always maintained an interest in fire safety in our Bush Capital. Wayne remembers many lessons learned as a “firey” before he entered the ACT Legislative Assembly in 1989 and has not forgotten the devastating effect a fire can have on the community.
Highlighting the importance of bushfire preparedness, a few years ago Wayne worked with the United Firefighters Union to distribute their fire safety booklet to residents in his electorate who live on the edge of the suburbs.
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In the January 2003 bushfires, along with other Belconnen residents, Wayne was placed on alert after the fires hit Duffy and worked with neighbours, friends and relatives to make sure yards were clear and everyone was accounted for and prepared for the oncoming fire.
Wayne is keen to see that people in houses adjacent to the bush do all they can to prepare for fire season, he encourages those at risk to check the yard and talk to neighbours about fire plans. It is important to make sure that everything is ready and on hand, check items such as hoses, water stores, batteries and candles.
He also supports the Fire Brigades’ Community Fire Unit program. The focus is on bushfire education, prevention and preparation. Teams of 6-12 members receive 20 hours of training from the ACT Fire Brigade. A trailer or cabinet of fire fighting equipment is installed in the community and local Fire Stations provide ongoing regular training to units.
“The events of the past year have brought back many memories of bush fires past - of mates who have fought fires and won – and of times when the task seemed insurmountable. The safety of people is always a firefighter’s first priority and knowing that people in affected areas are well prepared makes fighting the fire that much easier.” Wayne said.