The Dandenong Ranges – our community:


The Ranges (also known as “The Hills” by the locals) are located 50kms to the east of Melbourne. It holds a population of 12,925 and includes the suburbs of Tremont, Ferny Creek, Sassafras, Olinda, Kalorama, Kallista, Mount Dandenong, Sherbrooke, Monbulk and The Patch). Other foothill suburbs included relevant for the purposes of this group are Upwey, Tecoma, Belgrave, Belgrave South, Belgrave Heights, Selby, Emerald, Upper Ferntree Gully and The Basin, with a combined population of 31, 482 people. A total of around 44,000 residents and tourists’ safety need to be considered and acted upon immediately.

The above photo shows 4 fires alight in early 1997 around the Dandenong Ranges. Source: unknown

The Beginning:

In February 2009, the Dandenong Ranges community experienced three potentially life threatening
bushfires:

(a) In Quarry Road, Upper Ferntree Gully on Saturday 7th February;
(b) in Terrys Avenue, Belgrave on Sunday 15th February; and
(c) in and around Birdsland Reserves, Upwey on Monday 23rd February.

The Dandenong Ranges Community Bushfire Group was established following a discussion of friends, including two local women, Jo Hirst and Mel Gajdek, members of a Mum’s group in Sassafras. As residents of the Dandenongs, we “dodged a bullet” on Black Saturday - it could have been the Dandenong Ranges communities which were no longer standing.

If the Quarry Road, Upper Ferntree Gully fire on the afternoon of Black Saturday had spotted into the National Park at the base of the Dandenongs, the ensuing wind change occurring soon afterwards would have seen the Dandenongs engulfed in a scenario similar to Marysville with the potential for far greater loss of life and property.

One driving factor for the formation of the group, was that children attending a local kindergarten were not notified in the event of a fire. Another driver was the fact that the fire in Quarry Rd was described by a local fire captain as “dodging a bullet”.

Shortly after our initial phase, and with overwhelming support from the community, we formed an informal community advocacy group, called the Dandenong Ranges Community Bushfire Group.

To this day the local kindergartens are still not informed if a bushfire is in the vicinity, and we are still waiting for improved safety measures to be put into place as recommended by the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission.

The Next Steps:

The simple solution, after careful consideration and taking advice from various community members and advisors, was to have more of our communities views reflected in a “bigger picture” approach, to have our say and a greater impact in the Royal Commission process.

We formulated an open response survey, inviting thoughts and opinions from the local community with guidance and support from a communication expert, and a local Councillor from the Shire of Yarra Ranges. The survey ascertained residents Top 5 bushfire safety issues in order of preference. The data analysis for the survey was completed by Colmar Brunton Social Research. They undertook a coding process, cleaning process and related analysis of the 808 household responses.

Eight hundred and eight Dandenong Ranges residents completed the Bushfire Safety Survey. More than half (54%) of these respondents were aged 45-65 years, and the highest proportion (12%) lived in the area of Belgrave. Two thirds of all respondents had lived in the Dandenong Ranges during one or both of the two most recent bushfire events in the area; the 1997 fires and the Ash Wednesday fires of 1983.

Nearly a quarter of respondents were currently part of a CFA Community Fireguard Group. Of the residents that were not members of a CFA Community Fireguard Group fireguard group, 29% stated they would like to be. Again the highest proportion of these respondents resided in Belgrave. Seven percent (7%) of respondents were members of an emergency service.

Bushfire Safety Survey Top 10 Bushfire Safety Concerns ;

1) Fuel Reduction Public Land
2) Early Warning Systems
3) Fuel Reduction on Private Land
4) Bunkers, Refuges and Safety
5) Communication
6) Education
7) Traffic and Roads
8) Personal Resources
9) CFA funding
10) Arson and Arsonists

With the survey results, DRCBG held a community meeting to find solutions to the top 5 issues and together the results formed the basis of DRCBG’s submission to the Royal Commission.


Dandenong Ranges Community Bushfire Group Inc. Group Profile Professionally facilitated solution seeking meeting in May


Jo Hirst, James Merlino and Mel Gajdek seeking solutions in May

DRCBG although most recently having fortnightly meetings with Shire of Yarra Ranges representatives, has also been very active in submitting numerous questions to the Shire and lobbying for fuel reduction, bunkers, neighbourhood safer places, community education, and community safety issues.

DRCBG Aims and Objectives:

DRCBG is an OBJECTIVE group, trying to take into account the community’s opinions and possible solutions through the survey and community meeting responses. Knee-jerk reaction or not, these responses need evaluation.

DRCBG has aimed since Feb 7th to obtain information about what matters to the residents of the Dandenong Ranges regarding bushfire safety via community open response survey. (Top 5 concerns)

We aim to lift the awareness of bushfire safety issues in our townships via any means possible!

To remain community focused and politically unaffiliated

To see that the necessary changes are implemented as fast as possible

To use and maintain local knowledge to empower the people who are affected by bushfire

A community and local government effort!

Our community forum website which now has 90 members has become a platform for residents and relevant experts to exchange ideas and learn from each other, a valuable community tool which has not existed previously.

Group members, Cr Noel Cliff, James Merlino MP, Jason Wood MP– Site of Quarry Rd Fire

Community Events:

  • DRCBG conducted a community meeting in May where 104 concerned local residents attended. This meeting discussed the results of the community survey, and gave residents a chance to find solutions to the top issues of concern.
  • August Community forum 100+ people – Helen Wozitsky CFA Fireguard, Gwynne Brennon - Manager of Community Development CFA, This meeting the subgroups were formed according to Top 5 results from survey.
  • September community forum 250+ people – in attendance Jason Wood MP, Fran Bailey MP, Christine Fyffe MP, Ray Fritz CFA, John Chaplain SES, Doug Berglund Victoria Police, Shane Vanderborn DSE, Mayor Cox – Shire of Yarra Ranges, Brett Ellis – Emergency services Shire of Yarra Ranges, Andrew Crisp – Police Superintendant
  • Successful and enthusiastic Incorporation meeting of DRCBG
  • November Kevin Tolhurst Forum and bus tour – 150 people, Joe Buffone Office of the
  • November Cardinia Hills subgroup branch community forum 200+ people. Lex de Mann CFA Region 13 General Manager, DSE - Shane Vanderborn, Vic. Police - Snr. Sgt. Alan Mcarthy, Eastern Access Community Health, Graeme Cochrane talking 'Psychological Preparedness', Jason Wood MP(Federal-Latrobe), Tammy Lobato MP(State –Gembrook), Wayne Collins Relief Centre Rep, Paul Dickson - Emergency Management Plan Coordinator @ Cardinia Shire Council, Kim, survivor of the Kinglake fires,


Dr Kevin Tolhurst on a bus tour with some of the Dandenong Ranges Community Bushfire Group members – November 2009 Source: L. Wolfers



Mt Dandenong smoke haze in February 2009

Group Activities / meeting attendance to date:

  • The Feb/March Survey, 808 respondents, professionally analysed results pertaining to residents “top 5” concerns in relation to bushfire safety in the Dandenongs.
  • Guest speakers at the ALP Upwey branch May 2009
  • Emerald Federal Government Community Cabinet attendance with one on one meeting with the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and the Attorney General Rob McClelland.
  • ALP Community Breakfast Forum “Politics in the Pub” presentation with CFA Operations Officer Colin Brown
  • Early Warning / Mass Notification system proposal for Sassafras Village
  • The 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission closed briefing for stakeholders, prior to the tabling of the Interim Report
  • Meeting with Bill Shorten MP Parliamentary Secretary for Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction
  • Meeting with Ray Fritz – CFA Region 13 Community Safety Manager
  • Meeting with Lex de Mann CFA Region 13 General Manager
  • Meeting with James Merlino MP State-Monbulk electorate
  • Meeting with Jason Wood MP Federal La Trobe electorate
  • Meeting with Joe Buffone OESC
  • Meetings with Brett Ellis Chief Emergency Management Officer SYR
  • Meeting with United Firefighters Union Greg Pargeter Senior Industrial Officer
  • Meeting with Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria Alan Monti Acting Chief Executive Officer
  • Partnership with Swinburne university – Workplace Integrated Learning students and the Emergency services department
  • Meeting with DSE – Ongoing communications regarding Fire Operations Planning (FOP) for the Dandenong Ranges
  • Meeting with Cr Daniel Murlino Deputy Mayor City of Casey and Harkaway residents group
  • Emerald Cardinia Hills sub branch formation – sub group of DRCBG representing the Shire of Cardinia
  • Presented at two Local Rotary Meetings and been presented with a certificate of appreciation for community efforts
  • Met with Local Group Brigade Captains and Group Officer
  • Formed an Incorporated group of 28 members
  • 50+ Local and National TV, Radio and newspaper interviews since February including front page “Insight” of the Saturday Age, Stateline, 7.30 Report, ABC AM, Channel 7, 9, 10 primetime news, Neil Mitchell 3AW, Jon Faine 774 ABC with Premier Brumby regarding NSPs.
  • Met Premier Brumby at Monbulk Fire Brigade and handed over a letter of community concern and an invitation to Mass Notification System demonstration
  • Federal Signal donated pilot Mass Notification System proposal Demonstration to all involved agencies (CFA, OESC, Police, Shire of Yarra Ranges)
  • Worked with the DSE via a community consultation process regarding fuel reduction burns. Our involvement resulted in burns being moved to an earlier time frame than planned.
  • Emerald State Community Cabinet located on Premiers table. Expressed concerns on NSP’s and how will we ensure that they will exist. Answered with a non committing response.
  • Shadow Parliamentary cabinet presentation – spoke about the importance of NSP’s to the entire state shadow cabinet.
  • 808 signatures gathered in 12 days from Dandenong Ranges residents for last resort options (NSP’s) and to do what is necessary to have them - presented to Shire of Yarra Ranges councillors
  • Community and Parliamentary NSP rally – both very successful in getting our message
  • Lobbying Cardinia Shire Council for NSP’s in all townships that need them
  • Direct input into the Royal Commission hearings regarding Township Protection Plans and NSP’s
  • Promotion of “19FIRE” service available as text and email message to residents as another tool for warning
  • Promotion of community involvement through social events


Meeting the Premier for Mass Notification Demonstration



Meeting with Robert McClelland EWS proposal in May


Meeting with Kevin Rudd to discuss Community Concerns in May

Council and State Parliament Rally to ask for funding, commitment, leadership and process transparency for Neighbourhood Safer Places of last resort.

Group members outside the Shire of Yarra Ranges Council chambers. Tshirts state “Make Neighbourhood Safer Places happen now”



Making a statement with State Politicians on the steps of Parliament house.

What has changed since last bushfire season?
  • NEWS system – great initiative, but limitations exist for areas like the Dandenong Ranges with restricted mobile phone coverage and based on residential addresses, visitors to the area will not receive these messages
  • 10/30 Vegetation Removal
  • Vegetation removal around schools as prescribed by the Department of Education, which did not take into account use of vegetation types to help in ember attacks
  • Greater focus on Relocation but no indication measures provided to safely do this.
  • Bushfire awareness week – Media
  • Skycrane lease for current fire season
  • DC10 lease for current fire season
  • Increase funding $21m over 4 years DSE for fuel breaks and staffing

What do we still need as a high risk community for this fire season?

  • Residents want the CFA brigade sirens to sound for warning of fire for residents. CFA sirens need to be maintained, upgraded where appropriate and used for the use everytime there is a fire to warn residents in high risk areas
  • Last resort options in each of the high risk townships. There are still no formal NSP’s on the ridgetop of the Dandenong Ranges. Only 4 in total by January, all open spaces with no protection from ember attack
  • Our Township Protection Plan information – to be useful to the community and visitors containing helpful information
  • We need adequate consultation processes, to provide local and implicit knowledge concerning our safety issues
  • Leadership from Local Government, rather than obfuscation to avoid legal liability
  • Guidelines for suitable bushfire safer vegetation, as opposed to fire dependant species (This is available in other states of Australia, but not in Victoria)
  • State of the art mass notification systems – no one has been pro-active in taking ownership for a donated system that could easily be integrated in to the proposed National Early Warning system. The offer of the donated system that would have provided valuable data as a pilot project has now been withdrawn (around $40,000 worth of technology and associated costs)
  • No solutions for relocation or mass evacuation in the event of an emergency on a lower risk day –Where do residents go and when do they return?
  • Detailed analysis of the fire risk of the Dandenong Ranges – we need the scientific fact behind our community so that we can make strategic plans based on scientific evidence
  • Need to ensure effective and timely implementation of Royal Commission recommendations
  • DRCBG have requested a meeting with Premier Brumby to discuss a proposal for an ombudsman to oversee interim measures and ensure that unlike recommendations from previous Inquiries, Inquests and Royal Commissions the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission 2009 recommendations are implemented and resourced in a timely manner
  • Safer roads for resident and emergency service access and egress
  • Improved interagency and community communication/coordinated approach for prevention, management suppression and recovery
  • Effective tourist and visitor education on days of fire risk (permanent solar powered electronic signboards at entry points)
  • Power lines to be upgraded to either new lines where necessary or underground cable
  • Community arson watch/community education program to assist in the prevention of fire through arson attack