SOUTHERN Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) has been no stranger to major events such as flood and fire and as locals have seen time and time again, preparation has been the key to improving the chances of making it through unscathed and bouncing back quickly.

Funding has been made available through the ‘Moments that Matter’ scheme for communities which find themselves in the highest risk of bushfire.

Balmoral, Branxholme, Cavendish, Coleraine, Dunkeld, Penshurst and their primary schools have been specifically highlighted by this plan.

Over 230 primary school families from these towns will be provided with starter bushfire kits and valuable education provided by CFA and SGSC.

These kits will contain a thick woollen fire blanket along with a crank and solar powered torch/ radio.

These have been essential items for any household, and it is hoped that these will form the foundation for an expanding emergency preparedness kit in these homes.

The intention behind providing these items to school children has been to create conversations with students and their loved ones around what their personal kit should contain and what each household will need and do in an emergency.

SGSC encourage all households to consider and discuss their bushfire plans and to download the Vic Emergency App.

The ‘Moments that Matter’ scheme has been one of many programs being worked on by the SGSC that exist to improve relief, response and recovery capabilities, strengthen our fire prevention strategies and more.

The scheme has been hailed as an encouraging and necessary step forward by SGSC of wellbeing, planning and regulation director, Rory Neeson.

“I would like to congratulate everyone involved in this initiative,” he said.

“Starting the conversation at home and providing the building blocks for a comprehensive kit gives people in the community a great start towards resiliency and preparedness.

“Our community has seen all of this before, and we’ve always stood together in tough times.

“This is a terrific opportunity to spread our hard-earned knowledge and make sure the next generation is in the best position possible.”