Hindmarsh Community Thanks Volunteers and Emergency Services
Published on 01 April 2025
A large crowd gathered at the Dimboola Soundshell in the Dimboola Recreation Reserve last Saturday, 29 March 2025, to acknowledge and thank CFA Volunteers and Emergency Services personnel for their efforts in controlling the Little Desert National Park bushfire, which started on Monday 27 January 2025.
An estimated 400 people enjoyed live music by Dog and Bass, followed by Head Rush, after Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor, Cr Ron Ismay, and CEO, Monica Revell, addressed the audience.
Cr Ismay said, “The Little Desert National Park fire burnt over 95,000 hectares, and unfortunately destroyed two properties including one home, and the Little Desert Nature Lodge along with hundreds of kilometres of fencing, plus livestock and native flora and fauna”.
He added, “When compared to the Grampians National Park fire that burnt a similar area in around a four-week period, the ferocity of the Little Desert fire becomes more evident. The fire had a footprint circumference of around 440 kilometres. When you consider the ferocity of the fire, I think we, as a community, are very fortunate that more assets and properties weren’t impacted, and we didn’t suffer any loss of life or severe injuries to any of our firefighters or residents.”
Cr Ismay concluded his address saying, “On behalf of Hindmarsh Shire Council and all residents of the Shire and our neighbouring shires, I would like to offer our heartfelt gratitude and to say a huge thank you to all volunteers and emergency services personnel”.
Dimboola CFA had four of their vehicles on display, which attracted a lot of attention, with children being able to explore the cabin and tank area.
The photographic display was popular, with many people stopping to view the photos provided by individuals from across the region. Some of the photos from the actual fireground provided evidence of the fire’s ferocity, which only firefighters at the fire front would have witnessed.
A charity auction was held during the evening with all ten items up for sale being sold. Proceeds from the auction and the BBQ will be distributed to local CFA brigades.
Hindmarsh Shire Council’s CEO, Monica Revell, addressed the audience and said, “We are all very grateful for the selfless acts of the many CFA Volunteers and emergency services personnel who came to assist, many of whom had families evacuated or had their own farms and properties under threat while helping to save others”.
Monica added, “To the brave firefighters and emergency services personnel who are here tonight and to the many who aren’t - thank you. Thank you for your courage, your selflessness, and your relentless determination to contain and ultimately control the fire”.
“On behalf of every person in Dimboola and surrounding areas, thank you for saving our community. You are true heroes, and I trust you will enjoy tonight’s event”.
A range of vendors provided food for the audience, along with the Dimboola Rowing Club, who established an outdoor beer garden for the evening.
Students from St Peters Lutheran School, Dimboola Primary School, and Dimboola Kindergarten displayed artwork showing their appreciation for the firefighters.
For more information or if you have any questions, please contact our Community Development Team on 03 5391 4444 or email info@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.
Monica Revell
Chief Executive Officer