NEWS DESK
Early fire warnings and bans apply
Striving for the best: Sarah Butler will receive a Gold Duke of Edinburgh award at the Grand Hyatt.
Gold leadership goals kicked SARAH Butler, 17, of Aspendale Gardens, will be among 75 Victorian students to receive the Gold Duke of Edinburgh award at the Grand Hyatt on Saturday 5 December. The award has challenged and enriched the lives of thousands of young people since it was established in 1963, the award’s Victoria CEO Anoushka Gungadin said. Sarah, a year 12 student at Mentone Girls’ Grammar, said she wanted to “prove to herself” that she could commit
to the award and achieve all its requirements while being recognised for what she does outside of the classroom. “The most significant change I found in completing the award was my mentality,” she said. “I think I would be among many participants who could say that the award encouraged them to strive for their best, but also prove to us that we can achieve some of our big goals.” Ms Gungadin said the award provided “real world” knowl-
edge and opportunities for future leaders to learn essential life skills. “We are very proud of our gold awardees,” she said. “They have all worked extremely hard and we are optimistic about their future with such a high percentage gaining confidence in their job prospects. “The gold award gala will be a fantastic way for the community to recognise and celebrate their outstanding achievements.”
THIS season’s official fire danger period for Kingston, Frankston, Mornington Peninsula and French and Phillip islands starts next Monday, 30 November. CFA South East Region assistant chief officer Trevor Owen said fire restrictions were starting earlier than last year because of recent warm and dry conditions. “So far, all indicators are pointing to a challenging fire season ahead,” Mr Owen said. “While CFA does everything it can, we look to the community to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires.” Mr Owen said “a short window of opportunity” remained for property owners to clean up but warned against illegal fires. “Out of control burn-offs and unregistered burn-offs have been a major headache for brigades,” he said. “Just because the fire danger period is yet to start doesn’t mean it’s safe to burn off. You should avoid burning off when high winds are forecast – not only on the day of your burn but for the days afterwards.” Mr Owen said the CFA would be taking a “zero tolerance” approach to any fires resulting from negligent behaviour. “Expect any fire you start to be fully investigated by police,” he said. “Even if you have a permit to use fire over the fire danger period, make sure you read the conditions carefully. Failing to follow just one of those conditions can still leave you open to prosecution.” During the fire danger period fires cannot be lit in the open air without a written permit from CFA or a municipal fire prevention officer. The fire bans are based on local conditions and take into account fuel moisture, fuel
loads, grassland curing, weather and rainfall. More details at cfa.vic.gov.au/can or call 1800 240 667. All burn-offs should be registered with the VicFire Burn-off notification line, 1800 668 511. Mr Owen cautioned against relying on one source of information during summer. Fire information was available through ABC local radio, or other emergency broadcasters including radio, SKY TV, downloading the FireReady App, visitingemergency. vic.gov.au, calling the bushfire information 1800 240 667. During the fire danger period a written permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation during. Details available from the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston municipal fire prevention officers. Lighting a fire in the open without a permit can bring a penalty of more than $18,000 and/ or 12 months imprisonment. Barbecues and fires for cooking and warmth do not require a permit, but must be lit in properly constructed fireplaces. Incinerators, chainsaws and lawn mowers, and vehicles and equipment that come in contact with vegetation are permitted subject to conditions. Farmers can find legal guidelines and practical advice at cfa.vic.gov.au/farming – this information is important especially for new farmers, bush block owners or hobby farmers. A total fire ban means no fires can be lit for the declared district for that day unless there is a specific exemption or special permit issued. This applies irrespective of the fire restriction status for a given municipality. Details: cfa.vic.gov.au/can
REAL ESTATE
High five for latest land release A RARE opportunity to own a piece of prime real estate and make it yours is now within reach. In the centre of Carrum Downs, Stage 5 is now available at the beautiful Wattlewood Estate. Blocks available in this release will be in close proximity to the proposed park and are sure to keenly sought after by families looking to build the home of their dreams. At Wattlewood, you are perfectly placed to
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Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News 25 November 2015
enjoy everything that a well-established area like Carrum Downs has to offer with parks catering to a range of sporting and leisure activities, four retail precincts plus a range of pre-schools and secondary schools, botanic gardens, golf courses and nature reserves all part of the landscape, and with Eastlink, Peninsula Link and Monash Freeways easily accessible, the best of the city, the bay and peninsula
hinterland are all at your doorstep. Prospective purchasers at Wattlewood can register their interest by contacting the sales department on 1300 140 107 or call into the sales office located on the corner of Frankston-Dandenong Road and William Road, Carrum Downs. Alternatively, you can visit www.wattlewood.com.au for more information.