Letter to the editor Thank you CFA

Dear Editor,

As we head into Autumn, now is a great time to say thank you to our local CFA crews for their incredible work, day in day out.

So many local brigades and volunteers put in long and draining hours to battle the major Flowerdale blaze, that took six days to get under control. 200 volunteers, 50 trucks and nine water-bombing aircra were on site to protect the region and control the re that burnt across incredibly di cult terrain.

All this occurring so quickly a er a sizeable grass re in the Seymour-Puckapunyal region. We owe a heartfelt thank you to our CFA for everything they do. ey are the lifeblood of our communities and upstanding citizens.

While Summer is over, the re threat is not. is recent re activity is a reminder to stay alert, download the VicEmergency app and have a re plan in place.

Annabelle Cleeland MP Member for Euroa

Power Saving Bonus to reopen next month

Another round of the $250 Power Saving Bonus (PSB) will open from March 24, providing much needed relief from skyrocketing electricity prices.

e new round is open to all eligible Victorian households, including those that received payments under previous rounds, with applications to be completed via the Victorian Energy Compare website.

Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland is encouraging locals to apply.

“We’re living through a cost-of-living crisis, with interest rates soaring and in ation stretching household budgets,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Applying for the Power Saving Bonus can go a long way to relieving some nancial stress and ensuring the bills can be paid on time.”

For individuals without access to the internet or using online accounts, support is available.

“ e easiest way to apply for the PSB is by visiting compare.energy.vic.gov.au, making sure you have a copy of your electricity bill handy,” Ms Cleeland said.

“If you don’t have internet access the Energy Compare team can assist you with your application on 1800 000 832.

“A er completing an application, you can compare energy company o ers and nd out if you’re getting the best deal possible.”

Ms Cleeland said her o ce at 25 Bridge St, Benalla is happy to assist locals with applications.

“My team’s door is open to help anyone who needs support with their application,” Ms Cleeland said.

“All you need to do is bring in a complete copy of your electricity bill and we will do the rest.

“I encourage everyone who needs some nancial support in the current climate to apply and get an extra $250 in your pocket to help pay the bills.”