4 minute read
Three-pronged spears
Heartfelt thank you to brigade
From the heart: A letter penned by Kennah Buhmann showing her appreciation for the Trafalgar Fire Brigade.
photograph supplied
By LIAM DURKIN
THE sense of ‘helping us to help you’ was seen in Trafalgar in the lead up to Christmas, with the local fire brigade rescuing a young girl trapped inside a car. Members of the Trafalgar Fire Brigade were able to pry youngster Kennah Buhmann to safety thanks to the use of a forceable entry tool kit, which was purchased through donations by the community. The brigade voted to use the donations to purchase the tool kit to gain emergency entry into cars. On the day of the incident at Trafalgar’s Shell service station, it is understood the car door closed while the keys were still in the ignition, forcing the doors to become locked due to a mechanism seen in many modern day cars, trapping young Kennah and her dog Gypsy. After getting called out, the Brigade was able to see Kennah and Gypsy to safety quickly and efficiently. The Brigade then made sure Kennah and her family, who were from outside the region, were okay, staying by their side in support. Kennah got to explore the fire truck, and later received a ‘Captain Koala’ teddy bear in the mail from the Brigade. Showing her appreciation, Kennah penned a heartfelt letter to thank the Brigade for all they had done for her. While those who come across local brigade donation tins in their community may wonder just how much difference a few dollars or even cents might make in the long run, Trafalgar Fire Brigade secretary Kathy Geisler said every little bit helped - and in this case, the community had in turn helped the Brigade in seeing a potential tragedy avoided. “It shows them where their funds go to, if they put 20 cents, 15c, 5c, whatever, in our donation tin, all of that gets collated and it goes toward equipment to help out the Brigade help out their broader community,” she said. “When they put their spare change in the tins these (entry tool kits) are the sort of things we can go out and purchase.” Those interested in joining a local brigade can register their interest on the CFA website.
COVID forces closure of council service centre
By MICHELLE SLATER
LATROBE City Council has closed its Morwell customer service centre due to COVID-related staffing shortages and is also in the midst of re-considering changes to upcoming Australia Day events. Latrobe City chief executive officer Steven Piasente said they had chosen to keep the customer service centre closed until January 24 to “ensure the safety of our community and team members”. Mr Piasente said Latrobe City will reopen the centre “subject to availability of staff”. “Like many of the larger employers in the region, we are experiencing the challenges of the current outbreak and are adapting our services to make sure we can support the community and look after our team,” Mr Piasente said. “We are also considering changes to a number of community events, such as council’s Civic Australia Day events, in order to ensure the safety of those attending and staff. “We will keep the community informed of any change. We thank the community for their patience and understanding.” It comes as the upcoming Yinnar South Australia Day community event at the Martin Walker Reserve was cancelled due to COVID concerns. Local committee member Annette Deppeler said they had made the decision to can the event with fears of rising case numbers in the region. The Moe and Yallourn North outdoor pools were also temporarily closed last week due to staff shortages. Latrobe Leisure had issued a statement warning that some operating hours or services may continue to be affected in the next few weeks due to escalating case numbers. Residents can make payments to Latrobe City via EFTPOS at the Morwell Library or by visiting the council website.
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MARKETS
Baw Baw Warragul Arts Arts Alliance Market Third Saturday of the month 8.30am – 1.00pm Next Market: Saturday, 15 January Civic Park, Warragul Original Art Work: painting, sculpture, mosaic, textiles, ceramic, calligraphy and more
Warragul Farmers Market
Civic Park, Civic Place, Warragul Fresh produce, baked goods, meat, fish and speciality goods. Over 50 stalls. More info at facebook.com/warragulfarmersmarket
Yarragon Craft & Produce Fourth Saturday of the month Market 8am – 1pmNext Market: Saturday 22 JanuaryWaterloo Park Princes Highway YarragonFresh produce, plants, handmade craft, jewellery,jams and much more. Phone Jan 0400 182 400
Longwarry Fire Brigade Market Next First Sunday of the month Market: Sunday, 6 February
Bennett Street, Longwarry Something and drinks. for All everyone. Hot and proceeds go to the cold food local CFA. Phone Janine 0419 158 946 Covid safe practices in place
