Bushfire Community Day 2024

On 6 October 2024, the Kalamunda Community Centre provided the perfect location for the fourth annual Department Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Bushfire Community Day. This year’s event was organised in collaboration between the Bushfire Centre of Excellence (BCoE) and City of Kalamunda. The event drew an impressive crowd of more than 2,500 attendees eager to equip themselves with the knowledge and tools to prepare for the upcoming southern bushfire season. 

The day was structured around a Bushfire Preparedness Trail, featuring a range of interactive information booths designed to build resilience and preparedness in readiness for potential bushfire threats. Contributors included the DFES Community Preparedness Directorate and Bushfire Technical Services, Bureau of Meteorology, Australian Red Cross and Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.  

The Kalamunda Bushfire Brigade played a key role, conducting two live demonstrations to educate landowners on the Burn SMART principles. They also conducted a burnover drill, illustrating the safety measures and features of a fire appliance when faced with a bushfire passing over. A sausage sizzle organised by the brigade raised funds to support their efforts.

Chris Ferreira from The Forever Project led engaging sessions on creating firewise gardens, based on the Firewise Gardening Western Australia guide, offering attendees practical strategies to protect their properties. A demo firewise garden provided a tangible example of how strategic gardening efforts can contribute to property protection.

Other information booths and displays were hosted by the Association of Volunteer Bushfire Brigade Association, Kalamunda SES, local Bushfire Ready Facilitators, W.A. Bush Fire Museum and Heritage Group, Urban Search and Rescue K9 Unit, DFES Fleet and State Wide Operational Resources Division.

The Roleystone Volunteer Fire & Rescue Service Cadets demonstrated firefighting and rescue skills, showcasing the opportunities for youth to engage in fire safety training and community service.

The BCoE Cultural Fire Program team emphasised the significance of Caring for Country through cultural burning practices.

Attendees also explored a bushfire virtual reality experience which allowed property owners to immerse themselves in a simulated bushfire scenario to test their readiness.

Children enjoyed activities such as a firefighter obstacle course that reinforced “lay low and go, go, go” message, an RAC Rescue Helicopter Simulator, dressing up as a firefighter and much more. The Australian Red Cross hosted a pillowcase activity to help children understand what they would pack in an emergency kit.

DFES Chief Superintendent BCoE John Tillman praised the event’s success and the partnership with the City of Kalamunda.

“This event provided families with an understanding of bushfire and the steps they need to take to prepare themselves, their property and their families while offering a fun family day out,” Chief Superintendent Tillman shared.

The success of the Bushfire Community Day not only reflects the proactive spirit of the Kalamunda community but also reinforces the essential collaboration between local government, volunteers and residents. This event serves as a vital reminder of the importance of preparedness, education and community engagement in preparing properties against fire threats.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive with over 70% of attendees reporting feeling more prepared for a bushfire.

Watch the highlights from the 2024 Bushfire Community Day video and check out the photos capturing the day.

Stay tuned for updates on next year’s collaboration!

For more information, contact the Bushfire Centre of Excellence at bushfirecoe@dfes.wa.gov.au