Moyhu beefs up firefighting

Source: - Wangaratta Chronicle - 28 July 2008

Community effort reaps tanker, slip-on

Written by JACQUIE SCHWIND.

A COMMUNITY fundraising feat reached its final accomplishment on Sunday when the Moyhu and District Fire Brigades Group was officially presented with its new slip-on.

Also presented was the Moyhu brigade’s new 3.4C tanker with crew cab, replacing its 1989 model.

Group officer, Ron Moorhead, described meeting the required $18,333 contribution for the $70,000 slip-on as "an absolutely fantastic community effort", especially in light of the district not being flush with spare cash.

"We’ve had a couple of bad years here with drought and different things but they rallied around and came up with the money," Mr Moorhead said.

Fundraising included written approaches to district landholders, winery operators, major business, government departments and organisations.

Four of the largest sponsors were the Victorian Farmers Federation with $5000, Dal Zotto Wines in excess of $2000 and Brown Brothers and VicRoads with $2000 apiece.

And, when the group found itself still $5000 short in May, Mr Moorhead said a Wangaratta Chronicle article, relaying the need, elicited a great response with cheques and offers of assistance.

Among the final deal sealers was Moyhu Hotel’s fundraising afternoon, featuring local musicians who donated their time.

Mr Moorhead said the slip-on substantially lifted the group’s capability to reach a fire in its crucial, early stage.

"We think it’s a major step forward for the group.

"Because it’s small, it’s going to get us into bush where lightning strikes have occurred.

"It’s equipped with chainsaws and safety gear so we can cut our way into where it’s struck and deal with it."

One of the numerous people involved in the fundraising efforts was Moyhu Fire Brigade member, Claire Griffiths, who said the slip-on’s value to the community would be quickly proven.