In March 2019, fire devastated a large area of Tynong North, Garfield North, Bunyip North and Tonimbuk plus Bunyip State Park. No lives were lost but 30 houses were destroyed and 264 properties were impacted by substantial additional property damage. Residents had a range of needs to do with both physical and emotional recovery. With assistance from Council, a Community Recovery Committee (CRC) comprising community members was formed. Over the five years since the fires, CRC has tackled a range of issues. It also felt compelled to make any contribution possible to reducing the risk of future similar events.

A major aim of the CRC – Cultural Burn project was to assist Bunurong to build capacity to conduct cultural burns on private properties in the fire affected area. It was also to build community awareness.

This led to a successful application for a federal grant, specifically aimed at “Preparing Australian Communities”. Clarity about cultural management responsibilities in our area only arrived in 2017 with appointment of Bunurong Land Council (BLC) as the Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP). Aims of the grant were for BLC to reacquire best practice cool burning techniques and for the community to be informed with realistic expectations of what might be achieved. The geographic area was specified as being the 2019 fire area.

CRC engaged Liz Allen to manage the project which had wonderful support from Council, State Government, CFA and others. The grant has just been successfully acquitted but there are ongoing activities such as monitoring. There is also a desire from all involved for the momentum gained to be continued. Geographic area to be covered with a followup project would ideally be the entire BLC area of responsibility.. With the CRC winding up, being now five years plus since the fires, responsibility has passed from CRC to CEC. We are delighted to have further opportunity to work with and learn from BLC. As a participant throughout the project, CEC also welcomes the chance to work again with Liz. Much has been achieved over the last few years under her management.

All residents from Cardinia and surrounds are invited to hear about this project and future aims, at the CEC AGM on Thursday 21st November 2024, 6:30pm at Deep Creek Reserve Function Room, We would love to see you there !