Council lends a hand

By Jessica Micallef

Macedon Ranges council is supporting bushfire-affected towns.

Two council emergency management staff have been deployed to Towong Shire in north-eastern Victoria, to assist with its relief and recovery efforts.

Acting chief executive officer Karen Stevens said the staff would be based at Towong’s council offices in Tallangatta. She said Tallangatta is outside the current fire area and is safe. A relief centre has been opened in the town to support fire-affected residents and visitors.

“We are pleased to be able to offer assistance to councils affected by the bushfires and share our expertise and knowledge with them,” Ms Stevens said.

“In case of emergencies such as this, councils work together.

“Council is able to assist as we have the capacity and the weather is expected to be milder, reducing the likelihood of a bushfire in our own shire.”

Acting mayor Mandi Mees said the council was always keen to assist where possible when other councils were affected by emergencies.

“We know how devastating bushfires can be to a region and we want to help in whatever way we can,” she said.

Cr Mees is encouraging residents to support and donate to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal.

To donate:www.vic.gov.au/bushfireappeal