A large number of CFA members have participated in a major multiagency training exercise over last weekend, tasking crews to respond to a simulated aircraft crash and grass fire at the Bacchus Marsh aerodrome.

Around 80 personnel from CFA, Victoria Police, SES, and Ambulance Victoria, with support from the Moorabool Shire council, took part in the training. 

District 15 Commander Gavin Hope, who oversaw CFA’s response, said multiagency training exercises are vitally important to ensure crews are ready for real-life emergencies.  

“Bringing all agencies together and working as one is an invaluable experience, so when or if something does happen, we all understand each other and know how each agency operates,” Gavin said.   

“It tests our interoperability to communicate through our radio networks so we can coordinate seamlessly and efficiently.” 

The training exercise situation centred around a small plane making an unplanned landing at the Bacchus Marsh aerodrome.

It inadvertently crashed into another plane, causing both planes to catch fire, along with a subsequent grassfire nearby.  

Pentland Fire Brigade Group 4th Deputy Group Officer Daniel Williams, who acted as CFA incident controller, said CFA broke response efforts into two sectors because of the two separate fire incidents.    

“Because life is the priority, resources were directed to the aircraft initially, then as other units came on the scene, command directed them to the grass fire risk,” Daniel said. 

“Once crews had extinguished the fires, the incident was handed to Victoria Police.” 

Brigades were briefed on the situation in real-time to ensure the simulation remained realistic.   

“A lot of work went into ensuring the drill accurately represented a situation that crews would face in the real world,” Daniel said.  

“Overall, the training went very well. We got to work together with the other agencies, tested our response plans and gave some new members valuable experience.  

“Every agency held a debrief after the exercise concluded and looked at ways we can improve, and that’s the main idea. 

“If there are any issues, we want to iron them out in training, not during real-life incidents. 

“We’ve all taken away some really valuable lessons from this drill.”

Words: CFA

Police have seized a significant quantity of illicit tobacco during a search warrant at a tobacco store in Bacchus Marsh last week.

The investigation commenced after police received intelligence to suggest large amounts of illicit tobacco and cigarettes were being sold at the store.

On Wednesday 31 July, detectives from the Moorabool Crime Investigation Unit executed a search warrant at the tobacco store in Bacchus Marsh.

As a result, police seized:

• Over 12,000 cigarettes.

• Significant quantity of dried loose-leaf tobacco.

• 25 vapes.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Investigators continue to appeal to anyone, especially store owners and staff, who have information about illicit activity to come forward to police.

Anyone with information about these incidents or with further information about illicit tobacco is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Forest Fire Management Victoria is keen to secure additional staff, with the agencies’ annual recruitment drive for seasonal firefighters now underway through to July 28.

Applications are now open for project firefighter roles across 10 locations in the Grampians region including Daylesford, Ballarat, Bacchus Marsh, Edenhope, Cavendish, Horsham, Halls Gap, Wail, Beaufort, and Serendip.

Grampians Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Jason Hellyer, said successful applicants would boost Victoria’s
firefighting and land management capacity in the lead-up to summer and peak fire season.

“Being a project firefighter can bring a sense of purpose and personal achievement knowing your efforts
contribute to protecting Victorian communities and the environment,” Mr Hellyer said.

“Recruits will have opportunities to train and work alongside FFMVic’s permanent firefighting staff,
responding to emergencies such as bushfires and floods.

“They will also work in land management and help reduce bushfire risk through planned burning, weed
control and maintaining the public land road network.

“Planned burning and emergency response deployments can occur anywhere across the state, providing
opportunities to travel and work in different locations.”

“In previous seasons, some recruits have also been deployed to support firefighting efforts across Australia and internationally. The new recruits will be part of a team of close to 1800 frontline personnel and 1200 accredited incident management personnel this bushfire season.”

Fire support officer roles will also be available in Horsham. Fire support officers are primarily office-based roles which are responsible for helping district staff coordinate fire preparedness, prevention and response activities and support incident and regional control centres.

FFMVic is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the Victorian community. As part of an ongoing commitment to support meaningful careers for current and future First Nations staff, designated positions are available.

Applications are set to close July 28 and employment occurs between October and May, with some variation depending on seasonal requirements.

Emergency services responded to a motorcycle crash that claimed the life of one person in Bacchus Marsh last week.

Police say it’s believed the rider involved in the incident lost control of the motorcycle on the Western Freeway just before 4pm last Monday afternoon.

The male rider had died at the scene and had yet to be identified as at the most recently issued police report on the crash.

The exact circumstances surrounding the crash had yet to be determined and investigations remained ongoing as at the most recent police report.

Anyone who witnessed the crash, with dashcam footage or information was urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers website.

The Moorabool Shire has welcomed 37 new citizens as part of its Australia Day celebrations at the Bacchus Marsh Public Hall on Friday, Australia Day.

The migrants, who come from countries including India, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Malaysia, Russian Federation and Pakistan attended the morning ceremony where Moorabool Shire Mayor, Cr Ally Munari said Australia Day was a significant day to reflect on the privilege of Australian citizenship and what it means to be Australian.

“Australia Day is a time for us to give a warm welcome to our newest citizens and acknowledge the importance of what it means to become a full member of the Australian community. There is no greater privilege than our citizenship. It’s a life-long commitment to Australia’s values of freedom, democracy, equality and respect,” Cr Munari said.

Cr Munari said citizenship is the common bond uniting all Australians, whether you are a citizen by birth or by choice.

An Australian citizenship affirmation ceremony was part of the celebrations at Bacchus Marsh, allowing all Australians to congratulate and welcome new citizens.

“I congratulate those becoming Australian citizens on making their commitment to Australia,” Cr Munari said.

Moorabool Crime Investigation Unit detectives have arrested four people following an alleged stabbing in Bacchus Marsh last week.

It is understood the victims were with a group of friends outside a licensed premises on Main Street when a brawl allegedly occurred about 12.30am on Christmas Day, 25 December.

Two people sustained minor injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.

A 48-year-old Melton man has been charged with assault and has been bailed to appear at the Bacchus Marsh Magistrates’ Court on 24 January 2024.

A 20-year-old Melton man has been charged with assault and recklessly cause injury.

He has been bailed to appear at Bacchus Marsh Magistrates’ Court on 24 January 2024.

A 25-year-old Melton man has been charged with intentionally cause injury, assault, criminal damage and recklessly cause injury.

He has been bailed to appear at the Bacchus Magistrates’ Court on 24 January 2024.

A 19-year-old Melton man was released pending further enquiries and the investigation was continuing in relation to the other people involved.

Anyone with information was urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via to the Crime Stoppers Victoria website.