With temperatures set to soar across the state this Labour Day long weekend, the CFA is urging Victorians to be prepared for persistent fire risk as they embark on their travels.

Recent fires in February across the Grampians, Beaufort and Dereel serve as a reminder the fire season is not over yet and communities need to be prepared. Although the fires are now under control, crews remain active on the fireground blacking out and working on hazardous trees.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan encouraged travellers to familiarise themselves this weekend with the fire district they are entering or basing themselves in.  

“While the recent bushfires have been contained by our incredible firefighters, fire risk will continue to linger over the coming months,” CO Hefferan said.

“With the lack of recent rain, fuel loads in our drier forested areas will increase, and our greener grasslands will continue to dry out.

“We know there is a slightly elevated chance of a drier than usual autumn, and we’re already seeing that this weekend with temperatures set to reach high 30s and low 40s. 

“Victorians simply need to be in tune to the fire and weather conditions around them.”

The Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Autumn Seasonal Bushfire Outlook released last week indicates Victoria had above average summer rainfall and less than average bushfire activity, little to no rainfall since mid-January shifted things significantly in the west of the state.

CO Heffernan expects grassfire risk will persist throughout March and reminds all Victorians to download the VicEmergency app to remain alert to the fires in their region.  

“Grassfires can move at speeds of up to 25km per hour and can jump highways, so you must be prepared to alter your route if required,” CO Heffernan said.

“Avoid driving through high-risk areas on hot, dry, windy days if you can, and monitor conditions through two or more sources of local information.

“We’re particularly asking those living in the western part of the state, or those who plan on travelling in that direction to regularly check the Fire Danger Ratings.”

As the Fire Danger Period is still in place across all municipalities across the state, community members are reminded to visit CFA’s ‘Can I or Can’t I?’ webpage to understand what activities they can undertake.

There are so many festivals and exhibitions to choose from as the Labour Day long weekend rolls into the Central Highlands.

First up, ChillOut. The long-running LGBTIQA+ festival is huge and happening right over the weekend, from March 7 to 11.

There are too many events to list here but the Grand Parade along Vincent Street on Sunday is always a hit (feel free to cheer on The Local) and then head to Victoria Park to relax for the afternoon. Check out pages 14 and 15 (This edition of The Local, online and hard copy) for loads more ideas.

If art is more your thing, head to Newstead and surrounds for the Newstead Open Studios Art Trail happening over the long weekend and also March 16 and 17.

There are plenty of talented artists who are opening their studio doors so people can take a peek inside to see how they work and create their amazing pieces.

Head to page 7 to read about ceramicist Sarah Koschak, whose fascination with pottery began as a small child and never really left.

And Newstead Hub is hosting Mysterious Landscapes over the weekends of March 2 & 3, 9 & 10 & 11, 16 & 17 and 23 & 24 with the opening on Sunday, March 3 at 2.30pm.

Another great event is the Clunes Historic Vehicle Show, happening at the Clunes Showground on Sunday, March 10. There are trucks, cars, tractors, engines and caravans on display – maybe make a weekend of it and take up the offer of camping.

Women are also celebrated in March with International Women’s Day on Friday, March 8. The Cosmopolitan Hotel is holding an inaugural charity lunch that day with proceeds to Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health.

And the International Women’s Day Heather Mutimer Honour Roll event will be held at the Daylesford Town Hall on Thursday, March 7.

And that’s all just for starters. Read the rest of The Local for more great events, festivals and exhibitions happening throughout March. Oh, Blackwood Woodchop & Easter Carnival is coming up. Check out the back page. Words: Donna Kelly