Vol. No. Vol. 2718No. 2927
FREE PUBLICATION
A FREE PUBLICATION FROM YOUR LOCAL RADIO STATIONS 3WM AND MIXXFM
Wednesday, January January 29, 13, 2025 2016 Wednesday,
CFA members Rohan Richards, Warracknabeal, and Philip Lehmann, Brim, monitor the Little Desert National Park fire at Dimboola. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Remain vigilant BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
A
64,000-hectare fire in Little Desert National Park forced the evacuation of Dimboola, Wail and Pimpinio and destroyed Little Desert Nature Lodge on Monday. The day of extreme fire danger saw high temperatures, winds up to 70 kilometres an hour and about 10,000 lightning strikes across the state. The strikes resulted in multiple ignitions, including one 15 kilometres north of Goroke which spread towards Dimboola. Dimboola resident and Hindmarsh Shire deputy mayor Chan Uoy said he knew the situation was serious when he received a text to ‘evacuate now’. “At 6.57pm the text came through and we knew we were in trouble,” he said.
“When I read we should evacuate by 7.30pm, it became quite real. The smell of smoke confirmed it was serious, and within that half an hour it was a quick pack and go – the only evacuation in living memory.” Mr Uoy said he evacuated with his partner Jamie, and after watching a string of cars leave the town, drove to Horsham’s relief centre, established by Horsham Rural City and Hindmarsh Shire councils. “People went to the centre to register, then most found alternate accommodation, and came back in the morning for breakfast,” he said. Mr Uoy said some trees were still burning along the river, and people were trying to save the culturally significant canoe trees in the area. He said he was saddened to hear of the loss of Little Desert Nature Lodge,
which was established in 1969 near Nhill for awareness and conservation of flora and fauna, before expanding to include a 120-capacity function centre and camping ground. “I was only at the lodge a few months ago, for my council induction. There was a lot of local art there too, which is now lost,” he said. In an online statement, Little Desert Nature Lodge camp director Moshe Kahn announced the ‘complete destruction’ of the venue, however confirmed there were no injuries or loss of life. “Staff and animals left the property as a precautionary measure before the fire began, ensuring there were no injuries or harm,” he said. “We are currently assessing the extent of the damage and planning the next steps forward.
“Updates will be shared as they become available. In the meantime, we extend our thanks to the community for their messages of support and encouragement during this difficult time. “We remain committed to the spirit of the lodge and the values it represents, and we are optimistic about rebuilding a future where nature, wildlife and community continue to thrive together.” Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent said about 60 to 70 new fires started on private land and about 80 started on public land and in national parks, including Little Desert National Park and Grampians National Park. “Little Desert started about 1.20pm by, what we believe to be, lightning,” he said. “The spread was incredibly fast, at
rates of 14 to 18 kilometres an hour. For comparison, the Little Desert National Park grew to 64,000 hectares in hours, and the Grampians’ 21-day fire was about 76,000 to 77,000 hectares.” Dimboola’s hospital and aged care facilities were unable to fully evacuate and sheltered in place. People who could not leave Dimboola also sheltered at the hospital. “An assessment is currently underway to understand and appreciate the full impact and consequences of the fire,” Mr Nugent said. “The Little Desert National Park and Wail State Forest are closed, and there are a number of rail and road closures in place – but that can change at any time, so people should check the VicTraffic website for current information.” Continued page 3
IN THIS ISSUE • Australia Day accolades • New fires in Grampians • Monthly AgLife • Yendall wins Cup Phone: 03 5382 1351 Read it online: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
21,505 COPIES DISTRIBUTED EACH WEEK (average)
home baked wholesome food cooked daily
•
Trish, Owner and Cook Cafe 22 Horsham Plaza.
•
•
•
•
KMART BEST AND LESS SPOTLIGHT REJECT SHOP WIDE RANGE OF SPECIALTY STORES WWW.HORSHAMPLAZA.COM.AU