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Fire awareness awards recognise fire ready efforts

People and organisations who are helping to protect Victoria from fires are invited to have their hard work recognised and rewarded in Victoria’s prestigious 2010 Fire Awareness Awards.

Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Gavin Jennings and Minister for Emergency Services Bob Cameron today launched the 2010 Fire Awareness Awards which include 15 award categories and grants of up to $10,000.

The Fire Awareness Awards have been awarded each year for more than 17 years and recognise a variety of projects that reduce the number of fires or the effects of fires anywhere in Victoria. Projects can cover any fire type, including building fires or bushfires.

“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to ensure Victoria is as fire-safe and fire-ready as possible which is why we understand it is important to recognise the efforts of the people and organisations who contribute to this effort,” Mr Jennings said.

“With 15 award categories and grants up to $10,000, the 2010 Fire Awareness Awards are a great opportunity to recognise current projects and to advance great ideas.

“I encourage individuals, companies, community groups and organisations who are promoting fire safety, awareness and recovery to get involved and nominate for one of these awards or apply for a grant.

“The awards are a unique opportunity to thank ordinary people for extraordinary achievements and the hard work of individuals, groups and organisations who have completed projects that help contribute to the safety of our state.”

Emergency Services Minister Bob Cameron said anyone working on fire safety projects in urban areas and home should also consider applying for the awards.

“The Fire Awareness Awards are not only about the prevention or recovery from bushfire, they’re also a way to recognise and reward people involved in fire safety projects in towns and cities and in people’s homes,” Mr Cameron said.

“Being fire safe and fire ready is a partnership between communities, emergency services and the government, and our government will continue supporting our communities and our emergency services to make the state as prepared as possible for a fire event.”

The 2010 Fire Awareness Awards are a joint initiative of Victoria’s three fire agencies MFB, CFA and Department of Sustainability and Environment. The awards are sponsored by RACV Insurance and are supported by ABC Local Radio and The Weekly Times.

Applications for the 2010 Fire Awareness Awards close at 4.00pm on 20 August, 2010. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony held at the RACV Club in Melbourne on 7 October.

For further information about the 2010 Fire Awareness Awards or to apply, visit www.fireawarenessawards.com.au or call 03 9412 4465.