emergency fire relief centre for the dandenongs

In response to the fire today (23/02) in the Dandenong Ranges the Shire has set up three relief centres for residents who have decided to self evacuate. They are located at:

 Kilsyth Basketball Stadium, Pinks Reserve, Liverpool Road, Kilsyth (MelRef 51 G8) - STOP PRESS THIS CENTRE NO LONGER IN USE AS OF 10PM 23/02 DUE TO LACK OF DEMAND

 Knox Regional Netball Centre, in conjunction with the City of Knox, entry via Kevin Ave off Burwood Highway (MelRef 73 J4) THIS CENTRE STILL IN OPERATION

 Cardinia Cultural Centre, in conjunction with Cardinia Shire, Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham (MelRef 215 H5) STOP PRESS THIS CENTRE NO LONGER IN USE AS OF 12PM 23/02 DUE TO LACK OF DEMAND

A relief centre was opened last night for residents in the Upper Yarra corridor (Warburton, Wesburn, Millgrove, etc) at the Lilydale Recreation Reserve, Main St, Lilydale, (MelRef 38 E5) until further notice.

I visited there today, at that stage over 250 residents had registered at the centre, many armed with tents to camp out overnight. Although the centre was very busy, with residents making contact with DHS, Red Cross and Vic Police, evacuated teenagers were taking advantage of the Lilydale Pool next door with young children enjoying the jumping castle.

I cannot speak highly enough of the effort put in by the Shire’s staff. At the centre were staff from Social Planning, Statutory Planning, IT and a myriad of other areas all helping out to assist our community, it is an effort way beyond the call of duty and very much appreciated.