Mayoral Matters | Cr Karen Hyslop, January 16, 2026

Published on 16 January 2026

Northern Grampians residents have experienced intense bushfire seasons over recent years, especially the devastating December 2024 fires that impacted significant landscape highlighting the vital need for emergency response preparedness.

These bushfire scars serve as a stark reminder of the Grampians' vulnerability and the incredible efforts that volunteers and emergency services do to protect it. Those fires were ignited by dry lightning and raged across the national park, challenging even the most seasoned firefighters and impacting many local communities.

Current emergency events across the state, which were also ignited by dry lightning in many instances, again highlight the tireless work our emergency services continue to do battling extreme conditions to protect property, livestock, wildlife and lives, reminding everyone that preparedness is an ongoing commitment and everyone's responsibility.

Firefighters faced intense heat, strong winds and inaccessible terrain, once again sacrificing their Christmas and New Year holidays to keep communities safe. A commitment we must never take for granted. 

This is a call to action for residents across Northern Grampians Shire to continue to prepare and manage their properties for fire events and have a fire plan. We should continue clearing excessive vegetation, helping our neighbours, and ensuring our evacuation plans consider all important aspects. Every action taken now builds resilience for the inevitable challenges that still remain ahead of us. Be vigilant, stay informed via VicEmergency, and express sincere thanks to those who serve to protect us. Our collective preparedness is our greatest defence. 

Also keep an eye out for your neighbours, friends, family and those around you. Bushfires can have long-lasting physical and mental effects on us as individuals and communities, often well after fires are extinguished, which can be compounded by other life events. Let's stay safe and take care of each other.