An inspiring story, from Michael Leaney, proprietor Star Hotel, Walhalla, Gippsland
"Walhalla
has faced 5 bushfires in close proximity in 8 years. On Black Saturday the fire
burnt to within metres of the town, yet the town survived unscathed. While we
have a very small population [less than 20 people] we have a population which
is highly aware and prepared for the prospect of fire.
"On Black
Saturday, we took heed of the numerous warnings in the build up. The business
in town closed for the day, the hotel asked their guests to depart and campers
and holiday makers were advised to depart. This was in the early hours of the
day and this was off our own bat, no one told us to do this. As a township, we
prepared hoses and equipment throughout the village and basically sat back and
waited for something to happen…with a focused and mentally prepared group of
townsfolk remaining…anyone who wouldn't cope was asked to leave. This team of
defenders then went about our task of waiting for something to happen…at about
6:30pm we swung into action.
"Walhalla
didn't loose a house and was protected by a small group of well prepared,
focused people."
