Will Hodgman,Premier
Throughout the summer Tasmania's firefighters, emergency services personnel, volunteers and community organisations did an outstanding job protecting and supporting communities facing bushfires along the West Coast.
On behalf of the entire community, the Tasmanian Government thanks all involved in the response for their tireless work to keep fellow Tasmanians safe and support communities that were displaced.
I acknowledge the active role West Coast Council Mayor, Phil Vickers, and his Council colleagues played in supporting their local community during the fires.
I would also like to thank all those involved in completing burns throughout the West Coast, as part of the Government's Fuel Reduction Program, which assisted in mitigating the fire threat communities, in particular, Zeehan, faced.
Today's community BBQ in Zeehan was a great way to celebrate the local community spirit and contribution of our emergency services and many volunteers during the 2019 bushfire campaign.
Further thank you BBQs will be held in affected communities over the coming weeks:
- Central Highlands – Saturday 13 April, 12noon-3pm, Miena
- Derwent Valley – Saturday 27 April, 12noon-3pm, Westerway
All events are family friendly and include free BBQs, children's activities, live music and entertainment suitable for all ages.
In planning these events the Government has prioritised local suppliers, and asked our providers to source their products locally to ensure money flows back into the communities and those small businesses that have been doing it tough.
