Bilpin District Community News Page

During Christmas 2019 Bilpin District was struck by bushfire that took many residents by surprise. Jim Smith, volunteer firefighter and former Deputy Commissioner of Fire and Rescue NSW, has the following advice.

Sometimes even the best-laid plans fail, and you may find yourself unable to leave safely. “Staying in your home in the direct path of an active bushfire is not an option you should plan for,” says Jim, “but if it does happen, it’s essential to be prepared.”

Steps to Prepare if You Can’t Safely Evacuate

If you’re unable to leave safely, here are critical steps to help increase your chances of survival as a bushfire approaches:

1. Prepare Access for Firefighters: Ensure gates are unlocked and open.
2. Clear Flammable Materials: Remove leaves and twigs from gutters, decks, and lawns.
3. Secure Outdoor Items: Bring flammable furniture, doormats, and plants indoors.
4. Fill Gutters with Water: Block downpipes (use a tennis ball or sand-filled sock) and fill gutters.
5. Hose Down Property: Wet down walls, decks, and surrounding plants.
6. Remove Curtains: Take down window coverings to reduce fire risk.
7. Store Water: Fill baths, buckets, and bins with water.
8. Seal the Home: Close all windows and doors to prevent ember entry.
9. Secure Animals: Contain large animals safely and keep pets inside with water.
10. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and monitor conditions closely.
11. Check for Spot Fires: Patrol and douse embers around the property.

What to Do When the Fire Arrives

If the fire is approaching quickly, Jim advises not to attempt evacuation. Instead, shelter in the safest building on your property and take these precautions:

• Wear Protective Clothing: Long-sleeved top, long pants, and closed-in shoes.
• Disconnect and Store Equipment: Bring hoses and fittings indoors to prevent them from burning.
• Monitor for Embers: Use a connected hose inside to patrol for embers, especially in the roof space.
• Seal Gaps: Close all windows and doors, sealing gaps with wet towels.
• Choose the Safest Room: Shelter in a room farthest from the fire, with multiple escape points.
• Stay Low: Use woollen blankets for protection from radiant heat.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to maintain energy and focus.

“If conditions inside your house become intolerable, move to an area outside that has already burned, using blankets or clothing to shield yourself from radiant heat,” Jim adds.

After the Bushfire Passes

Once the fire front has passed, the danger is not yet over. Jim advises vigilance in patrolling for embers:

• Check the roof space, verandas, decks, gutters, and garden beds for spot fires.
• Contact friends and family to let them know you’re safe

Other key tasks include:

• Shutting off damaged utilities.
• Safeguarding important documents and ID.
• Protecting your home from weather or vandalism.
• Evaluating property damage and contacting your insurer.
• Seeking help for pets and wildlife through RSPCA or organisations like WIRES.

The Importance of Being Ready

Jim Smith has been on the frontlines of every major bushfire emergency in NSW since 1980, including the catastrophic Black Summer fires of 2019-2020. His message is clear: bushfires are terrifying, even for seasoned firefighters, but taking the right steps will give you and your family the best chance of survival.

No one wants to face a bushfire, but preparation could mean the difference between life and death.

Jim Smith
Former Deputy Commissioner for Fire and Rescue NSW
General Manager, Ordinary Courage

Original Information Source: https://www.youi.com.au/you-connect/you-prepared/what-to-do-if-youre-stuck-at-home-during-a-bushfire?

Read Article Click Here https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/the-best-of-a-bad-choice-megablaze-was-artificially-enlarged-by-the-rural-fire-service-20231214-p5eren.html

Multiple extreme weather events, COVID-19, the rising cost of living, and financial stress and the start of a new dry period have affected all of us in different ways.
Dealing with the effects of natural disasters and other unexpected events can have long-term effects on our mental health and wellbeing. It’s natural to experience a range of responses and emotions, including stress, fear, and anxiety. If you have been directly affected, you might still be feeling intense emotions. You may have concerns about how the experience has affected your family, your living arrangements, finances, school, or work.
Even if you have not been directly affected, you may have ongoing distress from previous events. You may have loved ones who are going through a rough time, or you may feel overwhelmed from media coverage or hearing people around you talk about the event(s).
Whatever you’re going through, it is important that you talk to someone you trust and find support. This could include talking with friends, family, and community members as well as services in your local area, your GP, or a national support service about how you are feeling.

Anyone living in Australia can call Head to Health on 1800 595 212

The next BLOR Business networking meeting was being held on Tuesday 20 June 2023 has been RESCHEDULED to Tuesday the 4th July at 6pm at the Archibald Hotel Kurrajong Heights. Come along and hear what’s going on for businesses in our local area and have your say on how things can be improved.

For further information visit our website www.bellslineroad.com .au or email: blorbusinesscouncil@gmail.com or ring Liz on  0424329785

Everyone is welcome and looking forward to seeing you on Tuesday 4th July at the Archibald 😊

MT LAGOON SATURDAY BBQ LUNCH held the first and third Saturdays in the month starting at 12 noon beside the RFS shed on Sam’s Way. Everyone welcome.

MT TOMAH AND BERAMBING COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INC welcomes new members, and you can contact them at mtra2020@gmail.com for updates on their next event.

KURRAJONG HEIGHTS GARDEN CLUB has regularly activities and everyone is welcome. Contact Joanne on 0409762686

KURRAJONG HEIGHTS BOWLING CLUB welcomes everyone to attend any activities. Check out our Facebook page or ring Lichell on 0417656437

BELLS LINE ROAD BUSINESS COUNCIL meets monthly and has regular networking meetings. Contact Fiona on 0416031885

HAWKESBURY HARVEST FARM gate trail meets monthly and welcomes everyone. Contact Eric on 0438731712

NEPEAN HAWKESBURY LAND CARE holds regular events and would love to see you at them. Contact Katherine on 45749604

THE CLUB COMMUNITY GARDEN welcomes new people to the Kurrajong Heights Bowling Club for a paddock to the plate affair. Come and plant, pick and eat their way from the garden to the Club kitchen. Contact Eric on 0438731712

Email news of your community group to bilpindistrictcommunitynews@gmail.com

Arts and culture play a crucial role in all our lives. They contribute to the unique identity and sense of pride within a rural community. They showcase the local heritage, traditions, and customs, preserving the community’s history and fostering a strong connection to the past. This shared identity strengthens social cohesion and community spirit.

TELLING OUR STORIES

Each of our little communities in the Highlands have their own stories that connect neighbours that entertain, educate, and enhance our feeling of belonging. These stories are told standing around a fire, stopped on the side of the road through car windows and in the next editions on Hawkesbury Highlands! We will bring you stories forest floor in the next edition of the Highlands.

SEEING OUR WORLD OF NATURAL BEAUTY

Arts and culture broaden perspectives, stimulate critical thinking, and encourage lifelong learning. Cultural institutions like the BigCi, located on Hanlon’s Road North is one of the jewels in our cultural crown.

BigCi is an independent, artist run, not for profit artist residency program in Bilpin, Australia (near Sydney), focusing on artists’ professional development and facilitating their projects. It was established and is run by Rae Bolotin, a practicing artist, and Yuri Bolotin, environmentalist, and wilderness explorer. Artists-in- residence can present their work during a BigCi Open Day that takes place at the end of their stay. To get on the mailing list and be notified of their events go to https://bigci.org/

CULTURAL TOURISM – SYDNEY STICKY PEAKS

Cultural tourism happens mostly on weekends during the cooler months in the Highland. Sticky beaks from Sydney come to Kurrajong Heights to look over the sprawl of suburban Sydney and onto the Highland to experience rural Australia by picking their own fruit, looking at farmyard animals, buying local products and stretching out in the open space.

Cultural tourism brings economic benefits to the community by supporting a Creative economy and entrepreneurship. They inspire and nurture creative talent, encouraging local artists, artisans, and entrepreneurs to showcase their work and develop creative enterprises.

We have visual arts at the BigCi, performing arts at the Bowlo with the Bilpin Elvis & Miranda’s monthly cabaret shows, and significant number of local food and drink products from Bilpin Bush Honey to Hillbilly Cider.

This diversification of economic activities help grow our local economies, create employment opportunities, and retain people in the community.

SOCIAL INTEGRATION AND INCLUSIVITY

Arts and cultural events provide opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together. They serve as a platform for social interaction, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of belonging. Cultural activities promote inclusivity by celebrating diversity and encouraging dialogue between different groups within the community. This is why we produce the Hawkesbury Highlands Newsletter.