Melton and Moorabool firefighters are asking locals to get behind them and help paint the town red next month.
As part of national Red Balloon Day, on February 28, Australians are being asked to show their support for firefighters by flying red balloons from their mailboxes or fences as a simple way of saying “thank you, fireys”.
Melton fire brigade leading firefighter Shane Bailey says he’s hoping many people will get on board and pledge their support.
“Supporting the cause will allow for the purchase of additional equipment that brigades can then use to combat fires,” Mr Bailey said.
“The thanks the community gives will be much appreciated.”
It’s CFA volunteers who appreciate the “thank you” efforts the most, according to Bacchus Marsh fire brigade 4th lieutenant Dale Salathiel.
“A lot of people don’t realise we’re 100 per cent volunteers,” Mr Salathiel said.
He said firefighters often worked until the early hours of the morning only to face getting up at 6.30am to get to their “regular” jobs.
All profits from the sale of red balloons and other merchandise from the nationalredballoonday.org website will go to the state from which the item is purchased.
To find out more, call Jody Hardiman on 0409 439 660.
