General News
30 March, 2026
Community shapes fire response: Fire strategy discussed in Rainbow
Community members, farmers and the Fire Forest Management representatives gathered at the Rainbow Recreation Reserve clubrooms on Thursday, March 19, for the latest Mallee Fire Advisory Committee meeting.
Forest and Fire Engagement - Loddon Mallee Region manager George Filev said the meeting brought together a wide range of voices from across the region to review the fire season and plan for it.
“What we’re doing here is a bi-annual meeting for the Mallee Fire Advisory Committee,” Mr Filev said.
He said the committee included DEECA agency staff and community stakeholders like local farmers, CFA/FRV, Apiarists, Environmental representatives and Traditional Owners working together on fire preparedness and recovery.
“The municipalities are also invited to be part of this.”
Mr Filev said the meeting gave people the chance to reflect on the recent fire season and identify ways to strengthen future responses.
“We talk about the preparation for fire season and also the post-fire season events,” he said.
“And just have a look at what can be done better and what worked well.”
He said the committee played an important role in helping local communities share knowledge and shape fire policy.
“It gives people a voice to find out more information, but also to exchange ideas and build a more resilient response to the fires for this particular area in the Mallee,” he said.
Mr Filev said the committee rotates its meetings across the region to make attendance easier for members living in different areas.
“We swap around where we have the meeting, so that we make it a bit more accessible for members who are living in such a wide region,” he said.
Reflecting on the Rainbow meeting, “The main things were an overview of the fires that just happened, and how we responded to those fires, any issues that we may have had or opportunities that we see for improvement,” he said.
“This summer, including during these fires, fuel managed areas helped slow fire behaviour and support suppression efforts,” Mr Filev added.
He also encouraged more community members to get involved.
“The message that we have is that we are open to having more community members involved in the meeting,” Mr Filev said.
“So if you’re interested as a farmer or to be a part of this, it’s a really good thing to be a part of and it’s only two meetings a year.”
Mr Filev said the committee’s next meeting would be held in mid-August, with the location yet to be decided.