Last Thursday we all reflected on our history and future as we celebrated Australia Day; all that our forebears have created, and all that we want to be in the future.

Federal Member for Casey Tony Smith MP has welcomed $208,000 in disaster resilience funding to better prepare local communities from the threat of bushfires. Mr Smith said the funding will be provided to the Southern Ranges Environment Alliance, Yarra Ranges Shire Council and Emtrain Fire & Community Safety Pty Ltd under the Federal Government’s $15 million National Bushfire Mitigation Programme.