Victoria’s Hazelwood North Primary School has become the first school in District 27 to pilot the Schools in Fire Country program, a new initiative aimed at helping older students understand fire risk, preparedness, and their role in community resilience.
Over the past term, Year 5 and 6 students have engaged in a series of interactive learning sessions designed to deepen their knowledge about bushfires and how they impact communities like their own.
Delivered in collaboration with local CFA members and community safety representatives from Hazelwood North Fire Brigade, the program gave students a chance to explore real-life scenarios, learn about fire behaviour, and discover what actions families and communities can take to stay safe.
CFA Community Engagement Coordinator, Hayley King said the pilot at Hazelwood North was a standout success.
“The students were incredibly engaged and asked thoughtful questions. It was inspiring to see them thinking critically about the risks in their own environment and how they can be part of the solution,” said Ms King.
A highlight of the program was a student-led presentation day, where learners shared their knowledge and fire safety ideas with parents, staff, and CFA.
From bushfire emergency plans to creative artwork and quizzes, and testing CFA Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Bryan Russell, on his bushfire knowledge, the presentations reflected both the seriousness of the topic and the confidence the students had gained.
Hazelwood North Brigade Community Safety Coordinator, Maria Harkins, supported the program’s practical and empowering approach.
Following its successful rollout, CFA’s District 27 and 9 say they will evaluate the program’s impact and explore how Schools in Fire Country can be expanded to other schools in the Latrobe Valley and beyond.
