The latest emergency vehicles including a lifesaving helicopter and rescue boats will descend on the Bribie foreshore on Sunday, November 18 for the 2018 Combined Emergency Services Expo.
From SES and police to ambulance and rural fire services, Queensland’s leading emergency services will converge on the island’s Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) base at Bellara from 10am for the expo, in a push to encourage disaster preparedness ahead of the upcoming storm season.
VMR Bribie Island Commodore Liz Radajewski, said VMR was proud to again host the free event and said attendees would be captivated with helicopter rescues and simulated bushfire displays by the Westpac Life Saver chopper as well as the QFRS water cannon, life raft deployments and an appearance by the Little Squirt Fire Engine.
“The Emergency Services Expo is about getting communities ready and showcasing what frontline staff from all do during a disaster event,” Ms Radajewski said.
“By showing you what can happen in the worst case scenario and demonstrating how you can prepare for a storm or bushfire, we’re hoping that we won’t ever have to deploy technologies like the jaws of life or perform a swift water rescue when a disaster hits.”
Moreton Bay Regional Council Division 1 Councillor Brooke Savige said the Bribie expo was the state’s leading combined emergency services event.
“The expo is not only a great day out for the whole family, but a fantastic opportunity to be prepared. If we can take away something from the day and prepare, we can accomplish a lot as a community,” Cr Savige said.
“As a parent, I know young ones will learn heaps and have fun watching the rescue helicopter flying high above the passage and seeing the lights and sirens of fire trucks, police cars and marine rescue boats.
“If you’ve ever wondered about what the best action for you and your family is during a bushfire, storm or emergency, the expo is your chance to speak directly with frontline staff who can give helpful advice ahead on the upcoming bushfire and storm seasons.”
The Combined Emergency Services Expo will also include a jumping castle, children’s fire engine, stalls and a sausage sizzle.
The Bribie Island Combined Emergency Services Expo will be held on Sunday, November 18 from 10am to 2pm at the VMR Bribie Island base, Marine Parade, Bellara.