Healesville Community Emergency Hub

08/08/2026

Check out Montrose's video on being storm smart 🎥
https://youtu.be/6beI5tYS6t8

07/08/2026

If you haven't already, then Saturday is your last chance to prepare for the severe weather forecast for Sunday and Monday 😬👇

A strong cold front is expected to move across Victoria this weekend, with the worst conditions forecast from Sunday into Monday, bringing widespread rain, strong winds and the potential for localised flooding.

VICSES is urging Victorians to prepare now by:

• Securing loose outdoor items.
• Clearing gutters and drains.
• Staying up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings through the VicEmergency app.
• Avoiding unnecessary travel during severe weather where possible.

Those travelling to the alpine region should remain vigilant as conditions can change. Download the VicEmergency app and set up a Watch Zone for your destination to receive the latest info.

For emergency assistance due to storms or floods, call SES on 132 500.

30/07/2026

For our equestrian community, including your horses in fire planning is critical.

Wildfires can change everything in a matter of minutes. In Fontainebleau, France, horse owners, trainers and emergency crews were forced into a race against time as a fast-moving forest fire closed in on a local equestrian centre.

With thick smoke filling the sky and flames advancing through the surrounding forest, horses were calmly loaded into trailers and moved to safety. Thanks to careful planning and the quick actions of staff, volunteers and emergency responders, around 200 horses were successfully evacuated without reported injuries.

The Fontainebleau blaze has been described by French authorities as one of exceptional scale. Hundreds of firefighters, supported by aircraft and helicopters, battled the fire as soaring temperatures, dry vegetation and strong winds helped it spread rapidly. Road closures and transport disruption followed as crews worked to protect homes, businesses and one of France's most famous forests.

The evacuation serves as a powerful reminder of just how important emergency planning is for equestrian facilities. In the face of immense pressure, calm teamwork ensured that every horse had the best possible chance of reaching safety.

As firefighters continue their efforts, our thoughts are with everyone affected by the wildfire, including the families, emergency crews and equestrian community facing this difficult situation.

22/07/2026

Hi all. Reminder that that Aus Alert system will be tested this coming Monday afternoon. I’m going to put a reminder in my calendar so I don’t get a fright when it goes off!!

AusAlert is Australia’s new national warning system.

It does not replace VicEmergency and will only be used in certain situations.

AusAlert is being tested at 2 pm on Monday 27 July.

What to expect: You’ll get an alert on your mobile device. It will vibrate and make a loud, siren-like sound that lasts about 10 seconds - even if your phone is on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’.

Safety: If this test could cause you or a loved one to feel unsafe, please turn off your mobile devices or switch them to aeroplane mode before the scheduled test time. Leave them off for at least one hour.

As this is just a test, you don’t need to do anything. However, in an actual disaster you should follow the alert instructions to keep yourself and others safe.

To hear what an AusAlert sounds like and to learn more, visit ausalert.gov.au.

02/07/2026

Hope everyone is safe out there. Remember there are still windy conditions predicted for today.

20/06/2026

El Nino explained 🛗

18/06/2026

Now is a great time to reflect on last fire season...

31/05/2026

Windy weather forecast for tomorrow afternoon and night 👇 please take appropriate steps to prepare and be safe 🩷

** Update: A new warning has been issued. Stay informed: http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/warnings/ **

Severe Weather Warning for damaging winds

Issued at 4:50 pm on Sunday 31 May 2026

Where:
For people in parts of Central, East Gippsland, North Central, North East, West and South Gippsland and South West Forecast Districts.

Locations which may be affected include Ballarat, Bacchus Marsh, Falls Creek, Yarra Glen, Dargo, Mt Baw Baw, Mt Hotham, Mt Buller, Omeo and Apollo Bay.

When:
Damaging winds to develop about central and eastern areas from Monday afternoon.

Situation:
A complex low pressure system will approach Victoria on Monday, with vigorous northwesterly winds expected ahead of a cold front which will cross the state on Monday night.

For Central Victoria: Strong winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with damaging wind gusts of around 90 km/h are likely to develop from Monday afternoon over the Macedon and Otway ranges and their southern slopes. Into the evening damaging wind gusts are also possible over lower lying areas including the northern suburbs of Melbourne. Winds are then forecast to ease before dawn on Tuesday morning.

For the Northeastern Ranges: Damaging winds averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are likely over elevated areas above 1200 metres from late Monday evening. Winds are then forecast to ease by late Tuesday morning.

What you should do:
The Victoria State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater. Avoid travel if possible.
* Stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.
* Be aware - heat, fire or recent storms may make trees unstable and more likely to fall when it's windy or wet.
* Check that loose items, such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured. Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Stay indoors and away from windows.
* If outdoors, move to a safe place indoors. Stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.
* Stay away from fallen powerlines - always assume they are live.
* Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks. Heavy rainfall may also increase the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
* Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 pm AEST Sunday.

25/05/2026

The Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC) has an very useful article in our local paper 🌟 about your home insurance.

Read and check that you have the correct cover for your place 🏠

https://mountainviews.mailcommunity.com.au/opinion/2026-05-23/winter-proof-your-home/

You can find more practical tools on their website, including an Insurance Health Check, guides to identifying underinsurance, and a Disaster Legal Help Check to help you spot issues early and get the right support:
https://mountainviews.mailcommunity.com.au/opinion/2026-05-23/winter-proof-your-home/