Time for thanks

By Monique Ebrington
EMERGENCY Service workers have been labelled the heroes of the February bushfires, however there have also been many incidents of individual heroism.
Granton resident Judy Pertzel and Narbethong resident Katherine Fraser both experienced the help of neighbours who helped them save their homes during the Black Saturday fires.
Mrs Pertzel said there are many individuals that should be recognised for their efforts to help others while, in many cases, their own homes were being destroyed by flames.
“People could have just been thinking of themselves, but instead they took the time to help others,” Mrs Pertzel said.
“All the people who fought the fires that were trained to do so, maybe we expect them to be heroic. But who’d have thought that locals could be heroes too.”
Mrs Fraser said that she had also heard many stories of heroics during the fire period, achieved by residents with little or no training in firefighting.
She said many people took on the roles of CFA, DSE and SES members as fires threatened properties and lives in the Black Saturday fires.
“Everyone has a story and each story has a hero. They don’t often like to be labelled as heroes. To them they’re just helping their community,” Mrs Fraser said.
Woori Yallock Information Control Centre Operations Manager Chris Jacobsen said he had also heard many stories of plainclothes heroism during the fire period.
“There are a lot of unsung heroes that weren’t necessarily in overalls during the fires,” Mr Jacobsen said.
To make an Australian Bravery Decoration nomination visit www.itsanhonour. gov.au or for more information on how to nominate phone 1800 552 275.