Last Saturday, the 2025 Emergency Services Expo took over Victoria Park, Daylesford, for what was described as a hugely successful event attended by large numbers of local residents.
The Expo was a large-scale, family-friendly community event designed to strengthen disaster preparedness, awareness, and engagement across Hepburn Shire. It provided a valuable opportunity for the community to meet and reconnect with the people who keep us safe: our local emergency services personnel.
In the lead-up to the event, Councillor Don Henderson said, “We have been hit hard over recent years by a number of natural disasters, and one thing has remained constant—our loyal and dedicated emergency service personnel. This event is a chance for us to come together and connect with our local agencies to prepare ourselves for the future.”
The Expo brought together emergency service agencies, community organisations, local businesses, and residents in one accessible and interactive setting. Around a dozen emergency services agencies showcased the vital roles they perform during emergencies, including the CFA, SES, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Forest Fire Management Victoria, Parks Victoria, Australian Red Cross, Hepburn Shire Council, St John Ambulance, and the Rapid Relief Team.
Demonstrations, displays, and interactive activities offered practical information and hands-on learning to help the community better understand local risks, prepare for emergencies, and build resilience.
There were fun and engaging activities for families, children, and vulnerable community members throughout the day. Visitors enjoyed demonstrations of crash rescues, CPR techniques, and rescue dog displays, as well as a free sausage sizzle, ice creams, barista coffee, donuts, giveaways, and more, all well patronised.
Judging by the chatter, smiles, and laughter, the Expo was a resounding success.
