Over the last four years, storms have left their mark on the Mirboo North district. Wind-blown wood still covers many properties, especially after the major 2024 storm. This June, Safe Sawing in the Boo returns to help locals build practical chainsaw skills and clean up safely.
Local resident Sarah Lawless first noticed during the 2024 storm response that not everyone felt confident using a chainsaw. So, with support from TAFE Gippsland and the Gippsland Community Leadership Program, she helped launch Safe Sawing in the Boo. The project offered free chainsaw safety courses in April 2024.
Building Community Confidence and Safety
“Learning these useful skills helped build the resilience of the community, through empowering participants to be hands on with cleaning up and recovering their properties, as well as developing a feeling of preparedness for future events,” explained Sarah.
The first round was so popular that requests for more sessions quickly followed. “It’s not surprising,” said Ruth Rogan. “Many property owners are still clearing wood from both the June 2021 and February 2024 storms. Once funding was secured, we were thrilled to have Sarah on board again.”
What’s Happening This Year
In June, the program will run four one-day chainsaw training sessions. These will be available to 32 local residents and are first come, first served. You can book online via TryBooking or use the QR code on the poster.
Two additional courses are happening this year, though not open to the public. Eight students from Mirboo North Secondary College will join the one-day course. Meanwhile, eight community members—mostly from the Wednesday Warriors—will complete a two-day accredited training to trim and cut felled trees and maintain chainsaws.
For questions, email Sarah at safesawingintheboo@gmail.com.
Acknowledging Our Supporters
The Community Foundation has received generous funding for this program through the State of Victoria via Emergency Recovery Victoria’s Community-led Recovery Support grant, and the Commonwealth Government under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). These grants respond to the June 2021 flood and storm events that impacted South Gippsland communities.