Joint Safety Learning Centre with City of Casey

Report by David Baker Manager Community Safety, Westernport Area

Children enjoying their time in the centre

In 2006 CFA Westernport Area received funding through CFA’s Planning and Investment Committee to establish a Learning Centre connected with the new Pakenham Emergency Services Complex.

The Learning Centre was opened in March 2007 and Brigades in Schools style fire safety sessions were conducted for students in Grades 3 and 4 from schools across the Westernport Area. In addition to these core sessions, fire safety education was provided to senior citizens, early childhood mothers and residents with disabilities.

The Learning Centre was established within two bays of the new fire station section of the complex and cohabitated with the Pakenham Fire Brigade as it transitioned to the new station.

During 2007 and 2008 around 8000 participants benefited from just under 300 fire safety sessions.

It was identified in 2008 that the Learning Centre would need to be relocated as the Pakenham Brigade moved fully into the new station and as a result of an existing excellent working relationship with the City of Casey it was agreed to pursue co-location at the Casey Road Safety Education Centre at Cranbourne. The portable Learning Centre was moved to the new site in early 2009 thanks to a $32,000 grant provided by the Office of the Emergency Services Commissioner through the Victorian Emergency Management Grants Scheme.

Since commencing sessions for term one of the 2009 school year, over 1000 students have benefited from joint fire and road safety sessions. CFA and Council continue to develop joint learning opportunities for a range of at risk groups in the area and look forward to the adjoining aquatic and indoor recreation centre opening up to explore water safety as the third component of a holistic community safety package.

The Learning Centre

Inside the Emergency Services Complex, Pakenham