Partners in safety

By Bridget Brady
AN EDUCATION centre for road and fire safety was officially opened in Cranbourne this month.
Police and Emergency Services Minister Bob Cameron joined Casey mayor Geoff Ablett at the opening of the Casey Safety Village on 8 October.
The village includes the Casey Road Safety Education Centre and the CFA Learning Centre, which has been relocated to Cranbourne from Pakenham.
It provides primary school aged children and families the chance to learn about road and fire safety.
Cr Ablett said the joining of the two facilities would lower the costs to schools that used the facilities.
The Casey Safety Village was important in a growing area that was home to a large young population, Cr Ablett said.
“It strengthens Casey’s ability to meet our commitment to create a safer environment for our children,” he said.
Emergency Services Commissioner Bruce Esplin and CFA board member David Gibbs also attended the opening.
“Following talks between the council and the CFA last year, an opportunity was identified for the two organisations to work together to develop an integrated program at the site and the council is extremely pleased to now have a new partner in community safety education with the relocation of the CFA Learning Centre.”
Mr Esplin said it was important to provide new ways to engage youth and “give people the tools to help themselves”.
Mr Gibbs from the CFA said he hoped children would take the lessons they learned at the centre home and share them with their familles.
“I thank the CFA for its partnership with council in the Casey Safety Village, which will contribute to a safer and happier Casey,” Cr Ablett said.