The well known local singers, Alley Cats sang with the Climate Choir. Eva Grunden led them to set the scene for the evening.
Beat the Heat – Building a Resilient East Gippsland
The climate is changing, and with it, the very nature of our summers. The East Gippsland Climate Action Network (EGCAN) continues to advocate for global emissions reduction. However, the recent “Beat the Heat” forum in Bairnsdale highlighted an urgent parallel need: local preparation. Deputy East Gippsland Shire Mayor Tom Crook expertly emceed the event. It brought together health experts, legal advisors, and community leaders. They provided a roadmap for survival.
As Nola Kelly of Climate Ready Communities noted in her opening address:
“Science is telling us that these events will continue to increase in both frequency and intensity… Our turn will come. Nowhere is immune to a hazard of some sort or other. Extreme heat is our deadliest climate hazard as it kills more people than floods, storms, and bushfires combined.”
The Physiological and Mental Toll of Heat
Extreme heat is a “silent killer” that strains the body’s systems. Local GP Dr. Jane Greacen delved deeply into the biological reality of heat stress. She explained how extreme temperatures overwhelm our natural cooling mechanisms. She urged residents to monitor for signals like rapid heart rate, dehydration, and lethargy.
Ambulance Victoria’s Fiona Briggs shifted the focus to emergency response. She described how to recognize the transition from heat exhaustion to life-threatening heatstroke. She also highlighted the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) (vved.org.au), a critical resource for accessing medical video consultations from home, reducing the need to travel in dangerous conditions.
The impact isn’t just physical. Susie Bady from the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local explained that heat raises cortisol levels. It disrupts sleep, which can intensify anxiety. These factors can contribute to mood disorders. For those feeling overwhelmed, free support is available at their Bairnsdale office (24 Service Street | 1300 000 352).
Practical Protection and Your Legal Rights
Community awareness is our first line of defense. Allison Norfolk from the Red Cross discussed the Sweltering Cities project. This initiative is aimed at raising awareness of heat impacts. It also provides practical safety steps. Cheryl Butcher from the Salvation Army announced further developments. The former Opportunity Shop at 63 Macleod Street, Bairnsdale has been transformed into an Emergency Resource Centre. It offers a dedicated “Cool Space” for anyone needing shelter on hot days.
For those in rental properties, heat safety is also a legal matter. Katherine Argentino, a senior lawyer with the Gippsland Community Legal Service, shared helpful tips on renters’ rights. She emphasized that a “liveable home” is a legal requirement in Victoria. Landlords have specific responsibilities to ensure properties are safe. They must meet minimum standards during extreme weather.
Long-Term Solutions: Cooling Our Shire
Beyond individual action, the forum looked at the council’s role in structural adaptation. Nathan Mislurka from the East Gippsland Shire Council outlined the Shire’s commitment to urban cooling. A major pillar of this plan is a significant increase in shade trees throughout Bairnsdale and across the Shire. Expanding the urban canopy is a proven method for lowering street-level temperatures and creating a more comfortable environment for pedestrians.
Conclusion: Strength Through Connection
Resilience is built when a community is well-connected, well-informed, and well-prepared. By bringing together emergency services, health professionals, and local government, the “Beat the Heat” forum has set a firm foundation. As Nola Kelly concluded, these efforts are crucial. They are necessary to develop a strong and prepared community. This community will competently handle future weather-related challenges.
(L-R) Tom Crook, Deputy Mayor and the evenings MC.
The gathering at St Marys and Nola Kelly organiser.
Top L – R: Jane Greacen, Susie Bady, Katherine Argentino,
Middle L – R: Cheryl Butcher, Allison Norfolk and Nathan Misiurka
Bottom : Fiona Briggs
This directory centralises the local services and resources discussed at the “Beat the Heat” forum.
| Service / Resource | Support Provided | Contact Details |
| Emergency Services | For life-threatening heatstroke or medical emergencies. | Call Triple Zero (000) |
| Emergency Resource Centre (Salvation Army) | A safe, air-conditioned resource centre with capacity to be a “Cool Space” to escape the heat. | 63 Macleod Street, Bairnsdale |
| Mental Health & Wellbeing Local | Free, walk-in support for heat-related stress or mental health. | 24 Service Street, Bairnsdale 1300 000 352 |
| Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) | Free video consultations with doctors for non-life-threatening illness. Register on the website and follow the instructions. | vved.org.au |
| Gippsland Community Legal Service | Advice on renters’ rights and landlord heat-safety obligations. | gcls.org.au 1800 004 402 |
| Red Cross ‘Sweltering Cities’ | Practical household tips and heatwave awareness. | redcross.org.au |
| East Gippsland Shire Council | Information on local shade tree planting and shire-wide plans. | eastgippsland.vic.gov.au |
Climate News 