While not a metropolis by any means, Dereel's strength lies in it's community.

Locals chip-in where they can, volunteering their time to a variety of community-building pursuits.

The Leigh Catchment Emergency Response Team, based in Dereel, is usually the first emergency medical response to vehicle accidents or other emergency calls in the area.

The CERT is made up of locals who are first-aid trained and can often prove the difference between life and death as patients wait for paramedics to arrive.

Surrounded by bush land, the Dereel Fire Brigade is also crucial to this town's survival.

Local boy Darryn Hill joined the brigade when he was just a teenager, but has since risen the ranks to become the captain.

Mr Hill said the community spirit in Dereel is second to none.

"We owned the shop in Dereel when it burnt down in the 2000s," he said.

"We did lose everything, we only had the stuff that we had with us, but the community held us in there and helped us out."

Mr Hill said the township has a lot of community events which made the town a nice place to be.

"I just love the atmosphere...it's really good to see everyone can get together and help each other," he said.

"I don't think I'll be moving anywhere else."

The basics

Municipality: Golden Plains Shire

Population: 586 (2011 Census)

First settled: 1860s

Main industries: Farming

Claim to fame: Dereel has made headlines around Victoria in the past few years as a small group of residents fight to stop a broadband antenna being installed.

Five fast facts:

1. Dereel's population decreased from 669 to 586 between the 2006 and 2011 Census dates.

2. There is no clearly defined town centre at Dereel.

3. The Dereel-Enfield Bush Fire Brigade was formed in 1932.

4. The Dereel Post Office opened in 1868 and closed in 1971.

5. The CFA have identified Dereel as one of 52 fire "hotspots" in Victoria.

Five things to do:

1. Take a walk through the beautiful Enfield State Park.

2. Stroll around one of the area's historical gold digging sites at Misery Creek, Staffordshire Reef and Berringa.

3. Say hello to the locals at the Community Hall on Swamp Road.

4. Visit Surface Point, the site of an 1860 Chinese settlement.

5. Check the local fire danger rating on the large sign as you come into town.