The important topic of bushfire preparation has been repackaged in to a fun board game by those who have been through the hell of a major fire.
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Seven Scotsburn community leaders, who came together after fires ripped through the region in 2015, devised the board game for children to learn how best to prepare their properties before summer.
The Scotsburn fire game Should I Stay or Should I Go – Be Prepared, features 100 cards with photos of the local area.
“This is a game that has local meaning and was developed by local people. It is empowering for young people and their families to develop resilience in preparing for bushfires and emergencies,” said group member Carol Bond.
“It’s all about learning to be prepared for bushfire and what children can do at their own homes to get ready for the fire season.
“And it’s a catalyst for young people to start a conversation with parents about playing the game at school and what they should be doing to get their homes ready.”
The leaders came together as part of a program, funded through councils and Emergency Management Victoria, established to develop leadership skills and enhance the resilience of the community after the fires.
The group developed a project to produce a game that would be educational around fire safety and preparedness for the bushfire season, which is based on a similar concept developed by the Surf Coast Shire.
“The card photographs of the local area, pre and post fire are something that will be remembered by all who play this board game,” said Moorabool mayor Cr Paul Tatchell.
Ninety games have been produced and will be distributed free through primary schools in the greater Scotsburn area for children from grade five upwards.
The three-month leadership program ended five months ago but its members have decided to continue as a community group called Accelerate Scotsburn.
“As a group, we tapped into each other’s strengths and learnt more about the community,” Ms Bond said.
