I was lucky enough to attend the official launch of Festivale on Thursday evening in City Park.
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Tasmania’s best produce and wine were sampled, awards announced and conversation flowed as fairy lights twinkled in the trees of Launceston’s iconic park.
What could not be missed was the sound of helicopters returning from firefighting efforts that evening.
The fires were not far from people’s mind at the Big Bash League match just up the road.
That night smoke could be observed from the western side of the stadium. It was later revealed to be a registered burn.
But the conversations around the ground, on the broadcast of the match and messages sent directly to my phone while at City Park, was that of concern.
Earlier this week the North had two close calls – one has been confirmed as arson. It appeared a person has stopped every kilometre for 10 kilometres to set parts of Blessington on fire.
Some volunteers shared with our photographer while putting out the last of the blaze, that they had been out fighting fires until 11.30pm on Tuesday only to be called back out at 4.30am to the Blessington arson.
At midday, on Wednesday they were putting the last of the fire out.
We are so lucky to live in a place where the career firefighters have excellent training, the volunteers are self-less and the majority of the community do their best to help and not hinder emergency response efforts.
Then you have those imbeciles who put the lives community heroes and residents at risk.
If you haven’t already enjoyed Festivale in 2019, head down to City Park today for some brilliant entertainment and delicious snack or lunch.
At the same time, spare a thought for those who wish they were enjoying the Sunday sun instead of worrying about what impact another day of no rain will have on their firefighting efforts.
Until next week.