The City of Whittlesea Civic Centre hosted local fire and emergency service personnel, along with staff from the City of Whittlesea, and representatives from various faiths to offer blessings for the emergency service personnel and their equipment ahead of the summer season for the 27th Annual Blessing of the Fleet on Saturday October 7.
City of Whittlesea Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson spoke to how important the event was for the whole community.
“It is an opportunity for us all to unite and express gratitude to emergency services personnel, both volunteers and career professionals, who work tirelessly, often at great personal risk to safeguard our community,” she said.
“The Blessing of the Fleet service is dedicated to the remarkable individuals and teams in our emergency services and signifies the start of preparations for the upcoming fire season.
“We will also hear from the leaders of our multi-faith congregations and pray for our emergency services crews, and the vehicles and equipment that enable them to carry out their work, protecting and saving life and property.”
Emergency personnel from Country Fire Authority, Fire Rescue Victoria, Forest Fire Management Victoria, Victoria Police, State Emergency Services, Ambulance Victoria and Parks Victoria, as well as staff from Whittlesea, Mitchell and Murrindindi Councils,were in attendance, together with religious leaders from the Bahá’í, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Islamic Dua communities.
Gerald Lynch
