Power to the people: Gumeracha fire siren receives final $5k for repairs following community appeal
A generous donor, appalled by the State Government’s treatment of a fire-ravaged Hills town, has pledged the final $5000 needed to repair Gumeracha’s broken fire siren.
Adelaide Hills
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Community power has prevailed in a Hills town’s fight to get its broken fire siren restored.
The Australian Lions Foundation has stepped in to pledge the $5000 needed to restore Gumeracha’s early warning system after the State Government refused to contribute.
Angela Edwards, who has been the driving force behind fundraising for the siren, said she was overjoyed by the Lions’ “rescue mission”.
“All of this happened because the Adelaide Hills News took an interest in us and gave us a voice. It’s certainly more than what (Police and Emergency Services Minister Corey Wingard) did for us.”
She said the $5000 donation – added to $3115 already raised by the community – meant the repair works could go ahead.
“To say I’m excited is an understatement,” Ms Edwards said.
The Adelaide Hills News revealed earlier this week that fire sirens would no longer be funded by the State Government, following an unsuccessful $8000 funding appeal by Gumeracha locals.
Mr Wingard said he considered sirens as ceremonial and regional towns should instead rely on technology, including the Alert SA app and the Emergency Alert messaging system. His response was met by community outrage.
Peter Milsom, president of the Mt Torrens Lions Club, said the Government’s response had been met with disdain by members all across Australia. “One of our members saw the article and got in touch with the (Lions) foundation,” he said.
“When they heard about it, they couldn’t believe such a small request had been denied and agreed, in fact were adamant, that they would donate the remaining $5000.
“I think it’s a great result and sends a strong message to the Government about the importance of these sirens.”
Ms Edwards said the Government’s refusal to help the community could hurt it.
“What the Government needs to remember is that all of this doesn’t bode well for local members at the next election,” she said.
“The community won’t forget and they need to learn to think ahead. They got elected to think and fight for us, not work against us.”