CFA Rockbank trucks blocked at station after multicultural ‘Kabaddi’ event organisers failed to control traffic, exceeded permit

Organisers of a multicultural tournament have been slammed by the community after a lack of traffic control led to firefighters being unable to respond to lifesaving incidents.

CFA Rockbank trucks were blocked and volunteers were unable to park after attendees of a multicultural sporting tournament filled the car park against clear signage last month.. Picture: Supplied

Volunteer firefighters were blocked from providing potentially life saving assistance in Melbourne’s west after attendees at a multicultural sporting event removed bollards and filled the car park against clear directions.

Rockbank CFA’s leadership were shocked to discover their trucks were trapped and their station had been overrun by cars after attendees of the ‘Miri Piri Kabaddi Cup’ scrambled to find a park near Ian Cowie Reserve on April 28.

Kabaddi is a popular seven-as-side sport in the Indian subcontinent and is the national sport of Bangladesh.

The CFA Rockbank car park relied on by volunteers was overrun by attendees of the tournament that
afternoon despite ‘No Parking’ signs. Picture: Supplied

CFA volunteers, along with police and community members, spent hours that Sunday afternoon attempting to contact organisers and directing motorists to remove their cars immediately.

According to Melton City Council, which owns the Reserve, the event “far exceeded” the attendance set out in the permit application by organisers and traffic management measures were “insufficient”.

CFA Rockbank station captain Matt Cain said his firefighters, who are mostly volunteers, do an outstanding job for the community.
“We respond at any time of day or night so we need access to our stations at all times,” Mr Cain said.

According to CFA Rockbank, the driveway was also blocked which prevented its trucks from being available to respond to an emergency services incident. Picture: Supplied

In a social media post, CFA Rockbank said it was “disappointing” many thought it was a good idea to take down bollards and block trucks from responding if needed.

Mr Cain confirmed there were thankfully no call-outs that afternoon.

While it is believed up to 15,000 people attended, it is not known what the permit indicated capacity would be.

Several flyers were found in the CFA car park after the event finished. Picture: Supplied

A council spokeswoman said it was aware of the Kabaddi tournament held at the Reserve last month.

“Council is in contact with the event organiser regarding complaints about safety and traffic management,” the spokeswoman said.
An event spokesman told the Herald Sun there was a “miscommunication” with traffic controllers on the day who were meant to start about 8.30am but did not arrive until the afternoon.

Several social media users voiced their anger over the incident.

Residents said the situation was a “nightmare” and parking along both sides of the road impacted traffic.
Picture: Supplied

“Organise it better next time … this is so shameful,” one man said.
“No consideration for others especially when there was a serious house fire at Aintree recently,” a woman said.

“No regard for surrounding homes and residents … many calls to police and EPA were made … disrespectful, entitled, disgusting behaviour. Please never come back,” another added.