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Hotspot Workshop Update - June 2026
Monday, 29th June 2026
The Hotspots team have been delivering training programs throughout the autumn and early winter period.
The northern team, NCC ecologist Kevin Taylor and NSW RFS Facilitator Peter Fitzsimmons, completed their second training workshop series of the year at Valla, on the Mid North Coast, 10th and 24th March. A well-attended workshop, the team had an engaged group of 22 landholders and 6 agencies. The first day consisted of presentations, a trip to the demonstration burn site and hearing from numerous agencies and land managers including NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services, Forestry Corporation of NSW, and the Jaanymili Bawrrungga Aboriginal Corporation. Rainfall in the week preceding the second workshop day meant the team were unable to carry out the demonstration burn. However, the group visited the site for demonstrations of firefighting equipment and using a drip torch to conduct a test burn. A bush fire simulation table was used to model how fire could spread across the local landscape in different weather conditions. Several attendees expressed interest in joining the Valla RFS brigade and more than two thirds plan to use fire as a management tool for both hazard reduction and ecological outcomes, including weed control.
The central team, new NCC Ecologist Ruby Adams, NSW RFS Hotspots Coordinator Zofie Lahodny-Gesco and NSW RFS Facilitator Peter Fitzsimmons delivered a successful series in the Hawkesbury Region, at Macdonald Valley on the 13th and 20th of June. With 19 landholders in attendance and strong participation from the local RFS, the workshop provided an important opportunity for participants to develop fire management plans for their properties. Representatives from Biodiversity Conservation Trust, Land Care and Macdonald Valley Gunangdayi River Keepers also attended the workshop, contributing valuable expertise and support. After engaging with the workshop series, six landholders indicated they would be requesting Hazard Reducation Certificates for their properties, enabling them to better manage both biodiversity and fire risk.
Due to damp conditions the demonstration burn although reduced, gave participants opportunities to try tools like the rake-hoe, see multiple methods of lighting up, and understand how fire can behave in those conditions.
The southern team, NCC Ecologist Neale Watson and new NSW RFS Facilitator Steve McKinnon, successfully delivered the Meringo-Bingie workshop training on the Far South Coast on the 1st and 8th of May. Thirteen landholders from 10 properties totalling 129 ha in area, ranging in size from 2ha to 45ha. Due to windy conditions the demonstration burn area was reduced to ensure safe control and timely mop up. The demonstration burn landholder was also able to display the set up and operation of her mobile fire tanker and pump and assist in setting up a local group for ongoing coordination of fire management activities by participants.
All teams are now using the winter stretch to plan and prepare for new training programs in the new financial year. If you’re interested in hosting a Hotspots training program in your area, please get in touch with us at: info@hotspotsfireproject.org.au