This workshop is open to all and will cover many of the practical ways you can retrofit your home to increase its bushfire resilience, including increasing protection from ember attack and radiant heat, and the use of bushfire sprinkler systems.
Places are limited. This is a FREE workshop, but please register using the QR code below.
Becoming better-prepared for a future bushfire involves many factors – but two of the most important are:
- Develop a well thought out (and written out) Bushfire Survival Plan; and
- Improve the resilience of our homes and property to bushfire attack.
This workshop will cover many of the ways you can retrofit your home to increase its bushfire resilience.
Ember attack is the most common way that buildings ignite during bushfires – but there many relatively simple ember protection retrofits you can make to your home. In 2023, the Upper Kangaroo River (UKR) Progress Association undertook a major bushfire retrofit of the Upper River Hall as an example of what can be done to make small buildings more resilient to bushfire ember attacks. Many members of the UKR and wider KV community provided time and funds to bring this project to fruition. As the key organiser of this effort, Gary Moore will make a presentation on these retrofits. You will also be able to see samples of the fire-retardant materials used and take an in-person close-up look at the upgrades made to the Hall – which will hopefully inspire you to make similar upgrades to your own home.
Paul Cooper of the Sustainable Buildings Research Centre (SBRC) at the University of Wollongong will provide practical advice on other retrofits to reduce the risk of damage from radiant heat, flying debris, etc – and on bushfire sprinkler systems, which he has been researching and testing for over 10 years.
Though this is a free workshop, a gold-coin or small-note donation to the ongoing maintenance of the Upper River Hall would be appreciated. Please also BYO cup/mug for tea/coffee.
Doors open for tea, coffee & bikkies at 9.30am.
For more information or to seek assistance with booking please email resilientkv@kangaroovalley.nsw.au
Paul Cooper
On behalf of Resilient KV
