General News
1 May, 2026
Emergency expo days away
Central Goldfields Shire’s Emergency Preparation Expo returns on Sunday with an expanded roster of free activities.
Central Goldfields Shire’s Emergency Preparation Expo returns for its second year on Sunday.
The free afternoon event will see locals enjoy family-friendly activities and offer opportunities to learn emergency preparedness.
An expanded program will run May 3, from 1 to 5 pm, at the Carisbrook Recreation Reserve.
Local emergency services will be attending, running displays, and explaining the different responses to emergencies that occur locally — including fire, floods, and storms.
Among them are the CFA, SES, Victoria Police, Red Cross, and others offering important information for protecting people’s homes, properties, and pets in case of an emergency.
Central Goldfields Shire mayor Ben Green said preparing for emergencies takes a whole community approach.
“The Emergency Preparation Expo is a chance for all of us to learn practical skills, meet the people who keep us safe, and take simple steps that make a big difference,” he said.
“Come along, get involved and help strengthen our community’s resilience.”
Cr Green said he was “especially delighted” for community group Connect Carisbrook’s involvement.
The local group was founded in late 2022 following floods in the region and has since grown to focus on the communities resilience more broadly — whether it be natural disaster or other community needs such as health.
Their resilience plan is being launched for community feedback at the event and was developed in collaboration with non-profit Resilience Canopy.
“It’s a chance to connect with neighbours, support local groups, and learn more about the services that help keep our community safe,” they said of the event.
Beyond the main event attendees can enjoy food vans, face painting, novelty events, a rock-climbing wall and live music.
The Carisbrook Lions Club will be running train rides as well as a free sausage sizzle.
A women’s football match and social bowls will also be held as part of the festivities.
The event is open to everyone and is free to attend. Gold coin donations to local CFA, SES and other emergency services are welcome.
Stall holders offering services, products and advice to help improve emergency management planning in the home and on the farm are also encouraged to book a free stall site through council’s website.
The 2026 Central Goldfields Emergency Preparation Expo is hosted by Central Goldfields Shire Council in partnership with Emergency Recovery Victoria and Connected Carisbrook.