Published on Wednesday, 26 August 2026 at 12:21:00 PM
The inaugural Shire of Plantagenet and Mount Barker State Emergency Service Community Safety & Preparedness Expo drew 248 people to Frost Oval on 15 August.
The event aimed to help residents become better informed, safer and more prepared for bushfires, storms, floods and other emergencies.
Attendees had the opportunity to:
- Meet local emergency services personnel and learn about their roles,
- Learn about emergency preparedness, community safety, and local emergency risks,
- Watch safety demonstrations and gain information on preparing homes, families, pets, properties, and businesses for emergencies,
- Connect with local businesses and service providers offering products, services, and advice to improve household, farm, and business resilience,
- Explore preparedness and resilience solutions, including fire protection, generators, water storage, emergency communications, first aid, property maintenance and recovery support,
- Participate in family-friendly activities, and
- Discover how individuals, families, businesses and community groups can work together to build a safer and more resilient community.
The expo featured a wide range of displays, emergency response vehicles, specialist equipment, interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities showcasing emergency preparedness and response capabilities across the region.
Thanks to the exhibitors: State-Wide Operations Logistics Division, Matt Candy Civil, Tankman, WA Police Force, Kendenup Bushfire Brigade, Porongurup Bushfire Brigade, Denmark SES, Mount Barker SES, DFES, Department of Communities, Albany Volunteer Marine Rescue, Mount Barker St John Ambulance Service, Mount Barker Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, City of Albany, Shire of Denmark, Shire of Plantagenet rangers, RSPCA and Adventure WA. Thanks to Mount Barker RSL for sizzling the snags, Café Swift for brewing the coffee, and Mount Barker Community Bank for sponsoring the expo.
Shire of Plantagenet Community Emergency Services Manager Mike Barnes said a well-prepared community was more resilient and better equipped to withstand, respond to and recover from emergencies.
“Together, we have helped strengthen community awareness and preparedness, encouraging residents to take practical steps to better prepare themselves, their families, properties, and animals for emergencies,” he said.
Shire President Len Handasyde congratulated the agencies involved for a successful inaugural expo, which provided a snapshot of the capabilities of local and state government agencies and other groups.
Attendees are encouraged to provide feedback via a short survey by scanning the QR code below for future events.
For more photos from the expo, please visit and follow the Shire Facebook page.
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