Veteran fills emergency role

After fighting the North East and Gippsland fires in 2003 to the Black Saturday bushfires in 2009, the newly appointed community emergency services manager for the Shires of Kent, Dumbleyung and Lake Grace, Paul Roadley, is looking forward to a change of pace.

With more than 26 years of emergency management experience, Mr Roadley ventured from the East Coast as the incident response manager for Public Transport Victoria to settle in Nyabing in April.

Beginning his career as a volunteer, Mr Roadley has worked with the Victorian SES and Country Fire Authority and the Victorian Sate Control Centre.

In his new role he will work directly with the Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades across the three Shires, assisting local governments, conducting training and assisting during emergencies.

"Going from Melbourne to here is a bit different, I came across for the weather and a change of pace, but I grew up working on a farm and I'm looking forward to the role," he said.

"Especially working within such friendly communities, and helping them with what they need."

Nominated as an Australian of the Year in 2004, Mr Roadley was joined by his fiancee and son Cooper, 4, and said he was looking forward to life in the Great Southern.

"I'll be forming a close link with the local brigades, making sure they were prepared and trained for the warmer seasons, and my goal is to increase membership numbers at the brigades," he said.

"This is the time to do it, with no fires running, we need to be aware and prepared," he said.