Wether it's rooftop sprinklers or fire pumps, we’ve been planning for bushfire for years, continually improving our property’s resilience. In February 2024, our preparation was tested when fire swept through the farm. Thanks to our planning and efforts, we successfully defended our property, saved our home and business, and provided a safe base for firefighters to work from.
Join us to learn the practical measures that helped us succeed.
What we’ll cover
- Choosing and using a basic fire pump
- Rooftop sprinkler systems
- Managing fuel loads effectively
- How we prepared our property to support firefighters
- How we decided to stay or go
- Passive and active measures to boost bushfire readiness
Also includes
- Guided tour of our garden and house exterior, sheds and other commercial infrastructure — real-life examples of what works
- Demonstrations of pumps and rooftop sprinklers
- Digital workshop notes
Your instructors
- Rob Pelletier – horticulturist and proprietor of Heritage Fruit Trees.
- Kate Blood – horticulturist at Heritage Fruit Trees.
Workshop details
- Date: Saturday 28 November 2026
- Time: Arrive from 9:10 am for morning tea, workshop runs 9:30 am – 1 pm.
- Location: Heritage Fruit Trees, Beaufort VIC (directions provided on booking)
Related testimonials
We would like to sincerely thank Rob and Kate for sharing their experiences and insights through the Farm Fire Preparedness 2025 video series. Their stories, alongside those of other producers impacted by fire, provide a lasting legacy for landholders seeking to strengthen their preparedness and resilience. We greatly value the knowledge, practical lessons, and lived experiences they have shared, which will continue to support and inform producers across Victoria for years to come.
Tess McDougall, Statewide Agriculture Recovery Manager, Agriculture Victoria
What Kate and Rob don’t know about garden design, plants and rural living is not really worth knowing. Their wealth of information, combined with a relaxed and personable style makes them perfect as facilitators or presenters. They were integral presenters for us this year as part of a Firewise Gardening weekend, and we could not have been more pleased with their contribution to the conversation. I could not recommend them more highly.
Malcolm Sanders OAM, Manager Pyrenees Community House
Food & refreshments
- Morning tea provided on arrival. Please note that vegan choices are not available and food may contain traces of nuts.
- If you have specific dietary needs, you’re very welcome to bring something that suits you.
- To protect our orchard from pests and diseases, please don’t bring fresh fruit.
Bookings and Group Discount
- $85 per person (includes garden & exterior house tour, digital notes & some refreshments)
- Group discount: Bring a friend! Book for 2 or more and save $8.50 per person.
- Reserve your place today – Places are limited to allow time for questions and demonstrations.
Important information
- Important booking, attendance and cancellation information
- Where to stay and what to do in Beaufort
- More information about the Bayindeen bushfire and our experience
