EnergySafe Magazine May 2014, issue 35 | Page 6

06 Latest news Taking it to the streets By Michelle Robertson, Senior Media and Communications Adviser ESV is increasing its presence at community festivals and events as a way of delivering its important safety messages directly to Victorians. In the warmer months community events are an especially appropriate way of spreading the look before you cook gas barbecue safety message. On Saturday 22 February ESV was a Community Sponsor of Geelong’s Pako Festa, an annual event that attracts more than 100,000 people over the course of the day. With a prominent stand near the main stage on Pakington St, ESV representatives personally spoke with around 2000 people, handing out vital safety information and items including sunscreen, pens and fridge magnets. Members of the Gas Installations and Appliance Safety Division were on hand to demonstrate how to perform soapy water checks to test gas barbecues for leaks, and ESV also donated three barbecues for use in the Channel Seven Street appeal: ESV staff were kept very busy discussing gas and electrical safety at Geelong’s Pako Festa. My Kitchen Rules Cook-off on the main stage. On Sunday 16 March ESV sponsored the City of Whittlesea Community Festival in Lalor. This was another great opportunity to spread the look before you cook message and—since the weather was becoming cooler—to start reminding people to have their gas heaters serviced before winter and to make it a habit every two years.