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A KANGAROO Flat graphic designer has thrown her support behind National Red Balloon Day.
Little Rascal Designs owner Cath Rankin has offered to provide graphics-related content and will maintain the newly-created campaign website free of charge.
Bendigo women Jody Hardiman and Aleasha Gilbert, along with two others, have set up the national campaign to thank firefighters for their efforts.
Ms Rankin said the initiative was a fantastic idea and she was only too happy to offer support.
"I love supporting community events," she said.
"I was a qualified, registered nurse in my past life, so encouraging people to live a healthy life and being community-orientated is something I enjoy."
Ms Rankin said firefighters formed a vital part of the community and deserved to be recognised for their dedication.
"The firefighters do so much for the community and they're often not thanked," she said.
"A lot of what they do we don't hear about and don't see.
The firefighters do so much for the community and they're often not thanked.
- Cath Rankin
"They work in such extraordinarily difficult circumstances that we can only imagine what it's like to stand in front of a big fire that is threatening our communities.
"I personally live near the bush in Kangaroo Flat and if my house went up in flames it would be terrible."
Ms Hardiman could not offer enough praise to Ms Rankin and said the free offer of support was appreciated.
"She has been amazing in making the page look more professional," she said.
"Cath has also been doing a lot of the behind-the-scenes work, she is going to put up a list of events happening across the country.
"She has come up with lots of ideas herself and made (the website) better."
Ms Hardiman came up with the idea for a national day of thanks after becoming aware of a similar event in Geelong.
She said it was a chance for the community to thank firefighters for their hard work.
Ms Hardiman said she was in the process of setting up the event as a charity.
She said an Albury business had offered to look after finances.
National Red Balloon Day is on February 28, the last day of the fire season.
Residents are encouraged to buy a red balloon and tie it to their letter boxes, gates or fences as a symbol of thanks.
Official printed balloons can be purchased by visiting www.nationalredballoonday.com
Balloons cost $1 each and can be bought in packs of one, five and 10.