The following information has been received from District 9800.
Hi, my name is Ross. I am retired and living in Melbourne. I recently decided to volunteer for BlazeAid, after seeing the news and discovering the enormity of the task, facing the farming & community of this region, after the recent Longwood/Euroa fires.
Many have lost everything, some lucky ones saving their houses but essentially, I have witnessed a fire moonscape, impacting 350,000 hectares of land destroying stock, fences, farm shedding and equipment.
I registered for the first time with BlazeAid thinking I will give it a go not only to help farmers restore/rebuild their fences, but to experience volunteer work teams and the BlazeAid camp at the Euroa Showgrounds.
After arriving at the base camp Euroa, I was amazed at the hive of volunteer activity and the comradery of the camp. Off we set, over the next few days in work teams to farms working alongside farmers to restore fencing, to help begin the long journey back to rebuild their businesses.
Yes, it can be robust work but Blazeaid lets you decide how much you would like to do and what jobs - but this was quickly forgotten by the humbling experience of farmers and their wives meeting us to express their gratitude to the BlazeAid volunteers! I realised we were not just working on fence lines but experiencing the Australian way of giving something back in kind, to help our regional communities & farming family’s that provide food for us and valuable exports.
When you arrive at the Euroa Showgrounds you are met by Debra Ong - the volunteer camp co-ordinator. Blazeaid provides all meals often donated and safety equipment and gloves for your work. There is a conservative estimate of 850-1000 kms of fencing destroyed and Debra will tell you this camp needs volunteers for at least the next 6 months.
BlazeAid and Debra and all the current volunteers would love you and your club’s support by considering if any of your members would like to volunteer. You can find out about BlazeAid via the following link https://blazeaid.com.au
Please contact the team on 0448 664 637 or email Longwood@blazeaid.com.au , if you have any questions.
Of course, if you stay at the Camp (most people arrive with their own accommodation/van or there is some on-site) you can mix work and some time off to explore the region and/or continue on your trip to North East Victoria, if you are planning some time away. A great experience.
Regards
Ross
