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Directly impacted by the effects of Black Saturday’s bushfires back in 2009, Rhonda and Kevin Butler sought the help of family, friends and local volunteers to help rebuild their fences. Within a week, the fences were completed – a task that would have taken them months to do on their own. Grateful for the assistance they received, Rhonda and Kevin decided to try to help a few others with their fencing, and 'Blaze Aid' was born.
Blaze Aid is a volunteer organisation working with communities in rural Australia to rebuild after natural disasters like floods and fires, to which some of your generous donations to THE ICONIC Bushfire Relief Drop-Off Hubs were delivered. A few of those helping out took a moment out to let us know what it’s like…
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@blazeaid
First of all, thank you for all that you're doing for the community around the bushfire emergency. It has been a devastating time. What's been the hardest to see first-hand?
“The devastation and ferocity of the fire and loss of property and animals' lives.”
“A proud Australian farmer with tears in their eyes.”
“The loss of property and the people affected.”
What are the main struggles people face after a natural disaster?
“The trauma of seeing their burnt fences and loss of stock every day and questioning where to begin. Blaze Aid turns up and rebuilds fences and they can see a place to start.”
“The loss of everything and the cost to replace. The mental state of mind…”
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@aflnswact
Who are the Blaze Aid volunteers?
“The founders are still involved and volunteers range from 12-85 in age. Anyone who has time to spare and wants to help. From any walk of life and anywhere in the world. Now some are overseas backpackers who have been a huge help. The other week Sydney Swans came down and helped out.”
How does it feel to be part of an organisation assisting those in need of help at this difficult time?
“It’s really changed my life and the way I look at things.”
One of your bases is in Milton, NSW. Why would you encourage people to visit the area now?
“Many properties have been burnt out including farms, retail industry, We need help here as in other fire-affected zones, to rebuild people’s lives. We have also been affected by flooding after the fire so these communities have been hit hard twice. It’s still a beautiful spot on the coast and a lovely holiday area.”
How would you define the Australian spirit?
“When things are down and at their worst we just get up and get on with things.”
“Legendary.”
“The greatest in the world.”
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