Council Recognises Blaze Aid’s Efforts to Mend Fences and Lift Spirits
Tue 08 Sep 2020
Volunteer efforts, coordinated by BlazeAid, to help the Shoalhaven recover and rebuild following the January bushfires are being acknowledged by Shoalhaven City Council.
Volunteer-based organisation BlazeAid has been working with rural property owners across the Shoalhaven since January to rebuild fences that have been damaged or destroyed by fire and flood.
Volunteers' efforts have also helped to lift the spirits of people who have endured a difficult year following devastating losses through bushfires and more recently one or two flood events.
Operations have been based from two main camps in the Shoalhaven, with both camps delivering impressive results, with updated figures presented to Shoalhaven City Council’s Strategy and Assets meeting this month.
In summary, volunteers based at Milton Showground Camp have refenced 34.36km and cleared 37km of fencing. Of the 190 farms registered, 13 farms were categorised as “urgent”, 44 farms have had all tasks completed and work on three farms is currently active
Volunteers based at Kangaroo Valley Satellite Camp have refenced 35.47 km and cleared 30.15 km of fencing. Of the 63 farms registered, 50 farms are in process, 38 farms have had all tasks completed and work on eight farms is to be completed.
Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley said, “Words cannot convey the gratitude that our community feels for the incredible contributions made by Blaze Aid’s army of volunteers. These updated figures are staggering. To think that close to 70km of fencing has been removed and replaced by good-hearted volunteers in partnership with landowners is amazing."
Property owners Josh and Nikki McLaren said, “It has been a wonderful experience having Blaze Aid at our property. Not only have they helped relieve such great stress from our lives by erecting quality fences, but it has been an absolute delight working with such a lovely group of people.”
BlazeAid volunteers work in disaster-affected areas for months, not only helping individuals and families, but also helping rebuild the local communities.
- Those who would like to volunteer for BlazeAid, view the webpage here.
- View the Shoalhaven City Council Blaze Aid Report.