General News
3 January, 2025
Call for help: BlazeAid seeking volunteers to help farmers after bushfires
The base camp is expected to be in Willaura for at least months.
BlazeAid has set up a base camp in Willaura to help farmers affected by the Grampians bushfires.
Co-ordinator Simon Hardy said he expected the operation would take at least three months and may even take up to a year.
BlazeAid, which helps farmers replace fencing lost in bushfires, along with other work, has put a call out for volunteers to help in the wake of the Grampians bushfires.
Mr Hardy said the bushfires had wreaked havoc on farms across the region.
"We've got about 60 farms registered at the moment," he said.
"We've got farms affected at Willaura, Moyston and Glenthompson to name a few.
"Some of them have been hit really hard, but what I've found is farmers in this area are used to fire events now, and they're prepared, so they've been able to save most of their stock, shedding and houses."
A volunteer organisation, BlazeAid is familiar with the region, having worked in Pomonal and Dadswells Bridge following the February 13, 2024, bushfires.
He said he was hoping community members would put up their hand to help out with work on farms or helping to prepare food for volunteers.
"People don't have to have any farming knowledge - they just need to be prepared to learn and work as part of a team," Mr Hardy said.
He said BlazeAid would also appreciate financial donations or assistance from community groups.
"We'll be here more than nine months, possibly more than six months and maybe longer than nine months," Mr Hardy said.
"We'll be here until we've addressed the need in the community - we're here for the long-term."
The bushfire in the Grampians National Park, started by a lightning strike on 16 December, has burned more than 76,000 hectares.
Four homes have been destroyed in Moyston and Mafeking, as well as 41 outbuildings.
The Country Fire Authority said via a post on its Facebook page the threat of The Grampians fire had been reduced.
"Only residents are allowed to return to their properties via traffic Management Points; proof of address will be required," the post states.
"If returning to the fire-affected area, proceed with caution.
"The spread of the bushfire has slowed for now, but the situation can change at any time. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act.
"Halls Gap and the Grampians National Park remains closed to visitors."
To find out more about volunteering with BlazeAid contact Jenny Neumann on 0402 268 619.
More information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government's website at disasterassist.gov.au and the VicEmergency website emergency.vic.gov.au/relief.