Hundreds of volunteers have joined the BlazeAid organisation to repair fences and remove fallen trees from farming properties affected by by the recent fires. This project needs up to 1,000 volunteers to help out ASAP.
Livestock in need of food near Gisborne. Photograph by Rob Mackay
Many farms are devastated around the Gisborne, Romsey, Kilmore, Mickleham road. Thousands of livestock, mainly sheep, were killed by the fire and vast numbers of paddocks have been left blackened. Crops are destroyed and many kilometres of fencing needs to be rebuilt immediately so that the farmers can get back on their feet. Even with the best of help it could take more than a year before the unfortunate victims will receive any income to live.Fire authorities confirmed on Thursday that the Mickleham/Kilmore fire had destroyed 13 houses, with homes lost in Wallan Heights (5), Beveridge (3), Wallan (3) and Darraweit Guim (2) west of Wallan.
The Lions Club of Diggers Rest has immediately donated $1,000 for materials but BlazeAid is on the ground and needs more volunteers to help in many ways. Fences, cleanups, food and other essentials are required and please be generous to our neighbours.
If you have anything that might help then contact BlazeAid today.
