February’s fire victims didn’t go seeking disaster, it found them. But when it did, they wouldn’t have wanted it to happen anywhere else than Australia because the community spirit is second to none.
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Facebook posts were inundated with offers of support, from the small but invaluable contributions of individuals, to company-wide donations.
Whether it was food, drinks, stock feed, accommodation, or even just a sympathetic ear – Aussies from all corners of our great great country dug deep to help those in need, including here in our own backyard at Boggabri.
Andrew Watson was said the support from local was “unbelievable” following the Boggabri fire. He is returning the kindness with a barbecue on Friday night for the volunteer firefighters and all people involved.
Further south at Gunnedah, a hay drive is being organised by local man George Avard to help farmers affected by the Sir Ivan fire.
“An agent rang from Dunedoo this morning to say there is a lot of stock wandering around with nothing to eat,” Mr Avard told the Namoi Valley Independent this week.
It’s that sense of mateship, to help each other at a moment’s notice when the chips are down, that binds Australian communities and more importantly, regional towns, together.
We have heard the stories of struggle and they won’t end any time soon. There is still a long road to recovery for many in the greater north west as they continue to count the costs and prepare for the added financial stress to come.
So I urge all of us to not to forget those in need when we return to our busy lives next week, because the scorched earth of farms and properties will still be there. The clean up will be lengthy and strain on families, immense.
The immediate assistance was great and no doubt a huge relief to the recipients, many who through pride, would have been reluctant to accept. But it must continue, we can’t forget them.
The media is often criticised for focus on tragedy, the stories of which feature some of the most well-read articles around. But it is also a champion of yarns that focus on triumph through times of adversity, something nearly every Australian can relate to – it’s part of our DNA. It’s who we are as a country to view things with a glass half-full approach. The recent NSW fires typified this triumph and I’m proud that it did.
