Bush Fire Charity Ball to reach $50,000 goal

The Bush Fire Charity Ball, held at the Gunnedah Town Hall, is set to reach its fundraising goal of $50,000, with funds dispersed between the Sir Ivan bush fire appeal and the local Rural Fire Brigade unit.

On the same weekend in February, extreme heat conditions saw Boggabri hit by bush fires as well as the Dunedoo area, with more than 50,000 hectares wiped out in the Sir Ivan blaze alone.

Local woman Kelly Warren organised the ball, with the help of friend Belinda Thomas, as watching the bush fires unfold “tugged at her heartstrings”.

“The ball went really well, everyone had a great time and it was so well supported,” Kelly said.

“We played a slideshow before the auction with graphic images from the fires, which brought out a lot of emotion for people.

“And we are looking to make our target, which is fantastic.

“I just want to give a huge thank you to everyone, if it wasn’t for everyone attending and digging deep for the auction, we wouldn’t be able to raise as much as we did,” she said.

“Mental health is now a huge issue for people out there that have lost everything.

“If we are able to help save the lives of one farmer and his family, then our job is done.”

The auction, boasting items including a handmade wooden dining table, an outdoor fireplace and artworks, knocked down more than $25,000 for the cause.

Guest speakers included Gunnedah Rural Fire Service captain Wayne Langdon, Member for Parkes Mark Coulton, Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall, ball organiser Kelly Warren and AMRA Insurance broker Dan Ramien.

Organisers are currently completing a final tally of funds raised but are positive they will reach their goal.

Donations are still being accepted via Rotary Club of Gunnedah 2380.

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