Helene and Dennis Livingston made a most informative presentation to our Club last night.
We believe their story is very inspirational and by the time you finish reading this article perhaps you will contact BlazeAid and register as a volunteer so you will be
prepared in case of more catastrophes that seem to loom over our fair country once in a while. http://blazeaid.com
The catastrophic events of 7 February 2009, which later became known as "Black Saturday",
is where Helene's and David's presentation begins.
Kevin and Rhonda Butler, two farmers in Kilmore East lost their fencing during this inferno and they needed to quickly secure their sheep to keep them from straying on to the Hume Highway. They sought assistance from family, friends and local volunteers to help rebuild 3km of fencing.
What would have taken months to rebuild on their own, was completed within ten days. Grateful for the assistance they received, Rhonda and Kevin decided to help other farmers with their burned fencing.
It would prove to be a huge task, as the fire had raged over a large area of Central Victoria, from Kilmore East across to Murrundindi and south to Kinglake.
Thus, BlazeAid was born.
With the help of ABC Radio Melbourne programmes “Australia all Over with Macca” and John Faine’s morning programme, BlazeAid was able to appeal nationally for volunteers. Generous listeners also made cash donations which created funds. Later, Ian McNamara agree to become a Patron of BlazeAid.
Kevin’s motto was “just come”, and they came from all over Australia and some from overseas. The average age of the volunteers was about 60. One Swiss couple, Herman and Pauline, stayed for many months, postponing their Great Australian Holiday and have returned to help many times since. The oldest volunteer was 92 and he peeled potatoes for three days. By lending a hand in true Aussie style, BlazeAid volunteers not only built fences but helped to restore the spirits of fire survivors who had lost so much.
Catering for up to 100 volunteers a day was a challenge but made easier by the many organisations and service clubs who willingly donated meals and services by roster. Over 3,000 people volunteered with BlazeAid in 2009. Specially designed “tradies” trailers donated by many groups such as Rotary and Lions Clubs have made for easier access to properties with the appropriate tools and are very popular with BlazeAid workers. Sponsor signage provided great publicity for donors too. BlazeAid’s aim is to have a number of these fully equipped trailers in each State, ready for any events that crop up.
After each camp is closed, the trailers and tools are serviced, repaired, catalogued and securely stored for when next they are needed. Businesses and farmers have volunteered to provide free undercover secure storage. BlazeAid covers the insurance.
It’s not just men who are volunteers with BlazeAid – many women are there to help as well.
In 2010 Rhonda and Kevin Butler received Rotary’s highest award, a Paul Harris Fellowship, being nominated by the Rotary Club of South Mitchell. Also that year they were jointly voted Australian Local Hero of the Year and in 2013 each was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia on behalf of all volunteers for their work in BlazeAid. A group of long term volunteers travelled to Canberra to be presented with BlazeAid “Certificates of Appreciation” by the Governor-General,
Sir Peter Cosgrove.
The Rotary Club of Berwick wishes all the BlazeAid organisation and the volunteers continued success with all the wonderful work they continue to do for those in need during a crisis.
