Amy Hume
Disaster recovery group BlazeAid is calling for volunteers to assist flood efforts in the Bridgewater area.
The volunteer organisation has helped farmers restore thousands of fences and clean up properties ravaged by disaster since the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.
Woodend volunteer Graeme Allen is coordinating the base at Bridgewater Recreation Reserve, which launched the group’s Victorian flood clean-up last week.
“There are at least 50 farms that will need our help to clear debris and fix fencing,” he told the Express.
“We’re just starting to assess farms so it’s hard to know exactly how much work is needed but it’s expected to be about 200kms of fencing at this stage.
“We’ll be working on properties within about a 50km radius of the base camp and encouraging farmers in need of assistance to register.”
Some farmers in the region have reported losing a year’s worth of crops and are still discovering flood damage.
About 25 volunteers have helped to get recovery efforts started but Graeme said more are needed. The base is anticipated to run for about four months.
“We have volunteers from far and wide, and the more we have, the better,” he said.
“Volunteers don’t need to be experienced – we have team leaders that can teach the skills needed. Most work will involve clearing debris and fencing. We provide all meals and accommodation.”
Anyone interested in volunteering with BlazeAid can contact Graeme on 0477 488 434 to register. More information is available at: blazeaid.com.au
