The Macedon Ranges community has rallied to raise more than $20,000 for a Carlsruhe family devastated by house fire.
Sally Ramshaw and her four children were lucky to escape their home after it caught fire in the early hours of September 15.
She woke to what she described as an “unforgettable, synthetic wheat smell”. A damp towel left in an upstairs room had heated up and caught fire.
“By the time I discovered where the smell and smoke was coming from it was too late,” she said.
“It all happened so fast. We had about 18 minutes to leave and we were so lucky we were able to get out.”
Sally said her eldest daughter Lucy, 18, was “absolutely instrumental” in getting everyone out of the house and taking control with clear thinking in the chaos – twins Leo and Sophie, 10, and Alice, 14, moving quickly to escape.
Sally alerted 000 and brigades from across the district turned out to the Institute Road home about 2.30am.
Fire gutted the home’s upper storey while the lower level sustained significant smoke and water damage.
“Now it’s just char upstairs. There were a lot of treasures the kids lost,” Sally said.
While the family had home insurance, they were not covered for contents, and there was little they could salvage.
The family has been staying in emergency accommodation and now seek a long-term rental.
It’s not the first blow for the family in recent years. They faced the pandemic like everyone else, but also Sally’s own personal health struggles, and significant storm destruction to their property in June last year.
“The kids have been through a lot in the past couple of years but we’re trying to keep our chins up,” Sally said.
“We have the most amazing community. Everyone has been so wonderful and supportive. We’ll be alright. It has brought our family well and truly together.”
Community Support
In the days following the fire, neighbours Sheree Anderson and Greg Clinnick were quick to establish a GoFundMe page for the Ramshaws.
Within four days they had raised $18,400 through 112 donations. Now that figure has reached beyond $20,800.
All funds will go towards furnishings, clothing and home goods – all lost to the blaze.
“We really wanted to help the family get back on their feet. For something like this to have happened is so devastating. They need all the support they can get,” Sheree told the Express.
The GoFundMe page remains open for contributions.
Newham Mechanics Institute also used their screening of the grand final on Saturday as a fundraiser for the Ramshaws. The hall hosted 60 people and raised about $1900.
“We wanted to do something to make Sally and her family feel surrounded by people looking out for them. They are very valued community members,” said Kerri Ritchie, hall president.
Hunter Gatherer Winery, Hanging Rock Winery, Rock & Ranges, and Newham General Store donated goods for the event.
