BlazeAid has come to Braidwood to repair and replace fences damaged or destroyed in the recent fires.
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They have set up a camp at the Braidwood Showground and are expecting to be here for about six months.
This volunteer-based organisation has come following an approach by Andrew and Billy Einspruch and the full support from Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council.
BlazeAid is a national organisation formed in 2009 after the devastating Black Saturday fires in Victoria by farmers Kevin and Rhonda Butler.
Since then almost 12,500 volunteers have assisted communities affected by fires, floods, cyclones and drought in every Australian state.
This has involved more than 102,500 volunteer days spent rebuilding in excess of 4500 kilometres of fencing
A public meeting was held in the National Theatre on January 5 with close to 100 locals attending, with the camp operational since January 8.
It is ably coordinated by Dennis and Carol McGrath, farmers from Urila just south of Queanbeyan.
BlazeAid has had more than 80 registrations for assistance so far, with more coming in on a daily basis.
According to Mr McGrath, this "will entail a few hundred kilometres of fencing to be done".
They include farmers, machine operators, plumbers, carpenters, other trades and also professionals such as an optometrist, lawyer, photographer and a school principal.
Not only do they come from all over Australia but they already have had volunteers from England, France, Switzerland and New Zealand all with the common aim to help those affected by the fires.
They have already had over 100 different volunteers here with around 50 in the camp at any given time.
Mr McGrath says they have enough volunteers for now, but come February onwards they will need more, especially during mid-week.
BlazeAid is not just about rebuilding fences. It is also helping to rebuild lives and restore the spirits of fire survivors.
This is partly by holding dinners for those affected, with the first being on Sunday January 19.
This was attended by QPRC mayor Tim Overall who thanked BlazeAid and spoke about the assistance available, particularly the measures being provides by QPRC.
A great time had by one and all, with entertainment provided by The McGrath School of Irish Dance from Canberra, run by Dennis and Carol's daughter Leanne, and music over dinner played by David McClymont.
BlazeAid is also helping the local economy with Mr McGrath estimating that even before accounting for the Nerriga and Araluen damage they will spend between $500,000 and $1 million in Braidwood alone.
The camp is fairly self-sufficient but is always grateful for support from the local community.
The CWA is cooking dinner for the camp on Wednesday evenings, the Lions cooked the barbecue for the January 19 dinner, and the Scouts are clearing and washing up some meals, to name but three groups helping out.
The Braidwood Community Bank and the Braidwood Servicemens Club have also been big supporters of the BlazeAid camp.
- If you are in need of assistance or want to volunteer your time, call Dennis McGrath on 0439 623 256; or follow the BlazeAid for Braidwood Facebook page.
