Communities work to fight fires and begin recovery

FIREFIGHTERS and residents worked to limit the impact of bushfires across greater Ballarat and Golden Plains earlier this month.

Many gathered in Meredith on Thursday 15 January as part of an information session for those affected by the fires.

Brian Parker said his family’s Moss Park farm, held since the 1950s, lay within a kilometre of the Mount Mercer bushfire’s ignition point.

He lost his woolshed and several other sheds in the blaze, but his son’s home and the property’s sheep were saved.

Despite saying he was “too bloody old for this”, Mr Parker managed to move the sheep to safety on his motorbike. He and his family are now focused on replacing the sheds and restoring power to the property.

Mr Parker and his daughter Rebeccah Norman said they had been overwhelmed by the generosity of the local community as they begin the recovery process.

“One fellow said to me ‘If you need an excavator, give us a hoy’,” he said.

Ms Norman added: “We had a fellow Dad doesn’t even know that has dropped off a tractor with a posthole digger to start fencing. He’s like ‘Have it as long as you want’.

“I’ve only been on the farm for the past two days, and every local coming past has called in and given their support and their love.”

Meredith Fire Brigade captain Josh Medley said up to 70 fire trucks, supported by aircraft, were deployed to fight the blaze.

He said the town’s brigade of 40 volunteers had rallied to protect the community.

“At Meredith we’re like a family, so we always have each other’s back,” Mr Medley said. “It was fantastic to see members that we don’t see every day, every week, turning up to the station and throw in the long hours to make the community safe.”

He said the brigade is continuing to check on residents and distribute donated food and water.

Mr Medley was among representatives from a range of emergency services and support agencies who attended the Bushfire Recovery Drop-In Session at the Meredith community centre

The session was facilitated by Golden Plains Shire Council to provide information, assistance and reassurance to affected residents.

Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey thanked all those involved.

“I am immensely proud of everyone who rallied together to support our communities in Mount Mercer, Meredith and Bamganie following the recent bushfire events,” he said.

“I sincerely thank all emergency and support agency representatives and council staff who attended and provided assistance, reassurance and care to those affected.”