Blackford–Avenue Range Fire Community Recovery
2 February 2021
The challenging process of recovery from the recent fire which caused widespread destruction across many properties, impacting livelihoods and causing emotional stress has well and truly commenced.
The resilience of those affected, directly and indirectly, has been truly tested. The strength of these people and their communities has shone in recent weeks. As we look around we see destruction and exhaustion, but we also see hard work, comradeship, generosity and a spirt that will not be beaten.
The CFS held a community information meeting on 12 January. Naracoorte Lucindale Council hosted a community meeting on 27 January at the Lucindale Memorial Hall, with updates provided by a number of organisations:
- Lucindale CFS
- acknowledged the many volunteers within the Blackford / Avenue / Lucindale communities
- encouraged the community to accept assistance when it is offered
- advised that the fireground will continue to burn within the perimeter for some time
- Lucindale Lions
- hay run very successful, with almost 70 trucks arriving on the day
- hay stored at Yakka Park – contact Lions if you need hay on 0427 689 074
- PIRSA
- unfortunately, there is no grant funding available for this fire recovery
- contacting property owners for more detailed assessment of stock losses
- information available on how to effectively feed stock following a bushfire
- Family & Business Support Program (FaB) Mentor available for those who need support / someone to talk to Contact: Robyn Cain – 0411 633 085
- Red Cross
- blown away by the cooperation within community, great to see
- here to provide support, listen to stories
- based at the Lucindale Deli, but also visiting individual properties
- BlazeAid
- here to help – mainly fencing, but some gardening assistance available too
- camp to be established at Yakka Park
- volunteers will start arriving soon
- volunteers are insured under BlazeAid and have individual ambulance cover
- need to complete registration form, information provided will allow organisation of volunteers to where they will be most effective
- have received some donations of materials
- work alongside, and complement, contractors
- focus will be on external boundaries
- Phil Clarke, a recipient of assistance of BlazeAid in 2020, spoke about the benefits of accepting the help offered and the importance of remembering that these people are here because they chose to offer their help
- BlazeAid Contact Mary Howarth – 0429 367 538 or blazeaid.mary@gmail.com
- Council
- roadside vegetation cleared in consultation with CFS, with main roads being the priority
- any concerns about trees damaged by fire on roadsides please contact the Council
- hard waste day held 23 January; community to let Council know if a follow up day is needed
- Council is here to assist, primarily by connecting offers of assistance, with those that need assistance
- Council has damaged infrastructure / fencing which will also needs to be assessed
- we can be more effective if the community lets us know what it needs
- Avenue community meeting scheduled for 2 February
- Council’s community meeting scheduled for 2 February deferred
REMEMBER:
- Accept help if it is offered
- Ask for support if needed
- Look after yourself and each other
- Let Council know what assistance you need
Naracoorte Lucindale Council Contact
Phone (monitored 24/7) – 8760 1100
Email: council@nlc.sa.gov.au
Media Contact
Naracoorte Lucindale Council Mayor Erika Vickery OAM – 0427 622 133
Kingston District Council Mayor Kay Rasheed – 0429 095 081