Bushfire appeal: An update from Garry Conelly and a visit to BlazeAid camp in Dunedoo

In last week club’s meeting, Garry Conelly gave an update on the bushfire appeal project. There were 10 volunteers from the Rotary Club of Corrimal, having various skills, trades and experience were visiting the BlazeAid camp in Dunedoo to help with victims of the bushfire.

The volunteers were helping with various repair jobs and construction. Garry helped selecting three families needing such helps, organising accommodation, contacting local business for support of amenities, etc and coordinating with local government GM, Dennis Clark about the volunteers.  A follow on meeting will be on the 25th August.

In meantime, also last week the two Mudgee Rotary Clubs were represented in discussions with BlazeAid coordinator, Laurie Dawson, at the Dunedoo camp.

As previously reported the BlazeAid camp will be closing on 22nd September. The current performance statistics are shown in photo above – a staggering achievement with 700 kms of fencing replaced by almost 1000 volunteers donating labour which is conservatively valued at almost $1.0mil.

During the meeting a further $15,000 was pledged from our Appeal fund to assist with additional fence repairs prior to the Camp’s closure.

Photos 3 and 4 show the Mudgee Rotary Clubs sponsored forklift that has proved so valuable for loading/unloading operations at the camp. Photo 3 shows conveyor belt (donated by the mines) bound for Cassilis where it will be cut in half along the length and used as fencing for livestock.

Not all volunteers are deployed to farms and engaged in fencing restoration. Photos 5 and 6 are examples of the work being undertaken at the camp. Photo 5 is a firebox made from donated, railway fish plates (see inset). Photo 6 shows chook pens (affectionately known as “Cluckingham Palaces”) that are donated to those in most need.

The remaining photos show signs outside local shops and the all important meal room for all the wonderful volunteers.