The white and red Salvation Army van was a welcoming symbol to evacuees seeking refuge at the Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre on Friday, January 9.

During a day of catastrophic fire danger, it was the hard-working volunteers on the scene, in 40°C heat, that ensured displaced residents remained safe, healthy, and fed.

Lauren Kirkham, the officer in charge at the Seymour Australian Army Corps, led the dedicated team of volunteers at the community relief centre.

Ms Kirkham said, by 12.30pm on Friday, January 9, the van had been catering for about 40 to 60 people.

“We’ve seen a slight increase since the morning, of people coming in from Yea and those parts,” she said.

Throughout the day, the team offered evacuees food and drink, ensuring that those who sought refuge at the Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre were satiated.

“We’re doing food relief for those that have been displaced and for emergency personnel as well,” Ms Kirkham said.

“We’ve also got another team that are working with the firefighters off site.”

The van on Friday had Seymour volunteers Robert Hanson and Simone Hopkins, as well as Alison Inglis, who had travelled from Melbourne to offer support.

They had a surprise visit by the local KFC on the day, with the popular fast food venue donating lunch for those on site.

Ms Kirkham, who lives locally, said that while her thoughts were with community members and friends who were impacted by the blaze, she remained steadfast in her job due to her passion for helping those in need.

“We do it because we feel compelled to help,” she said.

“It’s great to be able to give back in times like this when we can’t be out fighting the fires, so what can we do?

“A lot of people have been coming in and saying, ‘can I volunteer? Can I donate something?’ So, people just want to be able to help.”

To stay informed, visit the VicEmergency website at emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/

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