At a time where many in Goomalibee had lost a lot, due to the fire that swept through the area in December, Benalla’s community spirit shone through once again.

The hard work and dedication of CFA volunteers ensured only one home was lost during that fire.

While even one family losing their home is a tragedy, it could have been much worse.

And, of course, many other structures, vehicles, stock and miles of fencing were also lost.

Community groups, including BlazeAid, flocked to the area to assist in the recovery.

One of those groups was arranged by a committee within Benalla’s Uniting Church.

Benalla Rural City councillor David Blore was part of that group, which included 12 local volunteers.

“A lot of what we do is very similar to BlazeAid,” Cr Blore said.

“But we were actually established after the 2008 Black Saturday fires, when several local people went down and worked in the Buxton area, helping with farm and property fencing.”

Cr Blore said BlazeAid was in its infancy back then, and the work it had done since had been inspiring.

The Uniting Church group works similarly, and has helped in various recovery efforts from different fires in the years since.

“I became involved a little down the track, particularly after the 2019-2020 fires,” Cr Blore said.

“The church did substantial fundraising and bought a tractor with a post driver and bucket and forks, which is incredibly important to what we do.”

Since the devastating fire in Goomalibee, the group has been on the ground offering practical support to those who need it.

“Benalla is pretty much our home base, and our equipment has actually been stored at Alan Stafford's property for the last five years since we finished up at Corryong (in 2020),” Cr Blore said.

“We've been out in Goomalibee since just after new year, and we're doing similar work to BlazeAid.

“What we do is go to properties where we're invited by landowners.

“First we will clear the burnt wire and posts, and then we'll construct a new fence to the specifications that the landowner requires.

“We don't provide materials. We don't have funding for that outlay.

“Some (landowners) have materials, some are able to get them, some have insurance.

“We undertake our work to a very high standard. One of our key people ran an engineering business for many years.

“He's fastidious about how we drive the posts, makes sure we get them straight, and makes sure our wire knots at the strainer post are done correctly, that the gates are hung properly, and so on.

“Basically, it’s ‘go to whoa’, meaning clearing up the old burnt stuff and installing the finished product with or without gates. We've certainly done many gates.”

Cr Blore said he wasn’t sure how long they’d be out in Goomalibee, but it would be as long as they were needed.

“There's a lot to be done,” he said.

“Some people will take quite a long time to decide what they need to do and come to grips with the whole task.

“Others want it done the week after the fires, which can be a bit problematic because trees can continue to fall for quite some time after the fire has been through.”

Cr Blore said there were also occasions when a tree might burst back into flames, so the group worked with the CFA to ensure the area they were working was safe, before commencing.

He also said that the work being done had support from the Benalla Lions and Rotary clubs.

“I think everyone sees a common purpose and realises that the community need is there,” Cr Blore said.

“And it's about supporting our community members.

“One of the key things that we do is brief the volunteers that if a landowner wants to speak, have a chat, that's the most important thing we can probably do at that moment.

“To lend an ear, be sympathetic and offer them a little bit of moral support.”

Seymour Telegraph Google News Panels

Friday, 23rd April 2027

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