A photo of fencing BlazeAid volunteers snapped by the Whittakers from Finley.
Ross and Helen Whittaker have recently returned from a tour of volunteering with the organisation BlazeAid Australia, and Ross would like to express their continuing aim to attend further BlazeAid camps.
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Ross has attended five camps, while Helen has attended six.
Helen generously gave her time once while Ross was involved in the training and conducting of a FADAMS production.
BlazeAid is a volunteer-based organisation established in 2009 by Kevin and Rhonda Butler after the Black Saturday bushfires.
It works with families and individuals in rural Australia after natural disasters such as fires, cyclones, droughts and floods.
Its purpose is to relieve the poverty, suffering, distress, misfortune, destitution or helplessness experienced by survivors of bush fires and other natural disasters through the help of volunteers.
Ross and Helen have just completed five days working on restoring fencing in the Yarroweyah area, before moving on to Goomalibee following recent fires.
Ross expressed the great satisfaction they achieved by helping farmers who have suffered so badly from the devastation caused by the fires, and would like to encourage others to participate.
For anyone wishing to join one of the camps, Ross explained that experience is not necessary, just a willingness to work as part of a team at one’s own pace.
Backpackers often give of their time during their travels.
Catering is provided by BlazeAid and many long and lasting friendships have been made.
Apparently, the Goomalibee community was most appreciative of the work carried out by the volunteers and couldn’t thank the workers enough.
When the teams arrived on the scene, they were greeted by a specially made welcome sign.
Ross would like to encourage anyone who may be able to volunteer, even if only for a short time, and is most happy to talk to anyone who would like further information.
He can be contacted on 0419 649 508.
Ross and Helen have made long-lasting friendships since volunteering and have many interesting stories to tell.
One young man with a slight disability walked from Henty to Benalla to join a camp and was made most welcome.
“It’s amazing the way everyone pulls together in these situations,” Ross said.
“We were working during the recent extreme heat period and were invited to make use of people’s swimming pools to cool off.
“People are just so generous and appreciative.
“Sometimes volunteers can help just by listening to those who have been affected and being a shoulder to lean on.”
BlazeAid is in need of more volunteers for all camps.
To register and obtain further information, go to blazeaid.com.au.
