Each day more donations pour into the fire-ravaged areas east of Dunedoo giving testament to the generosity, care and mateship that are part of the DNA of regional communities.
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The gifts of food, hay, building materials, fencing, cash, free labour, transport – the list is long – are being delivered or sent by donors from way beyond the centres nearest the fires that scorched 55,000 hectares, destroyed 35 homes and left fire victims with nothing.
Insurance claims so far for the Central West and other NSW bushfires have totalled $28.5 million. That will rise as the full extent of the damage is assessed.
The victims of the catastrophic fires still face much pain, have to deal with the losses and rebuild their shattered lives.
Many are left with only the memories of homestead lives, their farms and lifestyles. Some had built their lives and prosperity on properties inherited from previous generations.
All gone in a matter of gut-wrenching hours or days ... along with their future hopes and aspirations.
Despair, depression, hopelessness, uncertainty and fears for the future … even survival ... would be imprinted in their minds. The devastation for many would be too much to process.
But, they are not on their own.
People throughout the Central West and beyond have shown that in the speed with which they have moved to ease the plight of the stricken farming families.
The spirit of the community in times like these is amazing whether acting in groups or as individuals. Many are involved in efforts to help the recovery and they all deserve recognition.
One example is a small group of Dunedoo residents who highlighted the extent of the devastation on social media and drew the attention of over 100,000 people on social media within days. Donations began to rush in. They raised $30,000 from various donors and got $50,000 from the CWA.
The huge support from all sides this week would have given back some hope and boosted victims’ spirits.
The volunteers who battled the fires in near-impossible conditions need to be remembered as well. Where would we be without them.
They and donors would not expect recognition or thanks. It is just what you do when disaster strikes.
That is the spirit of the regions.
