By Derek Schlennstedt
Bushfires have devastated much of the state, but out of that devastation the hills community has rallied to help provide support in any way they can
President of Kallista-The Patch Fire brigade June Cabena is helping to make a difference when she donated much needed food for dogs and cats. There are at this stage over 150 dogs that have been rescued and over 220 horses all of which need food and some medical supplies.
On the Gembrook noticeboard hundreds of residents offered space and places to those who had lost houses or properties.
Over the weekend and into the week following Andrew Spark of Gembrook IGA ensured the IGA was open to anyone and everyone well past the usual closing time.
“Hi again Gembrook community, I’ve decided I’ll keep the shop open for a while and see what this wind does. So I’m here if you need any supplies or just want to drop in to say hi,” he posted.
During the Bunyip State Bushfire emerald SES crew were helping at the re-fuelling zone at Gembrook oval.
The Emerald SES acknowledged the generous support of the local businesses that dropped off water, cupcakes and pizza over the three days they were stationed there.
Not only did the food help sustain SES member but it was also given to the helicopter pilots, refuellers and CFA personnel at the refuelling site.
On top of all that bags of ice and fresh baked muffins were also delivered.
With nearly all stations across the Dandenongs called in to help assist at the Bunyip Bushfire, many brigades thanked the community for their overwhelming support.
The Gembrook Fire Brigade Also extended a thank you to the wonderful Gembrook Community for the unbelievable support they have shown over the past few week.
“We have had many generous donations of food, drinks and treats and overall general good wishes. Your support is invaluable. There are too many people to thank individually so we hope this gets passed around to everyone in the community,” they said in a Facebook post.
“A huge shout out goes to the wonderful traders of Gembrook who made sure we were fed and watered for breakfast, lunch and dinner each day, words cannot express how much it meant to us not to have to worry about making sure all our members got enough to eat.”
Noel Nealon of Upwey CFA also thanked the tremendous support from community members who dropped of watermelons, sandwiches and water.
“It’s almost like they have their own spies and know where we meet to go off, as they were turning up and giving some bags of nibble and water and sandwiches,” he said.
“It’s the simple things.”
Even following the bush fires help has continued to pour in, and on 6 March Woolworths Emerald donated much needed supplies to Bush Babies and Wildlife Rescue and Protection who will be distributing those supplies to various wildlife shelters.
