Amazing support: Chris Blackmore, Dwayne Yates, Kevin Smith, Brad Collett, Robyn Stapleton, Karen Moloney, Stacey Stylianou, Jacob Cook, Annabelle Cleeland, Trish Bodsworth, Barb Dyer, Lauren Ibbott-Boer and Rob Bunting.
In an extraordinary show of generosity, local and national businesses are delivering practical support directly into the hands of fire-affected families across the Strathbogie region.
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State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland visited Benalla’s Mitre 10 store recently to see first-hand the significant volume of donated goods that is being distributed to impacted communities.
More than $20,000 worth of essential supplies has been donated through a co-ordinated effort led by Barb Dyer, working alongside the Mitre 10 corporate office, Mayo Hardware, Selleys, Ames International, Medallist Tools, and partners supplying pet food and household essentials.
The donations include practical items families urgently need to rebuild and recover.
These include generators, jerry cans, power leads, double adapters, tarps, wire cutters, chainsaws, wheelbarrows, sleeping bags, grey water hoses, camping chairs, torches, sunscreen, portable stoves and dog food.
Some residents of towns such as Ruffy lost everything during recent bushfires.
Photo by
Bree Harding
The support is expected to assist at least 50 households across communities including Creightons Creek, Ruffy, Terip Terip and Upton Hill, with more families encouraged to come forward if they have lost homes or essential belongings.
Ms Dyer said what had struck her most was not the scale of loss, but the humility of those affected.
“I’m surprised at how little they ask for,” she said.
“I’ve told people, if you need one of everything, just ask for one of everything.
“But they’re coming back with a small list because they don’t want to be greedy. When I ring them first and then send the list through, they’re overwhelmed by the support.”
Ms Cleeland said seeing the donated goods in Benalla highlighted the scale of community generosity and the practical difference it would make on the ground.
“This is what community looks like. Practical help, delivered quickly, without fuss,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Barb has worked tirelessly to make sure support goes exactly where it is needed. The businesses that have stepped up should be incredibly proud.
Staff at Benalla’s Mitre 10 have gone over and above to support communities affected by recent fires. Pictured are Kevin Smith, Robyn Stapleton, Stacey Stylianou, Brad Collett, Karen Moloney, Trish Bodsworth, Barb Dyer, Lauren Ibbott-Boer and Annabelle Cleeland.
“As families begin the long road of rebuilding, it’s these practical tools, generators, hoses and chainsaws that allow people to start clearing, repairing and restoring their properties.”
Ms Cleeland encouraged anyone in the affected areas who had lost their home or essential belongings to reach out so they could be connected with the support still available.
“In times like this, we see the true character of our region,” she said.
“It is generous, humble and fiercely supportive of its neighbours.”
