MP impacted by Longwood fires

She spoke on January 12 at the hay drop-off and distribution centre she helped set up at Neil Tubb’s Longwood property, after a devastating few days for her own family.

“I think we’ll process our own personal toll one day, but the community needs me. This is why you’re elected, to be their advocate, and I wish more government representatives were on the ground to understand the hurdles we have every single minute towards recovery,” Ms Cleeland said.

Running on little sleep and based in temporary accommodation with friends, the MP had her three young children in tow as she juggled speaking with farmers and volunteers on-site and taking phone calls at the Depot Rd property.

“We will need genuine help for a long time and it needs to come from an understanding of what’s needed on the ground and not bureaucratic and government spin that looks great, but isn’t necessarily helping,” Ms Cleeland said.

“So we want them to come here and see what the community is doing and ask what it needs.

“Don’t tell us what we need, we’re already responding; we want them to listen to our needs.”