March 21, 2013
BlazeAid is still looking for volunteers to assist with its flood recovery work in the South Burnett.
The group and the South Burnett Regional Council are encouraging people of any age to volunteer to assist farmers affected by the recent floods.
“Council encourages anyone with a desire to help our farmers to contact BlazeAid,” Cr Kathy Duff said.
“There is a misconception that you need to be super fit to be a volunteer.
“Not so – we have one volunteer who’s 66, and we have several jobs which can be matched to each person’s ability.”
Cr Duff said that so far BlazeAid volunteers have cleared 31.3km of fences and completely restored six farms through a total of 154 days of work. However, they estimate that 1300 more working days will be required to assist all the farms that have asked for help.
BlazeAid co-ordinators Paul and Alison Mortenson are encouraging people to assist them in clearing and mending fences.
Paul Mortenson said volunteers don’t need any fencing experience, “just a willingness to give it a go”.
“Everything else you’ll learn on the job,” he said.
“Not all of the work we do requires heavy work. Many fences need to be cleared of debris before they can be stood back up.”
BlazeAid’s Volunteer Workers Insurance covers volunteers aged 12 to 85 years. A responsible adult must accompany volunteers under the age of 18.
“Many people think you have to commit lots of time to volunteering. You can volunteer for a day or two. Every day makes a difference,” said Cr Duff.
“We have over 80 farmers registered for assistance and to assist all of these people we will need volunteers of any age.”
Volunteers will need an up-to-date tetanus injection, a smile and lots of goodwill.
If you would like to volunteer for BlazeAid, contact Council on (07) 4189-9104.
Doreen Campos from the Salvation Army is co-ordinating the meals for the volunteers. If you would like to help with meals phone Doreen on (07) 4168-1916. Meals can also be donated at Clifton Motors in Murgon.
If you require Blaze Aid’s assistance phone the South Burnett Regional Council on (07) 4189-9104.
