April 16, 2026
BlazeAid volunteers have been hard at work for more than a week now in the South Burnett, helping farmers repair hundreds of kilometres of fences damaged during the flash flooding in early March.
The group set up camp at the South Burnett PCYC in Murgon on April 7 with the first volunteer crews heading out to the Booubyjan area the next day.
When southburnett.com.au dropped in on Saturday, about a dozen volunteers had just returned from working a long day in the sun clearing debris and fallen trees from fences, re-erecting posts and gates, and installing strainers.
Camp co-ordinators Judy and Max Robbins said this was the fifth time that BlazeAid had set up a camp at Murgon to help out after local natural disasters.
The couple, from the NSW Central Coast, are fresh from Victoria where they have been volunteering after bushfires.
“The Murgon community has really welcomed us,” Judy said.
She urged farmers who had been affected by the flooding to contact them to go on their list, even if they had been helped by BlazeAid in the past.
“Some are embarrassed to have us come back again, but there’s no need! This is what we are here for,” Judy said.
It is not possible for BlazeAid to fix every fencing problem on a farm, but that’s not really the point.
Sometimes it helps to just have a chat …
“We try to give everyone a helping hand, it really helps them mentally to know they have not been forgotten,” Max said.
“It puts a big smile on their faces.”
Judy and Max are on the lookout for more volunteers – members of the local community, visitors and backpackers – even if it’s just for a day.
“It can help backpackers trying to get their 88-day requirement,” Judy said.
BlazeAid covers all the insurance issues.
And the volunteers don’t have to have fencing skills, as there are plenty of jobs around the camp that also have to be done, including preparing and cooking food.
“If they can just cook, we will provide the food. Co-ordinating the camp and cooking can become a bit hectic!” Judy said.
The Murgon camp is also looking for donations … meals, food stuffs, bottled water and, of course, cash to buy items.
“But we really need more volunteers!” Judy said.
BlazeAid expects to remain in Murgon until about mid-June.
Farmers who would like a visit from BlazeAid should ring 0405-194-647 or email murgon@blazeaid.com
Donations of food and drinks can be dropped off at the South Burnett PCYC in Macalister Street, Murgon.
Cash donations can be made online
