Good Samaritans help at Tonimbuk
International disaster relief agency Samaritan’s Purse joined the Bunyip State Park fire recovery efforts last Monday.
They will spend the next month in the area, assisting existing volunteers with chopping and stacking wood, removing burnt fence posts and clearing fence lines, cleaning up garden waste, clearing smaller debris from properties and with chainsaw work.
They have joined the many volunteers currently helping in the recovery from community organisations including local four-wheel drive groups, BlazeAid, Lions Clubs International, Red Cross, St Vincent de Paul and Rotary groups.
Rob Rolley, deployment manager for Samaritan’s Purse Australia and New Zealand, said the organisation was looking forward to working alongside the current volunteers.
“Samaritan’s Purse has brought a disaster relief unit on wheels, full of supplies and equipment. We’ve set up camp in Garfield North until June 28,” Rob said.
“It will be a pleasure for us to support the great work the volunteers have been doing.”
The volunteer team say they would also like to hear from local residents who can spare a day or two to help out.”
There is still a large amount of work to be done in cleaning up and rebuilding after the fires. Local residents who would like to volunteer are invited to contact the bushfire recovery centre at Tonimbuk Hall to register their availability.
“There’s a range of jobs to do including office administration and outdoor work. If you are interested, please give us a call at the centre or just drop in,” said Cranbourne Lions Club internet branch member Shirley Higman.
Those affected by the fires are encouraged to drop in to the recovery centre at the Tonimbuk Hall, which was set up just after the disaster.
The Tonimbuk centre sees around 30 people drop by every day. Volunteers provide lunch, morning and afternoon tea.
Volunteers say the centre is crucial to providing mental health support to those affected by the fire. Professional counsellors regularly attend the centre and volunteers are often able to provide emotional support.