General News
10 February, 2026
Blaze Aid restores hope one fence line at a time
Blaze Aid has assisted farmers and property owners in Natimuk, Quantong, and Vectis.
The Grass Flat fires swept through these communities on January 9, devastating homes, buildings, and the land.
This is where Blaze Aid steps in as soon as it is safe to do so, beginning with one of the first steps of recovery: fencing.
"One farmer told me that once we had begun fencing his paddocks, he could begin to pick up the pieces because we had done the first step," team coordinator Ell Robinson-Clarke said.
"He said until then he had not known where to start because the big picture looked so bleak."
Currently, about 30 people are staying at the camp in tents and caravans, spending their days clearing debris from fence lines and building new fences.
"In just three days, we have cleared 10.77 kilometres of fence line and erected 3.05 kilometres of brand new fencing," Ell said.
"It's a fantastic effort, it's hard work, but it's rewarding too."
It's a volunteer-based project with people just turning up when they know Blaze Aid is on the job.
"We have 33 kilometres of fencing registered, and 13 farmers, but we know there are many more kilometres than that to be replaced," Ell said.
Ell said they encourage everyone who needs fencing to register.
"Many of those in need are hesitant to come forward, saying that they think there is someone else more deserving, but we need to hear from them so we know what needs to be done."
"Please encourage everyone in need to come forward and register; we are here to help."
Ell is passionate about the work and says working amongst the people of Natimuk has shown her the worst of weather but the best of people.
"They are kind, passionate, honourable people and I feel so privileged to be working with them," she said.
One volunteer, a farmer, told Ell, "This is my mental health through fencing".
He had been through a similar thing and had received help, and now it is his way of giving back.
But not all volunteers are farmers affected by natural disasters.
Tumby Bay couple, Jill and Terry, were holidaying, enjoying some time away on long service leave.
"We heard about the fires and just decided to do something worthwhile with our time," Terry said.
"It's a healthy thing to do... and we have met great people," he said.
Joining them to make up the crew working on one of the properties were Peter from Melbourne and John from Handorf in South Australia.
They all said they'd encourage anyone to lend a hand in any way they could.
Blaze Aid is a volunteer-based organisation and depends mainly on donations.
"The crews are provided breakfast, a cut lunch to take with them out in the field and a dinner in the evening, so this is where the public can help," Ell said.
"While the locals have been amazing, turning up to help, we still need food, people, to help prepare."
Fuel is also an issue, as volunteers must travel to Horsham or Edenhoipe to get it, as there is no fuel outlet in Natimuk.
While the property owner provides most fencing, donations of fencing are also appreciated.
"We are here as long as we are needed, but if we need people to register so we can plan and help as many people as we can," Ell said.
Blaze Aid currently has 11 camps set up in Australia, and nine of them are in Victoria, highlighting the need for so many communities since the bushfires.
Read More: Natimuk