General News
6 April, 2025
Restoring hope after bushfires
BlazeAid volunteers from Australia and beyond have rolled into Nhill, ready to lend a hand and a whole lot of heart to local farmers recovering from the recent Little Desert fires.
After kicking off operations in Goroke on February 24, the group officially set up camp in Nhill on March 21.
Since then, volunteers have spent their days clearing burnt fence lines, removing debris, and rebuilding vital infrastructure across farms in the region.
Camp coordinator Debra Ong of Melbourne joined the crew in mid-March and now oversees a team of around 32 volunteers.
“We’ve come here to help in whatever way we can,” Ms Ong said.
“From clearing to rebuilding fences, we go where we’re needed.
“And we’ll stay as long as the farmers need us.”
Volunteers have come from across Australia, including Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia, Tasmania, different parts of Victoria, and even Belgium, Singapore, Scotland, and France.
Some are backpackers working toward visa days; others are retirees or locals simply wanting to give back.
“The community has been incredible,” Ms Ong said regarding the Hindmarsh community.
“People have stopped by with fresh fruit, vegetables, baked goods and even duck products from Love A Duck.
“The generosity here is just amazing.”
BlazeAid provides its support completely free of charge.
With funding from everyday Australians, government grants, and generous councils, including recent funding from the Hindmarsh and West Wimmera Shire, the group continues to meet the growing need for help.
“We understand it’s not easy to ask for help,” Ms Ong said.
“But we’re here for the farmers. We want them to know there’s no shame in accepting a hand—it’s what we’re here for.”
Each morning, the camp starts early.
Volunteers gather for breakfast at 6.30am, head out to work sites by 7.30am, and spend the day on farms across the region.
Some crews travel to Goroke or Dimboola, while others work closer to Nhill.
“We’ve got hard workers who give everything they’ve got,” Ong said. “They work through heat, dust, and long days because they care.”
BlazeAid welcomes new volunteers any time, even if they can only spare a day or two, and they’re still calling on farmers who may feel hesitant to reach out.
“We don’t pressure anyone, but we want people to know we’re here,” Ms Ong said.
“If you’ve been affected by the fires and need help, just give us a call.”
To contact the Nhill BlazeAid camp, call Debra Ong on 0463 109 59 or email nhill@blazeaid.com.au.
