Volunteers here to help

BLAZE Aid volunteers have set up camp in Hamilton to help Tasmanian farmers rebuild after wild weather. 

Blaze Aid is a volunteer based organisation that works with families, farmers and individuals in rural Australia after natural disasters such as fires and floods. 

From large commercial farm operations to hobby farmers and small rural landowners and everything in between, Blaze Aid volunteers are there to help people bounce back after natural disaster. 

Camp coordinator at Blaze Aid’s Hamilton camp Debra Ong said the organisation had six tool trailers stationed throughout Tasmania ready to assist those in rural areas affected by natural disasters. 

“We do prioritise farmers that are in desperate need, particularly with stock containment because that is a big issue for safety, and to maintain farm operations. 

“We will help rural property owners but it has to be from damage that is caused by a natural disaster of some sort,” Ms Ong said. 

Currently, Blaze Aid has a limited number of requests for help across Tasmania after wild weather in August and September.

Volunteers are addressing the needs of various properties that have suffered different levels of damage. Ms Ong encourages farmers in need of disaster cleanup assistance to reach out. 

“We keep hearing stories about farmers with damage on their farms who just don’t want to ask for help, and that’s fine, that’s their choice.

“Blaze Aid doesn’t charge the farmers anything, we want to help without adding financial stress.” 

Ms Ong said Blaze Aid’s volunteers were committed to staying on site until the rebuilding work is completed. 

Last week, volunteers began work in Hamilton, repairing fences, clearing debris from paddocks and fixing gates impacted by flooding. 

Ms Ong added that Blaze Aid is a service that is provided at no cost to farmers, who only need to cover the cost of any materials purchased for repairs, However Ms Ong said Blaze Aid crews were committed to reusing available materials wherever possible to keep costs down. 

“We’re a charity and not here to take work away from commercial fencers, our focus is on those impacted by natural disasters. 

“We know there are farmers in areas like Hamilton, Ouse, Bothwell, and Bushy Park who have had damage and we urge them to reach out for help,” Ms Ong said. 

While most volunteers at the Hamilton camp currently hail from Tasmania, Ms Ong says it’s nice to see people from Victoria, South Australia, and even international backpackers helping out.

The hands-on work currently being done at one Hamilton farm includes fixing a 200m fence that was destroyed by floodwaters, clearing two tonnes of rocks from a paddock and repairing gates.