Rotary applauds Cobargo BlazeAid volunteers

Cobargo BlazeAid volunteers enjoyed the hospitality of Narrandera and Narooma Rotary Clubs at Cobargo Hotel on Thursday night.

“We’re all so grateful for the job you amazing BlazeAid people are doing,” said Narooma Rotary President Andrew Lawson of Wandella. “What you’re doing really epitomizes this year’s Rotary theme of ‘Serve to Change Lives’.”

Cobargo BlazeAid coordinator Peter Provost of Albany said their volunteers have clocked up 102,000 man hours since early 2020, mainly fencing properties in areas burnt by the bushfires. They hope to finish in December.

“The Cobargo camp peaked last year at 100-120 people and 666 volunteers have passed through,” Mr Provost said.

“At the moment we have 15 volunteers; six live in the BlazeAid camp and the others are locals who do a few days a week. Some have been involved since day one.

“What we all get from helping in this way is the satisfaction from helping people in their recovery as well as enjoying the camaraderie.

“For some property owners, just having their fencing redone somehow seems to kick them into gear and help them move on from the fires.”

Since the start, feeding everyone has been a mammoth effort with some food and meals provided by various community groups, particularly Tilba and Cobargo CWAs, as well as contributions such as Thursday’s dinner by Rotary.

[The Australian Bureau of Statistics values 102,000 volunteer hours at $4.26m.]

Above: Narooma Rotary President Andrew Lawson at the dinner for Cobargo BlazeAid volunteers on Thursday sponsored by Narrandera and Narooma Rotary Clubs.

BlazeAid Cobargo Some numbers: BlazeAid Cobargo have been rebuilding fences for fire-affected people in the Cobargo area for 16 months. In that time: 179 properties have been completed 245 km burnt fencing has been cleared 235km new fencing has been installed 630 volunteers have contributed a total of 95,000 hours volunteering There are 156 properties to finish! A massive congratulations to each and every volunteer who has contributed to these efforts..