A small army of volunteers from the organisation BlazeAid have marched into the Scenic Rim, looking to help local farmers mend fences and fix hearts in the wake of the devastating floods in March.
Federal Member for Wright Scott Buchholz visited the BlazeAid camp at the Rathdowney and District Memorial Grounds to express his gratitude to the humble and hardworking volunteers, presenting them with a Wright Community Contribution Award and donating much needed camp supplies.
“The BlazeAid volunteers are restoring our local community, not only by clearing and rebuilding fences but by providing emotional support and lifting the spirits of those hit hardest by the recent floods,” Mr Buchholz said.
“It was my pleasure to present BlazeAid with a Wright Community Contribution Award and donate first-aid kits and stationary supplies to help keep their operation running.”
The Rathdowney camp was set up after the local farming community reached out to BlazeAid for assistance after the recent floods.
BlazeAid Camp coordinators Malcolm and Vicki McIntosh said they had received a lot of community support.
“We’ve done more BlazeAids than fingers and toes but people have bent over backwards here to help us with anything we’ve asked for,” Mrs McIntosh said.
“The Scenic Rim Regional Council has provided logistical support, locals have given us tables, chairs, fridges and cooking utensils while local businesses have provided us with leftover food.”
Mr and Mrs McIntosh said people had travelled from as far as Tasmania, Victoria and the Northern Territory to volunteer in the Scenic Rim.
“There’s a lot of givers in this group and it doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor, floods don’t discriminate and neither do we.”
Mr Buchholz said the ‘Orange Angels’ – so named for their penchant for hi-vis – deserve a huge thank you for the work they are doing for our local farmers.
“I am so grateful for the humble and hardworking BlazeAid volunteers, the local community is so lucky to have you here helping us in our time of need.”
