General News
26 February, 2024
Around 60 people seek fire refuge in town
As Thursday’s fire threatened to blaze its way through towns sitting on the edge of the Central Goldfields, numerous residents at risk journeyed north, to seek refuge in Maryborough. In response to the Bayindeen fire’s spreading danger...
As Thursday’s fire threatened to blaze its way through towns sitting on the edge of the Central Goldfields, numerous residents at risk journeyed north, to seek refuge in Maryborough.
In response to the Bayindeen fire’s spreading danger, a community relief centre was established at Princes Park overnight on February 22 — with beds and essentials set up at the club rooms next to the grandstand.
Coming from places near and far, including Amphitheatre, Avoca, Moonambel and Percydale, about 60 people have travelled up to Maryborough since the evacuation advice was first issued last week, on Thursday.
As of 12 pm yesterday, it was still not safe to return to Amphitheatre as the fire in the region is yet to be controlled.
Residents from the affected area are currently still receiving assistance at the reserve — which houses necessary facilities like showers, toilets and space for caravans.
Maryborough’s centre is one of three, with the rest operating out of Wendouree and Ararat — all of which are being supported by The Salvation Army.
At Princes Park, the local branch has been looking after the evacuees’ bedding and catering requirements.
“We came out in the night and brought some light refreshments and some mattresses,” Salvos Captain Ron Stobie said.
“Our food truck was also parked there so we were able to provide dinner service — we can cater to hundreds of people so we’re ready if numbers increase.”
Alongside the provision of material aid, Mr Stobie believes the organisation has another important role in relief-focused situations.
“In the event of natural disasters, our primary goal is to be there for people in whatever way possible,” he said.
“Part of that is to also bring in a positive and hopeful energy because evacuating is a huge thing to happen to someone — we don’t know what their state of mind is or what’s happening to their property.
“So while we ensure everyone has a bed to sleep on and food to eat, we are also there to just sit and chat with them and make sure they’re alright.”
No one knows more about being optimistic when times get tough than the Georges.
The family of four moved to Amphitheatre two weeks ago from Maryborough — but with the fire, came an unfortunate turn of events.
Following directions to immediately leave, the couple, Glen and Nicole, drove their daughters and pets to the Goldfields Reservoir in their caravan, where they spent the night on Thursday, before setting up a temporary shelter at the relief centre.
“Our boxes are still packed, and the furniture is still on the veranda,” Glen said.
“We packed a few important things and left. It was definitely pretty scary because we could see the smoke coming towards us.
“It seems like we do have some bad luck because we just moved out of Maryborough but as long as the family is okay, I’m [happy].”
