Black Saturday Property Clearing - Help Needed

[Teks]

The Country Emergency Response Group (CERG) needs your help on January 16th, 2010 with moving approximately 10-15 tonne of fallen timber from a Taggerty address following the Black Saturday fires. The property owners who are a really nice, elderly self sufficient couple (Marilyn & Ad) have been trying to cope on their own but came to an abrupt halt early December following a mini cyclone that tore through the district bringing down trees, power lines etc.

We have been approached by concerned neighbours and eventually the couple themselves for help. The job requires dragging away fallen timber from near the house to a central wood pile (windrow) at the front of the block. This job is a good opportunity to brush up on our off road driving skills. Some of the timber will require chainsawing into towable lengths and otherwise for winter firewood. Another couple of jobs are the removal and replacement of shade cloth over a 6m x 4m fernery and the laying of foundations for a new shed lost in the fires. We also need a builder or handyman who can help with basic foundations/framing of the shed.

If you have a spare few hours, drag chain, chainsaw and possibly a trailer (big or small) to help us we would really appreciate it.

If you don’t have access to these things we still need your help with loading and unloading trailers.

Estimated time for the job is ½ day at most if we get a good number of volunteers.

Meeting Time: 10-30am, Saturday 16th January 2010.

Meeting Place: Buxton Recreation Reserve, Maroondah Hwy (50m north of Buxton Trout & Salmon Farm).

What to bring: Lunch, drinks, hat, sunscreen, camp chair, family, friends, chainsaw, drag chains, car, trailer, ute. Work gloves will be provided to protect your hands from blisters, splinters and grime.

UHF Channel: 20.

Questions/Contact: Call Evan on 0411 533 248 or email vic_cerg@bigpond.com

Hoping to see you on the day,

Evan
CERG Coordinator

[alien]

Count me in Evan, I'll check with the neighbour also,might stay at Rubicon Sat. night if any one wants to(I'll post in upcoming events).


1....Alien d2 (+1?)...................Chainsaw and Drag chain.
2....
3....
4....
5....
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7....
8....
9....
10...
11...
12...
ect..

[alien]

Teks, I'll be on my own but still coming(O'niting..http://www.aulro.com/afvb/upcoming-events/95650-vic-rubicon-onite-16-1-10-after-http-www-aulro-com-afvb-general-chat-95633-bla.html ).

Any one thinking of helping out with this?

Don't want to shift 5 ton on my own:eek:, come on:)

[It'sNotWorthComplaining!]

Sorry, it's getting off topic but I ask
Nearly a year on and these people need help? That's sad!
What happened to all the assistance and more importantly the financial assistance of all the Millions of public donated dollars that were supposed to help people like this?????????????

It was ok for the Gov to fork out money to those neighbours here in the Dandenongs that decided to evacuate their properties when there were fires in the general area. They got undeserved financial assistance when all they did is leave for the day, they didn't suffer any loss, yet people who do loose things don't get help?

[Chops]

Ok,, count me in, SWMBO won't be happy, (first free weekend after our move:(:eek:) but, I have a saw and chains, and happy to tow big stuff around,,:D

We had fires go through our farm up at Gerogery just proir to Xmas, so im in practice with clearing,, Council came through and felled all the dangerous trees along the roadside,,Would have been nice to see people help up that way, instead of taking all the good fallen timber for themselves,, although some looked alot like professional type set ups:mad:. We lost all our wood stacks to the fire, and paddock trees were left to burn,,:(

[EchiDna]

Sorry, it's getting off topic but I ask
Nearly a year on and these people need help? That's sad!
What happened to all the assistance and more importantly the financial assistance of all the Millions of public donated dollars that were supposed to help people like this?????????????

It was ok for the Gov to fork out money to those neighbours here in the Dandenongs that decided to evacuate their properties when there were fires in the general area. They got undeserved financial assistance when all they did is leave for the day, they didn't suffer any loss, yet people who do loose things don't get help?


Mate, don't take this personally coz I'm not having a go at you in particular... instead of complaining, just get stuck in and help.

My retired dad has spent 3-4 days a week all year doing clearing, fencing and whatever needs doing with CERG et al. All volunteer, all using his own vehicle, paying for his own fuel and often paying for his own accommodation and food unless billeted out to a local family. Yes he has the time available, but waiting on the government to look after it aint going to do a thing to solve the problem. The donated funds has gone towards all kinds of things like feeding volunteers lunch, paying for resources such as kitchen gear etc etc - but it was a drop in the ocean compared to the real needs.

That said our own family got stuff all help from anyone after Ash Wednesday in 1983 and that took us years to clean up.

[Teks]

Sorry, it's getting off topic but I ask
Nearly a year on and these people need help? That's sad!
What happened to all the assistance and more importantly the financial assistance of all the Millions of public donated dollars that were supposed to help people like this?????????????

It was ok for the Gov to fork out money to those neighbours here in the Dandenongs that decided to evacuate their properties when there were fires in the general area. They got undeserved financial assistance when all they did is leave for the day, they didn't suffer any loss, yet people who do loose things don't get help?

OK, to answer your off topic point of view, I have been through CERG working nearly every weekend (sometimes midweek) in Kinglake, Marysville, Buxton and Taggerty since Black Saturday night assisting farmers and home owners particularly those who have literally fallen through the cracks of the various aid packages.

Now I could have stayed home and spent my fuel money and other expenses on a new set of driving lights that I wish I had plus a stack of other stuff around the home but I can live without these luxuries a little longer when there are people out there who through no fault of their own are now on the breadline struggling through each day with deep greif and very little in the way of creature comforts. Lord knows how they got through winter living in a tent or a shed.

The elderly couple we are helping are far from a drain on the public purse as they are usually totally self sufficient living off their fruit trees planted eons ago and their vege patch which is now less than a quarter of its original size. The couple do not draw a pension and do not lean on their community for anything except for now. Due to a mini cyclone ripping thru the area a stack of trees have come down apart from those that came down following Black Saturday creating a whole new fire hazard. Their neighbours have pitched in to help but the jobs are too large for just 4 people with limited equipment. The couple reluctantly contacted me for assistance which is a big step for them as they normally help other people instead.

After surveying the property I can now see their plight and I promised them that a solution would be found hence my appeal for help.

As for all the aid money a lot of that has been dished out to various community projects as well as cash payments to those folk who lost family members and property. Just under a third of the total I am led to believe is still waiting in the wings with some of it going to various community events over the next few weeks.

At the end of the day it’s not what people say but what they actually do that matters.
I am a doer not just a chin wagger talking about what ought to be done.

Should I expect your assistance on the 16th? We need it.

[Teks]

Ok,, count me in, SWMBO won't be happy, (first free weekend after our move:(:eek:) but, I have a saw and chains, and happy to tow big stuff around,,:D

We had fires go through our farm up at Gerogery just proir to Xmas, so im in practice with clearing,, Council came through and felled all the dangerous trees along the roadside,,Would have been nice to see people help up that way, instead of taking all the good fallen timber for themselves,, although some looked alot like professional type set ups:mad:. We lost all our wood stacks to the fire, and paddock trees were left to burn,,:(

Chops, it'll great to catch up with you on the day. If you want free firewood that burns like the fires of hell to replace what you lost let me know on the day as a neighbour I know has some nicely seasoned peppermint gum that is free to a good home.

Thanks for volunteering. I hope SWMBO can come too.:)

[Teks]

Teks, I'll be on my own but still coming(O'niting..http://www.aulro.com/afvb/upcoming-events/95650-vic-rubicon-onite-16-1-10-after-http-www-aulro-com-afvb-general-chat-95633-bla.html ).

Any one thinking of helping out with this?

Don't want to shift 5 ton on my own:eek:, come on:)

Mate you won't be shifting 5 ton on your own as we will have other volunteers to help you.:D:D

So far it looks as though we might have a upwards of 12 or more willing hands but any number is a good number.:)

[It'sNotWorthComplaining!]

Mate, don't take this personally coz I'm not having a go at you in particular... instead of complaining, just get stuck in and help.

My retired dad has spent 3-4 days a week all year doing clearing, fencing and whatever needs doing with CERG et al. All volunteer, all using his own vehicle, paying for his own fuel and often paying for his own accommodation and food unless billeted out to a local family. Yes he has the time available, but waiting on the government to look after it aint going to do a thing to solve the problem. The donated funds has gone towards all kinds of things like feeding volunteers lunch, paying for resources such as kitchen gear etc etc - but it was a drop in the ocean compared to the real needs.

That said our own family got stuff all help from anyone after Ash Wednesday in 1983 and that took us years to clean up.


OK, to answer your off topic point of view, I have been through CERG working nearly every weekend (sometimes midweek) in Kinglake, Marysville, Buxton and Taggerty since Black Saturday night assisting farmers and home owners particularly those who have literally fallen through the cracks of the various aid packages.



After surveying the property I can now see their plight and I promised them that a solution would be found hence my appeal for help.


At the end of the day it’s not what people say but what they actually do that matters.
I am a doer not just a chin wagger talking about what ought to be done.

Should I expect your assistance on the 16th? We need it.

Hey guys don't get upset with my question. I would be glad to help, but I have had surgery and am physically unable. I will probably be in hospital again around those dates.
I merely asked a question, and if you See I also Said it WAS SAD, that they need assistance..
You mention they have fallen through the cracks.....

I also stated that people in the Dandenongs got money for evacuatiing even though they sustained no damage. Some rorted this.
SO OTHERS LIKE YOUR COUPLE MISS OUT ON NEEDED FUNDS, THEY SUFFERED LOSSES. I personally know a FAMILY with 5 kids, no where effected by fire BUT LIVE IN AND AREA THAT HAD POTENTIAL TO BE EFFECTED. SO THAT WENT OUT FOR THE DAY. NOW THEY GOT A COUPLE OF GRAND$ BETWEEN THEM JUST FOR THE INCONVENIENCE OF LEAVING FOR THE DAY! IS THAT FAIR?
So they and many others WHO DIDN'T DESERVE IT took FUNDS THAT COULD HAVE GONE TO THE NEEDY like your Couple.

So I'm NOT COMPLAINING uneccessarily. A lot of people in my community have been disgusted in this. But there was insufficent control by the beaurcrats to prevent this. I know of one couple that was disgusted that later went an claimed it falsely and then took that money and donated it to the local CFA. They felt if the money was going to be handed out so freviously then they might as well try and help the CFA.
I commend any Volunteer to helping out people in their community.
I was just asking a question. You may have taken it the wrong way.

ANY I wish you luck with getting volunteers.
All the best.
Cheers

[adonuff]

Hi & sorry
we would love to help but we will be away on that weekend, on holidays. Then I'm committed up at Kinglake helping to finish my sisters new home.

Keep us in mind if you need help later in the year.

Andrew & Leigh

[incisor]

Black Saturday family devastated for second time after new house is torched | News.com.au (http://www.news.com.au/national/black-saturday-family-devastated-for-second-time-after-new-house-is-torched/story-e6frfkvr-1225816108491)

[It'sNotWorthComplaining!]

Black Saturday family devastated for second time after new house is torched | News.com.au (http://www.news.com.au/national/black-saturday-family-devastated-for-second-time-after-new-house-is-torched/story-e6frfkvr-1225816108491)
There should be harsh penalties for these low lifes when the a caught. It's on par with the low life looters.
Max penalties with no parole.
I'd like to hear what their defense barrister dreams up for an excuse

[Chops]

Chops, it'll great to catch up with you on the day. If you want free firewood that burns like the fires of hell to replace what you lost let me know on the day as a neighbour I know has some nicely seasoned peppermint gum that is free to a good home.

Thanks for volunteering. I hope SWMBO can come too.:)

Thanks Teks,,
Not sure I can manage the time for a 700k round trip :eek: to drop a load of wood to the farm,,(but one never knows what one can work with some organisation, ;)) I look forward to seeing you,,

Cheers

[JohnF]

Living just a few Kilometers from the Queensland border, and being told by the doctor to take it easy for the next several weeks, I cannot come to help you, but would like to thank all those who volenteered to help. It is great to se that you are doing this.

[It'sNotWorthComplaining!]

For what it's worth, a lot of people on still on holidays and are in far away places.
Possibly if this was also posted on somewhere like Land rover owners club of Victoria, it might attract more audience of Victorian specific people.

Or post it on a Toyota or Nissan 4wd club , it might get them to chip in just to prove they can do it better than the Landies
I unfortunately am not a member of any of these, but some one here might be and could pass the info on. Many hands make light work and the purpose of this is to help people, so who cares what they drive

[Teks]

For what it's worth, a lot of people on still on holidays and are in far away places.
Possibly if this was also posted on somewhere like Land rover owners club of Victoria, it might attract more audience of Victorian specific people.

Or post it on a Toyota or Nissan 4wd club , it might get them to chip in just to prove they can do it better than the Landies
I unfortunately am not a member of any of these, but some one here might be and could pass the info on. Many hands make light work and the purpose of this is to help people, so who cares what they drive


So far we are we are expecting members from
Vic Krawlers
Victorian 4WD Club
Nissan 4X4 Club
CCJC
Outer Limits 4X4 Internet Forum
4X4 Earth Internet Forum
AULRO Internet Forum
All Wheel Drive Club
and AULRO

Being a past member of LROCV I'm not expecting any help from them as they had enough trouble getting anymore than 10 or so members (out of 900+ members!) to help back in Feb/Mar 09 when the fires were burning. The Rural Response Group of 4WD Victoria along with the Pajero Club packed it in late August with the notion that
everything in the fire zones was back to normal - stuffed if I know how they came to that conclusion considering the amount of recovery work still going on. :angry::angry:

[Teks]

Hey guys don't get upset with my question. I would be glad to help, but I have had surgery and am physically unable. I will probably be in hospital again around those dates.
I merely asked a question, and if you See I also Said it WAS SAD, that they need assistance..
You mention they have fallen through the cracks.....

I also stated that people in the Dandenongs got money for evacuatiing even though they sustained no damage. Some rorted this.
SO OTHERS LIKE YOUR COUPLE MISS OUT ON NEEDED FUNDS, THEY SUFFERED LOSSES. I personally know a FAMILY with 5 kids, no where effected by fire BUT LIVE IN AND AREA THAT HAD POTENTIAL TO BE EFFECTED. SO THAT WENT OUT FOR THE DAY. NOW THEY GOT A COUPLE OF GRAND$ BETWEEN THEM JUST FOR THE INCONVENIENCE OF LEAVING FOR THE DAY! IS THAT FAIR?
So they and many others WHO DIDN'T DESERVE IT took FUNDS THAT COULD HAVE GONE TO THE NEEDY like your Couple.

So I'm NOT COMPLAINING uneccessarily. A lot of people in my community have been disgusted in this. But there was insufficent control by the beaurcrats to prevent this. I know of one couple that was disgusted that later went an claimed it falsely and then took that money and donated it to the local CFA. They felt if the money was going to be handed out so freviously then they might as well try and help the CFA.
I commend any Volunteer to helping out people in their community.
I was just asking a question. You may have taken it the wrong way.

ANY I wish you luck with getting volunteers.
All the best.
Cheers


Sorry. I did get the wrong end of the stick.
What I want to know is who or what agency gave the $2k to the crooked family? I've never heard of evacuees being paid before. Mind you I have heard of many families who were far from fire affected making full use of donated goods at various fire relief centres - some of them loading up their cars to the roof line with food, new clothes, power tools etc etc. The annoying thing is that the cops can't do anything about this pilfering.

[Teks]

Just to bring everyone up to date, we now have members of the following groups attending at the Taggerty cleanup on January 16th –

Vic Krawlers
Victorian 4WD Club
Nissan 4X4 Club
Cross Country Jeep Club
Outer Limits 4X4 Internet Forum
4X4 Earth Internet Forum
AULRO Internet Forum
All Wheel Drive Club
Bushtrek 4WD Club

Sending a hearty thanks to all those who have volunteered,

teks :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

[It'sNotWorthComplaining!]

Sorry. I did get the wrong end of the stick.
What I want to know is who or what agency gave the $2k to the crooked family? I've never heard of evacuees being paid before. Mind you I have heard of many families who were far from fire affected making full use of donated goods at various fire relief centres - some of them loading up their cars to the roof line with food, new clothes, power tools etc etc. The annoying thing is that the cops can't do anything about this pilfering.
The payment was through Centre link, you had to register to get it.
I was disgusted when I found out. During the last fires in the UPWEY Morris road and the 5 hectare at the National Park, the CFA web site warned residents to be wary. I stood ground and stayed home. The fires were not immediate threat in my part of the area, although I was closer to the fire fronts than others that evacuated. It wasn't till a week later rumours started about people that left had received the money. I was lead to believe $1k for adults and $500 for kids. I was discussing this with some one and that person confirmed they had received it also. The excuse was it was traumatic for the kids. I believe it was mentioned on the Neil Mitchell show. I sent an email to Channel 9's A CURRANT AFFAIR to expose it, but they never replied. Might not have been news worthy enough!
I know of a Post Office where I was friendly with the previous proprietor and was discussing it. He told me that some locals were actually bragging about the funds they got.
I told my sister inlaw about this and she and her husband were disgusted, they had evacuated on that day from Selby. After hearing about the rort they went down after a couple of weeks ands claimed the money too. Then went down to the CFA and gave them the cheque . She told me that if others in the area had a concience they should also give the local CFA the money they received.
What pees me off is that how do the beauros come up with the value of $1k per adult and $500 for kids.
Leave the mountain for the day and go to somewhere safe like Knox City shopping centre kill the day there then return and get the Dosh!.
Even a hotel/motel would cost more than say $150 per night, oh I for IT'S THE TRAUMA. It was a JOKE what happened:mad:

[alien]

With all the chat I think this got lost :confused:


The Country Emergency Response Group (CERG) needs your help on January 16th, 2010 with moving approximately 10-15 tonne of fallen timber from a Taggerty address following the Black Saturday fires. The property owners who are a really nice, elderly self sufficient couple (Marilyn & Ad) have been trying to cope on their own but came to an abrupt halt early December following a mini cyclone that tore through the district bringing down trees, power lines etc.

We have been approached by concerned neighbours and eventually the couple themselves for help. The job requires dragging away fallen timber from near the house to a central wood pile (windrow) at the front of the block. This job is a good opportunity to brush up on our off road driving skills. Some of the timber will require chainsawing into towable lengths and otherwise for winter firewood. Another couple of jobs are the removal and replacement of shade cloth over a 6m x 4m fernery and the laying of foundations for a new shed lost in the fires. We also need a builder or handyman who can help with basic foundations/framing of the shed.

If you have a spare few hours, drag chain, chainsaw and possibly a trailer (big or small) to help us we would really appreciate it.

If you don’t have access to these things we still need your help with loading and unloading trailers.

Estimated time for the job is ½ day at most if we get a good number of volunteers.

Meeting Time: 10-30am, Saturday 16th January 2010.

Meeting Place: Buxton Recreation Reserve, Maroondah Hwy (50m north of Buxton Trout & Salmon Farm).

What to bring: Lunch, drinks, hat, sunscreen, camp chair, family, friends, chainsaw, drag chains, car, trailer, ute. Work gloves will be provided to protect your hands from blisters, splinters and grime.

UHF Channel: 20.

Questions/Contact: Call Evan on 0411 533 248 or email vic_cerg@bigpond.com

Hoping to see you on the day,

Evan
CERG Coordinator

List as best I know from AULRO Internet Forum....
1....Alien d2...................Chainsaw and drag chain.
2....Chops......................Chainsaw and drag chain.
3....
4....
5....
6....
Plus....
Vic Krawlers
Victorian 4WD Club
Nissan 4X4 Club
Cross Country Jeep Club
Outer Limits 4X4 Internet Forum
4X4 Earth Internet Forum
All Wheel Drive Club
Bushtrek 4WD Club


Any one else???

[Teks]

The Country Emergency Response Group (CERG) needs your help on January 16th, 2010 with moving approximately 10-15 tonne of fallen timber from a Taggerty address following the Black Saturday fires. The property owners who are a really nice, elderly self sufficient couple (Marilyn & Ad) have been trying to cope on their own but came to an abrupt halt early December following a mini cyclone that tore through the district bringing down trees, power lines etc.

We have been approached by concerned neighbours and eventually the couple themselves for help. The job requires dragging away fallen timber from near the house to a central wood pile (windrow) at the front of the block. This job is a good opportunity to brush up on our off road driving skills. Some of the timber will require chainsawing into towable lengths and otherwise for winter firewood. Another couple of jobs are the removal and replacement of shade cloth over a 6m x 4m fernery and the laying of foundations for a new shed lost in the fires. We also need a builder or handyman who can help with basic foundations/framing of the shed.

If you have a spare few hours, drag chain, chainsaw and possibly a trailer (big or small) to help us we would really appreciate it.

If you don’t have access to these things we still need your help with loading and unloading trailers.

Estimated time for the job is ½ day at most if we get a good number of volunteers.

Meeting Time: 10-30am, Saturday 16th January 2010.

Meeting Place: Buxton Recreation Reserve, Maroondah Hwy (50m north of Buxton Trout & Salmon Farm).

What to bring: Lunch, drinks, hat, sunscreen, camp chair, family, friends, chainsaw, drag chains, car, trailer, ute. Work gloves will be provided to protect your hands from blisters, splinters and grime.

UHF Channel: 20.

Questions/Contact: Call Evan on 0411 533 248 or email vic_cerg@bigpond.com

Hoping to see you on the day,

Evan
CERG Coordinator


On behalf of Marilyn & Ad at Taggerty I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone of you who went up on Saturday.

You all kicked ass bigtime despite the obstacles, heat and the bloody flies! You are currently the talk of the district!!! Well done. :) :) :) :) :)

In a few weeks time we are going back again to finish what we started and soon after that we are going to have a big barbie as a thank you to all CERG helpers.

As Marilyn said last night on the phone "God bless you".

[drifter]

I am saddened to read this a day after it all happened. I'll try to keep a better eye on this part of the forum.

When Canberra had its problems, people were overwhelming in their efforts to assist - and I would have seen this as a good opportunity to show what goes around, comes around.

If I see the next call for assistance, I'll be in (if my demonic boss hasn't rostered me on that weekend). I don't have special tools or skills - but I do have a 4WD that works (most of the time) and a willingness to help.

John