BLAZEAID

**Bearman** · 5th February 2016, 06:13 PM

Anyone on here a volunteer for the above. Just looking ahead at retirement and what I am going to do (not that I am short of projects or things to do) but thinking that I might be able to use my life skills to help others less fortunate or victims of natural disasters etc. I am pretty proficient at all types of fencing and rural life and can drive anything from a small motorbike to a road train and feel that I may be able to contribute to helping our fellow man in time of need and also fulfil my like of camping out and living in the outdoors. It really appeals to me but would like to hear from anyone who has done this!

**LandyAndy** · 5th February 2016, 06:33 PM

Hi Brian.
Not had recent experience,but certainly would look into it in retirement.
I did a week after the Pingelly fires for the local Lions 20 years ago.Sort of left a bitter taste in my mouth,I wasnt a Lions member my employer was the president.It seems the hoity toity Lions folk on my team were happy to stand around and chat whilst I busted my hole

.
I used to enjoy fencing,its how I stuffed my back.These days I cant bang a steel post in,lift strainer posts etc.Can still use a chainsaw,tie wires and operate wire strainers.I would give it ago again.
The camps they setup sound really good,everything laid on,volleys go out in teams of 4 or 5 per farmer and only do what they are capable of in a day.
Andrew

**Bearman** · 5th February 2016, 06:51 PM

[QUOTE=t.It seems the hoity toity Lions folk on my team were happy to stand around and chat whilst I busted my hole

.
I used to enjoy fencing,its how I stuffed my back.These days I cant bang a steel post in,lift strainer posts etc.Can still use a chainsaw,tie wires and operate wire strainers.I would give it ago again.
The camps they setup sound really good,everything laid on,volleys go out in teams of 4 or 5 per farmer and only do what they are capable of in a day.
Andrew[/QUOTE]

I guess you will always get that Andrew, just thinking I should give some thing back. Not that I have taken much in my lifetime - never been on the dole or out of work ever, but I know country people and they are the salt of the earth and I would like to help out if I can. Heaven knows they need it these days - most of them are too proud to accept financial help of any kind.

**LandyAndy** · 5th February 2016, 07:31 PM

I dont know if you listen to "Macca" on sunday mornings."Blazeaiders" regularly phone in.
They just set up in Harvey for the Harvey Yarloop fire a few weeks back and have been busy over at Esperance.
The help the local economy too,they source their trailers and all the gear that goes into them local to the fires if they need more gear.
On a sad note,somebody stole 500l fuel from one of their trailers over the AUSTRALIA day weekend

Andrew

**Bearman** · 5th February 2016, 07:46 PM

I know "Macca" pretty well Andy and I think he does a great job, even tho he didn't give us any air time some years ago when I was organising a flood appeal back in the early "90's when West Qld had devastating floods. I rang him on Sunday morning and explained what we were doing ( organising scenic flights around Townsville with DHC6 twin otter aircraft - very cheaply I might add, just to get the people in and made it very family friendly cost wise. All the counter staff and pilots gave their time for free.) To my surprise Macca didn't even give it any air time. Put me off a bit but I guess there were probably a few more worthy causes than ours around at the time.

**Hall** · 5th February 2016, 08:57 PM

After the 2008/9 fires. I was through the Pajero club involved in relief work. I had one outing with blaze aide. They may do good work. At that time they never went further than the media coverage. We did work around Churchill. Calignee, Licola and as far as Devon North. The Pajero club was they only group from Melbourne that came out there. Not even the media came out there or the government for that matter. Simple business principals. Keep in the media and you get the lions share of the donated aide. The time I did work for them they where a unorganized lot.
If you want to help in times of need and as you own a 4wd, get into a local 4wd club that does aide work. 4wd clubs make a good choice for farm work. Members should be already self sufficient in regards to camping and can be able to reach remote parts of the property. Pretty much all the farm fencing I worked on where across paddocks. And some steep country too.
One in particular out the back of Licola. Had to lower the gear down by rope.
Cheers Hall

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