South-west fire-affected properties have 500 new trees where old ones once stood thanks to volunteers.
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ReGreen4FireAid has been working in the fire-affected regions of Garvoc, Terang, Gnotuk and Hawkesdale which were hit by the St Patrick’s Day fires.
Co-ordinator Julie Regan said there were 304 fire-affected properties and farmers who registered were given 500 trees to begin their shelter belts.
The ReGreen4FireAid volunteers, who work at Warrnambool’s Deakin University, are partnering with Landcare, the Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning (DELWP) and the Moyne and Corangamite shires.
“We’ve had donations given to us from the public, a couple of different businesses and DELWP has given us a grant of $5000 which we bought trees with,” she said.
Mrs Regan said ReGreen4FireAid members and volunteers would work until mid October and begin planting again next year.
“We’ve given farmers 500 trees to start their shelter belts. We’re coming to the end of the season now but we’ll be starting again in autumn. Because summer’s coming up it’s getting too dry to start planting.
“We’ve done quite a few plants already. If we haven’t actually planted them, we’ve given lots of trees out. We’ve given thousands away to farmers in the area.”
Mrs Regan said there were some property owners who didn’t realise help was available. Property owners have to register with the Corangamite or Moyne shires to receive assistance.
She said farmers were rapt to receive the help. “They’re extremely grateful. They can’t believe people have been so generous.”
Garvoc residents Mary Ann and Ron Mills lost 300 acres in the fires. She said volunteers planted 500 trees in four hours. “Everyone was so enthusiastic,” she said. “It was wonderful.”
Mrs Mills was grateful for the aid and said it was one less thing to do during the fire recovery process. She encouraged anyone in a similar position to register for the program.
Mrs Regan said it would be fantastic to have more volunteers for upcoming plantings, especially in the Hawkesdale and Gazette area, and called on groups or schools to get involved.
To donate money or trees or to volunteer, message the ReGreen4FireAid Facebook page.