Rebuild Pappinbarra with the support of Pappinbarra Progress Association have been able to purchase fencing materials for fire affected farmers.

The distribution of the fencing gear was completed recently from the proceeds of the fodder, fencing and farm gear fundraiser.

Nearly $20,000 worth of fencing materials were distributed to residents of Pappinbarra affected by the February 12 bushfires. 

Rebuild Pappinbarra driver Lisa McLeod said she was pleased to finally be able to provide the fencing materials.

“It’s been a long time coming, and it is so great to finally get the materials to the farmers who need them,” she said.

It took the Rebuild Pappinbarra team some time to gather the funds, with the results of the Dance 4 Pappinbarra that Footprints in Ag coordinated with the support of Wauchope Lions Club, becoming available in April.

The event was a huge success – utilising the donations of many local businesses – raising half the total in one night, said Mrs McLeod.

“The online fundraiser also saw donations coming in from across the country, with the total reaching the $20,000 mark in early May,” she said.

“Every time we saw another donation come in, we were in awe. We still are.

“We are so grateful to each and every person or group who donated - either a little or a lot. The kindness and support shown to our community has really blown us away.”

Whilst donations for the purchase of sheds for those who lost their homes continue to be sought (through Wauchope Rotary), fundraising specifically for fencing and farm gear has been brought to a close with the purchase of these goods.

Since this has been finalised, the next step has been to determine the best use of the money, and to find an appropriate supplier to deliver the goods.

“We felt it was really important as custodians of this money, that we made sure that we obtained great value. Every cent we could save meant more fencing materials on the ground for people to use.

“We requested several quotes, and we found the best we could obtain was from our local supporters, Wauchope Rural Centre.

“We were so pleased to be able to keep this money in the direct local economy, as well as support Mark and Lisa Baker, who have done so much for Pappinbarra since the fires.”

Pappinbarra Valley residents who were affected and registered to receive fencing support have been notified of the provision of the materials by email or phone.

One of these farms is Natures Echo owned by Mark and Cathy Relf. Their farm lost most of its fences as the fire raged up their hill in the treacherous conditions that Sunday in February. They have been unable to replace many of their internal fences.

Like many of the small farms in the district, insurance for fencing is unaffordable, and so they have had to wait to replace these fences bit by bit.

“If we didn’t receive this fencing gear, it would be so much longer until we could do more of our fences,” Mrs Rolf said.

“I don’t really know what to say. It’s so humbling to accept these posts and wire, but we are grateful because we know that people wanted to help us, and it will make such a difference.”