Soldiers from the Australian Army have joined volunteers at BlazeAid at Wauchope Showground to build fences around local properties affected by the recent bushfires.
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BlazeAid is a volunteer based organisation helping families to rebuild their fences that have been damaged or destroyed.
The soldiers are from 2 Platoon Delta Company in the 2/17 Task Force of the Joint Task Force 1110. They arrived at Wauchope Showground on Monday January 20 for training.
"Working alongside the rural families, our volunteers help to rebuild fences and other structures that have been damaged or destroyed," said David Edgerley from BlazeAid.
"Equally important, volunteers also help to lift the spirits of people who are often facing their second or third flood event after years of drought, or devastating losses through bushfires."
BlazeAid volunteers work in a disaster-affected area for many months, not only helping individuals and families, but also helping rebuild the local communities.
Platoon commander Lieutenant Georgia Clare said there were 31 soldiers assisting BlazeAid. They have cleared a total of 2,035 metres squared and fenced a total of 3,685 metres squared in less than a week.
"We identified a number of areas in the NSW region that had been hit particularly badly by the bushfires in which we could help. We've had a training day with BlazeAid to familiarise the soldiers with the equipment and the people they will be working with," she explained.
"I've been really impressed by how people have picked up a new skill and we have all been made feel super welcome. We have been asked to take out a couple of teams, which is a very proud moment for me as a commander, to give the volunteers who have been doing this for months a well-deserved break.
"For us we come from all around New South Wales and the ACT and there is no greater honour than assisting the communities who have suffered through the worst fire season in a long time. We thank everyone for welcoming us so generously. We have really loved assisting here," she added.
You can drop in to BlazeAid at Wauchope Showground, or call Camp Coordinator David Edgerley on 0459 628 160 or email blazeaid.wauchope@gmail.com
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