It is difficult to know where to begin in reviewing the past week. “Horrifying” is the adjective that springs immediately to mind; but “uplifting” is equally appropriate.
A disaster such as we have witnessed can happen with so quickly. One moment you are celebrating Christmas and New Year, recharging your batteries, taking a more than usual interest in summer sports; the next moment you are in the middle of an inferno, fighting for your life and to save all that is precious to you.
Everywhere you look, there are farmers – and we’re so proud of all of them.
We’ve all seen the images of farmers in bushfire areas surrounded by burnt paddocks and woolsheds, worried about their farm animals; but grateful their families are safe.
Less visibly, farmers across the state have been out in force supporting their mates, their neighbours, and their communities. They’ve been working tirelessly in volunteer fire brigades; they’ve been helping shift stock; and they’ve been turning out to help those affected.
Sometimes, they are even the same farmers. Earlier this week, a Midlands farmer rang and offered a donation of significant quantity of baled hay to distribute to affected farms in the south. A carrier was organised to pick it up the next day – but had to be postponed because the bloke was out in the paddocks fighting a fire on his own farm. Yet he took the time to let the carrier know, and then to ring us and reschedule the pickup.
The TFGA is a family. It is all for one and one for all with us. So we’ve taken responsibility for organising aid to all farmers affected by the bushfires – members or not. It is important to know that DPIPWE is still the prime contact for veterinary advice, but for logistical and infrastructure support, farmers should come to us first.
The key contact is our special hotline number, 1800 154 111. Through receiving calls from farmers in need and calls from those who can assist them, our staff and volunteers can co-ordinate help when and where it is most needed.
What those who have been hit by the fires right now include:
• fodder
• fencing materials
• generators
• portable yards
• livestock crates for transport
• agistment for stock
In the weeks ahead, they are going to need a hand with cleaning up and replacing fencing, especially along roads and highways.
Farming and transport go hand in hand. At times like this, Tasmanian transport companies are always the first to put their hands up. But their generosity has its limits – and I know they’d welcome some assistance to help cover fuel costs.
We have established a special donations fund to help farmers. Cash is always a good option when people are trying to determine how best to help.
Details are available on our website, along with a range of useful contacts, FAQs, fact sheets and other relevant information. This includes links to the care of animals affected by bushfires. (click on the emergency bushfire link at the bottom of the front page.)
On Black Tuesday 1967, 46 years ago, 62 Tasmanians died, 900 were injured and 7000 were left homeless. This time, touch wood, there have been no fatalities. We do learn, but this will happen again and with greater frequency, so the climate experts tell us. So we need to be focused on how we can be even better prepared in the future.
And we need to work together as a community.
Disasters certainly bring out the best in people, as we’ve seen over the past week. Amidst the destruction, there are stories of optimism and hope. Amidst the devastation, there are a myriad of examples of generosity and selflessness. These are the attributes that, as Tasmanians, we should work to sustain in all circumstances.
Finally, on behalf of those farmers who have been affected by these fires, I want to thank everyone for their help and support.
