A VOLUNTEER farm repair group is calling on farmers in the Adelong area to help them rebuild communities ravaged by bushfires.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
BlazeAid president Kevin Butler said the group worked alongside rural families to rebuild fences and other structures damaged and destroyed by natural disasters such as the widespread bushfires felt in recent days.
But in order to do this, he said they are "desperately" in search of farmers who could help coordinate rebuilding efforts.
"If they help us by doing the training, we can help thousands affected by the bushfires," he said.
In other news:
A BlazeAid base camp in Adelong was granted clearance from the Snowy Valleys Shire, as well as the Adelong Showgrounds committee and the local fire brigade.
But, Mr Butler said they are calling for more volunteers willing to coordinate up to 30 extra base camps across New South Wales and north east Victoria, Mr Butler said.
"This will facilitate tens of millions of dollars of aid to numerous fire ravaged rural communities under BlazeAid's proper governance codes," Mr Butler said.
He said farmers are encouraged to come to a community meeting at the Adelong showgrounds on Wednesday from 7pm where they can learn more about the volunteer-based organisation.
In the following days, Mr Butler said farmers can participate in one of four training days from Thursday to Sunday, which start at 6am.
"Coordinators in training will go out to help clean-up on fire-damaged farms ... in teams, but will return ... to the base for multiple training sessions," he said.
"[They're] asked to bring their own smartphones, hard hat, riggers, gloves, smoke masks, goggles, hi vis vest and a pair of Knipex or Starcraft wire cutters as we will be mainly cutting and rolling up burnt wire before proper re-fencing starts."
Mr Butler said farmers could message him on 0418 530 471 with their name, address and phone number on Wednesday between 2pm and 5pm.