Volunteers rebuild after fires

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Man building a fenceWhen bushfires destroyed hundreds of kilometres of fences in February 2009, staff at the McIvor Neighbourhood House in the central Victorian district of Heathcote sprang into action.

They were determined to turn this tragedy into an opportunity for local people to rebuild their lives and learn valuable new skills.

It is estimated that 170 kilometres of fencing was destroyed in the fires, impacting the rural townships of Redesdale, Glenhope, Mia Mia, Bayton and Sidonia.

By using their own resources, as well as those in their local government, the House successfully engaged the broader community and secured significant donations of fencing materials.

The Victorian Government grant of $5,000 from the Volunteer Small Grant – Bushfire Relief 2009 program enabled McIvor Neighbourhood House to coordinate the training of a team of 24 volunteers.

The volunteers completed an accredited and practical farm-fencing course so that fences were repaired and rebuilt by volunteers learning new skills. The course included all necessary occupational health and safety requirements and on completion, each person was awarded a certificate in fencing.

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