BlazeAid hard at work

Behind the steady movement is a carefully coordinated operation with one clear goal: helping fire‑affected communities rebuild.

Since January 19, camp coordinator Debra Ong has helped oversee a major recovery effort following the bushfires that tore through surrounding bushland and farming country.

The scale of the task is confronting.

To date, BlazeAid volunteers have cleared 332 kilometres of damaged fencing and fully rebuilt another 148 kilometres, and there is still far more to do.

“We’ve got hundreds of kilometres left,” Ms Ong said.

“Some properties have lost 20 or even 30 kilometres of fencing on their own.”

More than 250 properties are registered for assistance, and 623 volunteers have already passed through the Longwood camp.

On a typical day, around 60 people are involved in the operation, with about 45 working out in the paddocks and another 15 filling logistical and support roles.

Volunteers record their work at each site, measuring distances by GPS before the data is logged and tracked back at camp.

The workforce is as diverse as the task is demanding.

Volunteers have travelled from across Victoria, Queensland, NSW, South Australia and Canberra, as well as from overseas.

Many are “grey nomads”, retired travellers keen to lend a hand, while others are backpackers counting their time toward working visa requirements.

At present, around 10 international volunteers from countries including China, Italy and France are on-site.

This week, the operation has grown even larger.

More than 100 students and 21 teachers are arriving to work across eight properties, guided by BlazeAid volunteers and experienced team leaders.

They will spend long days clearing and fencing before returning to camp in the afternoon, adding to what Ms Ong described as a “chaotic but friendly” atmosphere.

The work is not cheap.

Fencing materials alone cost about $10,000 per kilometre, and donations are limited.

BlazeAid prioritises those worst affected, particularly landholders who rely on their properties for income or who are uninsured or underinsured.

Despite the challenges, Ms Ong said community support had been overwhelming.

Locals regularly drop off food, offer assistance and quietly pitch in where they can.

“We just start and keep going,” she said.

“You can’t focus on the scale too much.”

For BlazeAid, every rebuilt fence is more than wire and posts, it is a small but vital step towards recovery, one kilometre at a time.

BlazeAid is encouraging anyone who can spare the time to volunteer, with Ms Ong stressing that even a single day on the tools can make a meaningful difference.

Volunteers don’t need previous fencing experience, with training provided on the job, but they do need to be reasonably fit and willing to work and be part of a team.

Anyone interested in volunteering with BlazeAid can register online or visit the Longwood BlazeAid camp in person.

Donations can also be made online, with options to specify the Longwood camp as the desired recipient.

Visit the BlazeAid website here.