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The terrible bush fires at Pappinbarra have brought out the incredible community spirit and kindness of people there, in Beechwood, Wauchope and around the Hastings.
When news broke on Sunday (February 12) that people were being asked to leave their homes in Pappinbarra because of the fires, Wauchope Show Society opened the Showground.
President Neil Coombes said they wanted to give food and shelter to anyone who needed it. And as people arrived, some with young children, some with horses, dogs and cats, they were made welcome.
“Some people just wanted something to eat and drink, and then their friends and families found a place for them. Others stayed,” said Neil.
Local businesses like Coppi’s Butchers brought meat, Wauchope Bakery sent bread, Fuzzy Ducks cafe fed weary firefighters, and the Westpac Helicopter Support Group volunteers brought food and hot drinks.
When a call for bedding went out on Facebook, people began arriving from all over the Hastings, with fresh water, food and drink, clothes, mattresses and sheets.
Jenny and Rob Hamilton at Timbertown Resort and Motel offered free accommodation to anyone who needed shelter, and were a welcome oasis for families who had fled the fires, as well as weary firefighters who had been beating back intense flames all day, and saving homes around Pappinbarra.
People went on Facebook to offer spare rooms or caravans to people made homeless by the fires.
Lisa McLeod of the Pappinbarra Progress Association was at Hollisdale Hall on Monday morning, opening it for local people, many still in shock, to be with family and friends and get something to eat.
It’s at times like this that we come together and open our hearts to all our community members.
- Lisa McLeod, Pappinbarra Progress Association
“It’s at times like this that we come together and open our hearts to all our community members. Everyone still needs to be really vigilant and look after each other,” she said.
Beechwood Public School opened its canteen to provide breakfast and lunch for people affected by the bushfires.
Wauchope Rotary are now planning to set up a fund for people affected by the fires. Rotary’s Reg Pierce said the Showground are expecting 14-plus people to stay there tonight.
“We are working with the Hastings Co-op to get whatever food is needed,” he said.
NSW Roads Minister and member for Oxley, Melinda Pavey said it was terrible, but it could have been so much worse.
She visited residents at Pappinbarra and the Wauchope Showground where people were bringing towels, bedding and pet food, and she praised the community.
“I’m so grateful to see so many people coming together for what’s been a really rugged weekend,” she said.
Wauchope Rural Centre in High Street are distributing stock and animal feed to the Pappinbarra community.
Wauchope Vets are asking anyone from Pappinbarra or Bellangry with animals injured in the bushfires to bring them in as soon as possible for a free assessment and first aid. Their number is 65851626.
Raelene Burtenshaw from Port Macquarie – Pay It Forward on Facebook are collecting food, water and clothing donations.
Hastings Co-op Chief Executive Allan Gordon said their thoughts and prayers were with all those affected by the devastating fires, including the brave men and women working tirelessly to keep our community safe.
“It’s hard to know what we can do to help, but now is the time to rally together and Hastings Co-op will do all we can.
“Over the coming days, we will be talking with emergency services and related authorities to determine the best way to assist affected families, whether that be in the form of groceries, clothing, bedding, stock feed or farm supplies.
“It has been heart-warming to witness the swell of community spirit this weekend. We are so proud to be part of the Hastings community and will be standing right beside you in the tough times,” he added.