Calling Tasmanian Farmers: BlazeAid is Here to Help After the Recent Severe Storms

Recent severe storms have wreaked havoc across Tasmania, leaving many rural properties damaged and farmers struggling to rebuild. If your farm has been affected, BlazeAid is here to support you in getting back on your feet. BlazeAid is a volunteer-based charity that assists rural communities after natural disasters like bushfires, floods, cyclones, and severe storms. With years of experience and a dedicated team of volunteers, BlazeAid can provide the help you need during this challenging time.

What Does BlazeAid Do?
Since its establishment following the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, BlazeAid has set up around 175 basecamps across Australia, coordinating over 36,000 volunteers who have worked on more than 13,000 properties. Their primary focus is clearing and rebuilding farm fences—essential for keeping livestock safely contained. To date, BlazeAid volunteers have cleared 17,500 kilometers of damaged fencing and rebuilt 17,000 kilometers, helping farmers restore order and regain control of their properties.

How BlazeAid Can Help You
BlazeAid’s mission is to relieve the stress and anxiety caused by natural disasters by providing hands-on assistance in rural communities. When a community requests help, BlazeAid establishes a basecamp and coordinates teams of volunteers who live onsite for several months. These volunteers work tirelessly to clear and rebuild fences, clean up properties, and assist with other tasks that can ease the burden on affected farmers.

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Here’s how BlazeAid can support you:

Fencing Rebuilds: BlazeAid’s primary focus is clearing and reconstructing farm fencing to help contain livestock and secure properties.
Property Clean-Up: Volunteers assist with clearing debris and other clean-up tasks, making your property safe and functional again.
Supporting Mental Health: Knowing that help is available and seeing progress on your property can significantly boost your morale during tough times.

Why Request BlazeAid Assistance?
BlazeAid prioritizes helping those who are uninsured, under-insured, or physically unable to carry out the labor-intensive work needed after a disaster. Many of the farmers BlazeAid assists are elderly or facing other challenges that make rebuilding difficult without outside support. By reaching out to BlazeAid, you’re not just receiving physical help—you’re also connecting with a community of volunteers dedicated to making a positive difference.

How to Request Assistance
If you or your neighbors need help after the recent severe storms, BlazeAid is ready to establish a basecamp in your area. To initiate the process, contact your local council and request that they refer your community to BlazeAid. Once a request is made, BlazeAid’s CEO will assess the level of need by speaking directly with affected families to understand how best to provide support.

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For BlazeAid to set up a basecamp, there should be enough fencing and clean-up work to sustain volunteers for at least two months. Typically, this means around 10 or more affected properties or fewer properties with extensive fencing needs. The sooner a basecamp is established after a disaster, the quicker volunteers can start helping you rebuild, so don’t hesitate to make contact.

Community Involvement
BlazeAid thrives on community support. Local councils are asked to provide a site for the basecamp with room for caravans, motorhomes, and tents, along with basic facilities like kitchens, dining areas, toilets, and hot showers. Community groups, including sporting, church, and social organizations, are encouraged to get involved by helping with meals or providing a secure area for tools and equipment.

BlazeAid volunteers bring their own accommodation and are fully trained and equipped for the work. They are covered by BlazeAid’s insurance policy, but having personal ambulance cover is recommended. Volunteers contribute to the local economy by purchasing goods and services while staying at the basecamp, bringing much-needed financial support to small businesses in the area.

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Let’s Rebuild Together
You don’t have to navigate the aftermath of the recent storms alone. BlazeAid is here to help, with volunteers ready to roll up their sleeves and work alongside you to rebuild and restore your properties. Reach out to your local council today to request assistance from BlazeAid, and let’s start the journey of recovery together.

For more information, visit BlazeAid’s website or contact your local council to begin the process. Let BlazeAid be part of your recovery team, providing not just practical assistance but also hope and a sense of community when it’s needed most.