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Over 400 homes were destroyed during the bushfires of 2019-2020. Communities across regional Victoria and the border of New South Wales were forced to leave their homes, property and livestock. Listen to their stories of help, loss, and their will to rebuild.

Police officer in uniform, talking to a member of the community in a fire affected area

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Watch the recounts of community members who were affected by the 2019-2020 bushfires.

The black smoke was suffocating, and every ridge was on fire. The people of Buchan watched helplessly as a large fire marched towards their town, growing with greater fury as each minute passed.
This story documents Buchan’s experience of the bushfires and the ongoing relief and recovery that followed.

Buchan's story, The Victorian bushfires remembered

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On December 30th 2019, a fire that was started by lightning jumped the border from New South Wales to Victoria near the township of Walwa. In less than 24 hours the blaze approached the township of Cudgewa, raging out of control and with menacing speed.
Three local police had mere minutes to evacuate residents, who found themselves unexpectedly in the fire’s path.

Get out now, The Victorian bushfires remembered

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On the night of 30 December, dairy farmer and CFA volunteer Grant Ward left his property near Colac Colac to help fight fires threatening the town of Walwa, some 60km away.
When he returned, he found his and his parent’s home had been completely burnt to the ground.
This story tells the selfless acts of a community-minded man and how the tables were unexpectedly turned when he found himself asking for help.

After The Ash Had Settled, The Victorian Bushfires Remembered

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Community

Updated 18 November 2024