Armidale’s BackTrack team and Rotary Club of Dubbo South members are joining forces to help clean up and rebuild in the bushfire ravaged communities of Tooraweenah, Coonabarabran and Warrumbungle.
January bushfires decim-ated 55,000 hectares in the Warrumbungle National Park, Coonabarabran township, and properties in the Baradine, Bugaldie and Tooraweenah areas.
Work starts for the volunteers in Tooraweenah this week, with Tooraweenah Trading Co-op store Manager Lester Thurston taking donations to purchase urgent fencing materials needed for repair work on local properties.
“A quick calculation on fencing prices would usually be about $5000 per km, with an allowance in that for about $1500 labour,” he said.
“But in some of the rugged and steep locations that the Backtrack/Rotary volunteers will be working, the commercial labour cost can easily double, blowing out to $6500 per km.”
An appeal has been launched to support the initiative, with fencing materials and financial donations being accepted at the Tooraweenah Trading Co-op.
The community is invited to call (02) 6848 1011 to supply materials to help the initiative.
Mr Thurston said a $25.00 donation covers the approximate costs of a roll of tie wire; $75.00 covers the approximate costs of several star posts/ or strainer posts; a $150.00 donation covers the cost of a roll of fencing wire; and a $250.00 donation covers the approximate costs of a 200 metre roll of hinged joint
A community BBQ will be held in Tooraweenah on Saturday, February 16 from 6.00pm to thank and support the volunteers, local communities and people from bushfire affected properties.
The Australian champion BackTrack “Paws Up” dog jumping team will give a demonstration at the event.
“This night is for everyone to mee, and show support to these communities and volunteers and help with fundraising/support efforts,” said Backtrack team manager Trevor “Dusty” Fenn.
