<div>Hi I’m Dachelle,
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<div>Most people are aware of the devastating bushfires that have impacted Victoria, destroying homes and turning lives upside down. Sadly, my younger brother Aidan and his partner Narelle were among those who lost everything when their home (in Longwood East) was completely destroyed in the Longwood Fires. We are setting up this fundraiser in conjunction with the support of their friends &amp; family.
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<div>Their home—lovingly named “Polly”—was far more than a building. It was a true labour of love, built entirely from scratch with their own hands on our father’s property. Using recycled and renewable materials, Aidan and Narelle taught themselves new skills along the way, even learning how to weld so they could construct the steel frame themselves. Every detail reflected care, creativity, and intention.
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<div>Narelle’s pattern-making genius brought Polly to life through stunning handcrafted parquet floors, while Aidan’s ingenuity and environmental vision resulted in a zero-waste greywater system that filtered used water into a clean pond ecosystem, supporting fish and nurturing the surrounding land. Polly was a beautiful example of thoughtful, sustainable living.
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<div>Over the years, this tiny home became a sanctuary—not just for Aidan and Narelle, but for countless friends and family. It hosted birthdays, New Year’s celebrations, and spontaneous gatherings, and became a place of rest, inspiration, and connection. For many, Polly sparked dreams of rural living and tiny home lifestyles. It was a place where community naturally formed and everyone felt welcome.
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<div>In a devastating turn of events, Polly was completely destroyed by fire. Tragically, the home was not insured, leaving Aidan and Narelle with nothing and no immediate means to rebuild. This loss is especially heartbreaking for our family, as it is the second time we have experienced such devastation—we lost our family home in the Ash Wednesday Fires in 1983 when my brother and I were young.
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<div>Despite the immense loss, we believe that with the support of community, love, and generosity, Aidan and Narelle can begin again.
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<div>Our Fundraising Goal: $100,000
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<div>The goal of this fundraiser is to raise $100,000 to help Aidan and Narelle:
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<ul>
<li>Begin rebuilding their home
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<li>Cover essential building materials and infrastructure
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<li>Meet immediate needs and regain stability
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<li>Take the first steps toward creating a new, safe sanctuary
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<li>Re-establish a place of creativity, sustainability, and community
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<div>Every contribution—big or small—will go directly toward helping them rebuild their future. If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this page to help spread the word.
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<div>This GoFundMe is our way of giving back to two people who have given so much. By contributing, you are helping create a home where love, creativity, sustainability, and community can once again flourish—a place where people can gather, thrive, and feel held.
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<div>We encourage anonymous accounts, so that there is no pressure to donate from those who cannot afford.
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<div>Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support during this incredibly difficult time.
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Anita Plummer

Nicole & Cinder Read

Victoria Buckeridge

Andrea Windsor

Debra Dudley

Peter B

Anonymous

Audra Leach

pauline branley

Catherine Paglia

Narelle Ayson

PJ Glover

Lee Lund

Amelia Hill

Mirella Saunders

Daniel Twomey

Vicki Elliott

Stephen Monte

Ruth Proctor

Help Aidan & Nelly rebuild their home after Longwood Fire

Help Aidan & Nelly rebuild their home after Longwood Fire

Still $5,735 to go. Help us build momentum.