Hi I’m Dachelle,

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 & family.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Despite the immense loss, we believe that with the support of community, love, and generosity, Aidan and Narelle can begin again.

Our Fundraising Goal: $100,000

The goal of this fundraiser is to raise $100,000 to help Aidan and Narelle:

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.

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.

We encourage anonymous accounts, so that there is no pressure to donate from those who cannot afford.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support during this incredibly difficult time.