Eleanor and Paul's Fire Relief Fund

Unfortunately our good mates Eleanor and Paul have had a horrific end to an eagerly awaited family Christmas on their block up North in Clairview, Queensland.

Yesterday morning Paul’s family fishing trip was cut short when he noticed his son roaring around the corner in a ute shouting “Turn around, go back, the shed’s on fire! The shed’s on fire!”.

In shock, Paul reversed up the rocky creek and flew back to the main house with his folks in the backseat and other family members in the ute tray holding on for dear life. They could see the thick black smoke billowing from at least a kilometre away.

By the time they arrived the place was up in flames, Eleanor, still in her nighty, was standing with a small hose attached to the water truck attempting to ward off the fire. She had tried to save the tractor earlier but had to escape as the fire had become too hot too quickly.

Slowly every water tank burst from the heat and Paul hurried up the roof with a hose to attempt to keep the main house and solar shed safe.

The aunties, cousins and daughters managed to get the road vehicles out of the way quickly but had to hit the deck when the guns and ammunition from the shed started exploding. Paul stayed low on top of the roof to avoid the shrapnel still fighting the fire before the incredible rural fire brigade arrived to help them all.

Unfortunately everything in and around the shed was lost as the family looked on at the smouldering wreck in disbelief.

Eleanor and Paul aren’t yet aware that this page has been created; knowing them they’d probably feel a bit uncomfortable about the whole thing! They aren’t used to accepting help from others; they’re usually the ones giving it! Both are always willing to lend a hand to build a deck, service a car, fix a roof, clean a house, babysit the kids or make you a bloody good cuppa. As a cleaner and a labourer they’ve worked hard all their lives for everything they own and take pride in their property, always welcoming visitors near and far.

Slowly but surely they'll attempt to rebuild,  purchasing a new shed, a new tractor, a slasher, two 5000 gallon water tanks, two new generators, the ride on lawn mower, fridges, tools and vehicles. We believe there’s at least $90,000 worth of damage. Even to recover the basic function of the home they'll need a start up cost of  $6089 for power and water supply. They’ve sadly lost everything you need to make and maintain a home in the bush. Not to mention 11,000 gallons of rain water which is liquid gold for a coupla bushies living off the land.

Anything you could give would seriously help this wonderful family. So if you can spare even a coupla bob, please pass the hat around, a bit of loose change would go a long way and would be very much appreciated. X

Edit: For the purpose of complete transparency and to ensure that donors understand how their donations are being handled, we wish to inform you that organiser Harmony Domaille (daughter of Eleanor and Paul) will be personally handling and withdrawing the funds in order to send via direct transfer to her parents and the beneficiaries of this fundraiser; Eleanor and Paul.