**Update**

We have just learned that due to asbestos being on the property, there is going to a large additional cost directly to mum to clear the debris and have it silicone treated to be able to make that happen. To help with the out of pocket costs around that, along with everything else, I will increase the goal amount as we learn what additional costs are involved. **

As many of you are aware, our mum, Michelle Bowen - has experienced a devastating house fire at her property in Millfield.

Michelle luckily wasn't home at the time of the fire. She had made her way to Cessnock to help a friend after attending to the animals in care around 7pm on Tuesday 17 June. Late into the evening, mum received a call from a neighbour, explaining her home was on fire.

By the time mum has made it home and my brother's and I had made it to her, the house was consumed by the fire.

The pet dogs had managed to be rescued along with her chickens. Sadly, mum has lost her pet cats, who were secured inside the home during the time of the fire, along with several animals in wildlife care.

Our mum is staying with myself and my family, but she has lost everything that was within her house.

She has given and provided for so many within the community and spent recent years of her life rehabilitating Australian wildlife, having being raised in wildlife care. The loss of the home includes losing irreplaceable belongings that were inherited from her late father, momento's that were made before the passing of my daughter Aria and the few family photos we had from our childhood.

If you are able to spare as little as small change, we would be eternally grateful for the financial assistance received during this heartbreaking loss and displacement our mum, Michelle is experiencing.