Fire Relief Fund for Australian Aboriginal Farm
It is with a heavy heart and complete sadness that I announce that Richard, myself and our family have lost everything on our family farm due to the ongoing bushfires here on the South Coast of Australia.
My husband Richard Scott-Moore (Goombine) from the Yuin Nation and his family are the Traditional Land Owners of a piece of land roughly 1,100 acres in size. The land is home to many sacred sites and was home to my husband’s ancestors who lived, prayed, hunted, gathered and danced. The land is also home to an abundance of wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, goannas, snakes, possums, deer and so many species of birds. Because this land is a sacred place, the family devoted their energy to protecting it from over development thus ensuring the continued prosperity of the natural ecosystems which supported all forms of wildlife.
The farm was used to provide cultural activities and resources to schools, community groups and organizations in and around Australia. It was a gathering place to bring family together for celebrations and unity. So many memories and good times were shared by hundreds of visitors to the farm.
The family lost everything in the fire.
At the farm the following buildings have been destroyed:
- The cabins that slept 160 people
- The dining hall which sat 300 people
- The house
- The tool shed and all its belongings
- The chapel
- The meeting rooms
- The gymnasium
- The mega kitchen with a walk-in fridge and freezer and all of its industrial ovens and cookery
On top of that we’ve also lost multiple farm vehicles and machinery. The tires literally melted off the tractors.
An estimated cost of $2,100,000.00 is needed to replace what once was. Hopefully through this fundraiser it will help offset some of the costs and lift the stress from the family. Funds raised from this campaign will go towards reestablishing the farm as a cultural gathering place.
Email Money Transfers can also be sent to: [email redacted]
Thank you to all of you who have reached out to offer support. Your kindness and generosity have lifted our spirits.
In kindness,
Candace Scott-Moore (Wilde)
Anishinaabe
