On Saturday, 20th June, the Skuthorpe family experienced a tragedy that no family should ever have to endure.

That morning, they gathered to celebrate the life of the patriarch of their family, Rex Skuthorpe. Surrounded by family and friends, they farewelled a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who meant the world to so many.

But when they returned home after honouring Rex's life, they were met with a sight that will stay with them forever.

Their family home had burned to the ground.

Nothing remained but ashes.

As if losing her husband wasn't enough, Dixie also lost her home and every treasured possession inside it. Living in the home with Dixie & Rex was their youngest daughter, Shannyn, her partner Justin, and their five children. They, too, lost absolutely everything they owned. Clothing, furniture, family photographs, children's keepsakes, school belongings, and the irreplaceable memories that lined every wall—all gone in an instant.

This wasn't just a house.

It was the heart of the Skuthorpe family.

It was where Rex and Dixie raised their children. Where grandchildren and great-grandchildren gathered for birthdays, Christmases, celebrations and Sunday lunches. It was the place everyone came home to—a safe haven, an oasis, and the centre of a family built on love even if you weren’t born into this family you would still have a place at their table no matter where you came from.

Now, it's gone.

The support from the community has been nothing short of incredible. The family has been overwhelmed by the generosity shown through donations of clothing, essential items and emergency accommodation. Every act of kindness has helped them through the darkest days of their lives, and they will be forever grateful.

As the immediate crisis begins to settle, another enormous challenge now lies ahead.

Before they can even begin rebuilding, the remains of the home must be safely demolished and removed. Unfortunately, the house contained a significant amount of asbestos, making the clean-up and disposal a major and very costly undertaking.

Every dollar raised will first go towards the safe removal and disposal of the asbestos and debris. Any funds remaining will help the family begin the long journey of rebuilding their home from the ground up.

Adding to the challenge is the family's location. Their farm, situated between Goodooga and Lightning Ridge, NSW, is remote, meaning every stage of rebuilding—from transporting materials to sourcing tradespeople—comes with significantly higher costs than most people would expect.

The Skuthorpes are not asking anyone to pay for an entirely new home.

They are simply asking that, if you're able, you help lighten the burden—even just a little.

If donating isn't possible, sharing this page with your family, friends and community would mean just as much. Every share gives their story the chance to reach someone else who may be able to help.

My name is Amelia Maxwell, and I have been part of the Skuthorpe family since I was seven years old. Our families have been intertwined for almost 70 years, and I am honoured to have been entrusted with creating this GoFundMe on their behalf.

The Skuthorpes have spent a lifetime helping others, supporting their community, and opening their home to anyone who needed it.

Now, they need our help.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for every donation, every share, every kind message, and every prayer.

Together, we can help this beautiful family take the first steps toward rebuilding not just a house—but the place they have always called home.