(before the bushfire)

We lost everything when the fires tore over the ridge and destroyed our little sanctuary, our home and everything we owned.

Although we made sure our neighbours got out safely, we both returned the next day to heartbreak and utter devastation. Nothing was spared, from internationally award winning photography, to wedding rings and irreplaceable memories.

We had been working hard to restore our precious patch of native plants and animals, and volunteered with Bushland Park. Both have been turned to ash.

We now begin the recovery process, and we're 100% focussed on this time next year. But of course it's going to be a hugely challenging year rebuilding from scratch. And, of course, now we realise we are under insured.

Despite finding it very hard to accept help, we've been overwhelmed by the generosity and support of our community, and even total strangers, in our time of need. So any help you could provide would be a huge and welcome step forwards in the healing and recovery process.