Jingellic and surrounding fires

My name is Joshua Jeffries, I am a 5th generation born and bred son of a farming family in the small town and community of Jingellic. My 8 month old son is 6th generation. It is heartbreaking to consider what the land will look like for generations to come in the aftermath of the Green Valley Fire of the Upper Murray.

As an active member and volunteer of the Jingellic rural fire brigade, I am seeking donations to please help the local Jingellic and surrounding communities in the majestic Upper Murray...the little townships right on the boarder of NSW and VIC - Jingellic, Walwa, Lankeys Creek, Talmalmo... The ones that are sometimes forgotten because of the sheer low population of people in these areas.

I am now calling for all those that have enjoyed a murray cod from the winding river Upper Murray, had a laugh on its banks while enjoying a camping trip with family or friends, bathed in all its glory, taken shade under its trees, taken a drive through the rolling hills sighed a breathe of tranquility and peacefulness... If you have ever been to this hidden gem, you will understand why it is affectionately nicknamed 'gods country'.

A devastating 120,000+ hectares has been burnt and continuing to burn after two rounds of fire have swept through the place taking with it livestock, power, mobile service, farm lands, and livelyhoods. Sadly also taking the life of a young expectant dad who was bravely fighting alongside the locals.

The donations will assist in keeping the fuel in generators full while waiting the weeks on end for power to be restored - unlikely to occur into the foreseeable future due to the location of Jingellic. It will pay for polypipe to get drinking water to those in need and buy fencing supplies. It will purchase feed and fodder for livestock (including pregnant cattle, lambs and sheep that have just given birth,) that have survived these horrific fires.

I have lived in Darwin for 12 years and this is first Christmas I have not travelled home. I feel helpless and frustrated sitting here watching the news and seeing photos from family as my hometown and surrounding areas are still burning. As many can likely relate to, its difficult to stand by idly as my family, friends and people I have known my entire life have been caught up fighting the bushfires in Jingellic, NSW.

This is one small thing that we can help with... We can try and provide the funds needed immediately to help with the recovery. If we don't, who will help these little magical places? And as the saying goes, we cant help everyone, but everyone can help someone" - Ronald Reagan...

All funds raised will be withdrawn from Go Fund Me into my (Joshua Jeffries active volunteer of the Jingellic rural fire brigade) specifically set up bank account and then directly donated to the Jingellic Rural Fire Service - all active members are volunteers - who will use it to purchase generators, fuel, equipment, fodder and feed for livestock, community repairs and distribute to families in need in the local surrounding areas.

Thank you so much in advance to all walks of life for coming together with people power to help the beautiful township of Jingellic and surrounds! It means more than you may ever know.