The Boot Family Bushfire Recovery
In the early hours of New Years Eve, a ferocious bushfire jumped more than 50km south and within hours, almost destroyed Wombat Hill, our small family farm.
Two of our three buildings exploded. All of our belongings inside these buildings and our farm equipment have been reduced to ash and shards of twisted metal. Our fields are an eerie moonscape of black dust. Our fences have vanished. Water tanks have melted. We no longer have electricity to our property.
As a family, we are currently safe. Our animals are also safe at the moment thanks to an incredible neighbour’s generosity, but they have no feed or regular access to water.
In two days time, catastrophic fire conditions are expected to return. No one knows what will happen next.
Others in our community have also suffered enormous loss, including terrible loss of life. We are devastated for them.
Rebuilding has to start right now so we can keep our animals alive. It will be years of hardwork to recover and I know we will often be heartbroken and discouraged.
Beloved family treasures, our extensive library, and my studio are lost for ever. Julian’s workshop and office have been destroyed. But Wombat Hill has been our dream for decades and we are determined to start again.
Your support is already incredibly valuable. Every kind word reminds us that we are part ofa wonderful community. Any further help you are able to offer would be incredible and so thankfully received.
Thank you.