Victorian Fire Disaster
TREW Relief Effort, 2009
Horserail Day
Report: Deirdre Oswald - TREW
Photos: Deirdre Oswald & Leigh Wren - TREW
On Friday 22 May, 2009, I spent an incredible day in the fire ravaged area of Kinglake and surrounds as a result of a most amazing donation that had come to this country via TREW.
Mr. John Wall, of Horserail Inc. had undertaken to collect together, and transport $65,000 of insulated horse fencing, from America. This donation was to be utilized in fire affected areas, to assist in the rebuilding process.
A day to honor the donation, and for people to have the chance to thank Mr. Wall in person, was arranged to coincide with his trip to Victoria.
As TREW representative for the day, I arrived, accompanied by my husband, at the meeting point in Whittlesea about 10.00am, and made the acquaintance of some members of the Kinglake Riders Club, who were also involved in the day.
This was a wonderful start, as I had spoken to several of these people during the fire crisis, but had not had the opportunity to meet them in person. However we didn’t have too long, as Mr. Wall, his wife Sharon, and the Horserail Aust. distributor, Ben Duncan arrived a couple of minutes later.
I have to say that John Wall is the most quietly spoken, unassuming gentleman one could ever wish to meet, who does not think his act of donation is anything of substance!
After introductions and some pleasant chat, we set off in a small convoy of vehicles for a tour around the area, to show John and Sharon the results of that devastating day in February.
They were stunned at what they saw, and also amazed at the size of the area affected. Miles of barren, blackened land, and everywhere one looked bulldozers and other machinery working to clear debris and fallen trees.
A visit to the actual home block of one of the Kinglake residents, who was with us in the group, was a deeply moving experience as she related how the events of that day unfolded. Mr. Wall and his wife were clearly touched by her account. While we were there, there was quite some discussion about re-vegetation issues and methods.
We then moved further along, and into Kinglake itself. We visited the local County Fire Authority shed, where approximately 200 people had been protected from the fires by the magnificent efforts of a very small group of local fire fighters.
On again to the now vacant site of the Kinglake Pony Club, just bare ground now, apart from the ménage. Many hours have been spent there by members, clearing fallen, burnt timber, burning huge removed tree stumps etc in order to prepare for the rebuilding process.
The last venue visited was the Hurstbridge Pony Club rooms, where a local caterer had been engaged to provide a luncheon.
People present at the lunch included a good number of locals who had been active immediately after the fires in a wide range of volunteer issues. One of the vets from the area, who worked in the most difficult circumstances out in the rural area, RSPCA representatives, other Riding Club members, a representative from Hoofbeats, and, already there when we arrived, another TREW member who had brought along a truck load of the fencing to display, proudly adorned by our new TREW banner.
John and wife Sharon chatted comfortably with all of the people present, and were obviously deeply interested in hearing accounts of experiences of the day, and the period following.
A formal thank you to Mr. Wall, and Horserail followed, as well as formal recognition of the efforts of those present in response to the fires. A gift with local content was then presented to Mr. Wall, who expressed the sentiment that it would be a treasured item.
The day was pleasant and relaxed in aspect, and thoroughly enjoyable, and I felt privileged to be a small part of it. I’m sure John Wall does not have a true concept, due to his modesty, of the incredibly positive effect his gift will have on those who benefit from it.
The spirit displayed by these communities is staggering, as they collectively move towards rebuilding not only buildings, but their lives.
Such a beautiful area.
TREW Treasurer Deirdre presents Pat Everington with the registration papers of a float, so kindly donated through our relief effort. The float will be shared between members of the Kinglake Riding Club and Pony Club.
Leigh Wren, who has trekked all over the fire affected areas throughout this effort delivering much needed feed and supplies with his truck.
Australian distributor of Horserail, Ben Duncan, with Horserail founder and owner, US based John Wall, and wife Sharon.
the industry that supports them. We hope that we can all demonstrate our appreciation and
acknowledgment of Horserail's commitment to the Australian horse owner by in turn
supporting this quality product if we ever have the opportunity.