KEMPSEY Showground has become the home of a new BlazeAid camp this week, set up to help local farmers repair and rebuild their fences after the recent floods swept over most of the Macleay.
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The camp is ready to go, but the organisation needs one more thing to get started, some volunteers keen to donate their time and help the community.
"We are ready to start welcoming volunteers, we usually get mostly retired people who have a bit more free time, but everyone is welcome," camp coordinator Mary Howarth said.
"Anybody who can donate some of their time, a day, a week, whatever you can give will make a difference; the important thing is to get help to those who need it most.
"Even if you are just a visitor to the area and want to help out, feel free to come along; all our volunteers are fully insured by BlazeAid while working out in the field.
"We will be here for a while, at least the next couple of months, or until the job is done."
It's only been a few weeks since large parts of the Macleay were battered by massive storms and floods, and while not all the water has receded yet, Mary says there are plenty of areas where BlazeAid fencing teams can start.
"We are ready to go, there is a lot of debris on fences, and some places have dried out enough for us to start rebuilding," she said.
"The work isn't overly strenuous; no prior fencing experience is necessary, but if you do have experience, even better."
BlazeAid asks that any volunteers get in touch at least a day before you intend to arrive so that they can plan out meals. Anybody with special dietary needs will need to provide their own food.
If you plan to stay at the camp, you will need to bring a tent or caravan to sleep in, sensible clothes suitable for working outside, gumboots, snacks and a "Can Do" attitude.
"The site has power, water, hot showers, and we also provide breakfast and dinner for all volunteers," Mary said.
"Our goal is to create a friendly environment for all our volunteers and ensure the camp is a fun place to be. "
Contact Mary on 0429 367 538 or email: blazeaid.kempsey@gmail.com for more information on how to volunteer.
Alternatively, head over to the BlazeAid website by clicking here.
Any farmers who have not yet registered for help but need assistance clearing and fixing fences can call Mary or register online.
BlazeAid has been operating in the aftermath of nearly every major disaster since its inception ten years ago. Properties across the nation have all benefited from the charitable organisation.
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