The fires that tore us apart
As we all continue to ponder the destructive fires on Black Saturday and the weeks that followed, there is also hope and optimism for regeneration, and great joy at the strength of community spirit seen in the aftermath of the fires.
Staff passed the hat around the office to raise money for the bushfire relief fund: across our small team we raised $880 and this was matched by the business. It was great to be able to donate $1,760 to help support the rebuilding of devastated communities. Natica and Emma have also been helping in other ways.
Having recently completed a heritage study in Murrindindi Shire, Natica Schmeder with colleague Nigel Lewis offered their time and expertise to survey the fire-affected areas for damage to heritage listed sites in Narbethong, Buxton and Marysville. Natica reported back that a number of places survived, including a row of ancient oak trees along Murchison St, Marysville. These trees, planted by one of the town’s founding fathers, are already showing signs of new growth. But then, many places have also gone.
Other Context staff have been actively helping in different ways. . With the help of some friends, Emma hosted a fundraising feast and staged a vintage and designer clothing sale to raise funds for bushfire relief.