As the flames of the Coalfields blazes fade, stories rise from the ashes that show how communities unite in times of trauma.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
There’s a general feeling around Cessnock that a bullet has been dodged. No homes were lost, nor were human lives.
Cessnock Racecourse manager Steve Tapp even said the weekend blaze “might be a blessing in disguise”.
The ferocious and at times out-of-control fires roared through existing undergrowth, but many say the situation could have been far worse in the heat of peak summer.
Much of the gratitude that’s being expressed is directed towards the dedicated emergency services personnel who put their lives on the line to save others.
Students at Cessnock Public School felt so strongly about their saviours’ actions that they wrote personal thank-yous to members of Cessnock Central NSW RFS Brigade.
“Thank you for protecting my nan and pop’s house,” one read.
“Thank you NSW RFS. You saved lots of homes and people’s lives. You are people’s heroes,” read another.
Outside the emergency personnel, everyday people extended generosity of spirit by opening their hearts, homes, businesses and wallets to others in need.
On page six of today’s Mercury we read of a police officer who sought out the Pickering family’s remote property to warn them of the approaching blaze.
“I thought we were going to die or the house would burn down,” mother Sindy Pickering said.
On Facebook, Selena Whitton told of Cessnock Woolworths’ unexpected act of generosity. Ms Whitton went to buy supplies for firefighters and asked for a discount. Woolworths instead opted to donate the lot.
“Must have been close to $600-$700 worth,” Ms Whitton wrote. “Nice work Cessnock Woolworths – the emergency services and Salvos were exceptionally appreciative!”
At the town’s evacuation centre, at Cessnock Toyota Stadium, more volunteers arrived than people who needed assistance.
Many people also gave their time to assist at the emergency services muster point at Bunnings Cessnock. Although evacuated and closed, Bunnings kept some staff there to keep the toilets open for all crews to use and gave pizza and ice blocks to the firefighters.
All in all, the people of the Coalfields have a great deal to be thankful for.
