The latest BlazeAid effort for Tenterfield officially started on Tuesday, September 17, although several vans had already rolled into the Tenterfield Showground before then and volunteers were already on the ground helping fire victims.
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John Lillico from Muttaburra is the coordinator this time around. He has set up office in the Max Butler Bar (adjacent to the Main Pavilion), as the dining room under the grand stand is occupied by the emergency evacuation centre, feeding firies and evacuees.
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With 11 volunteers already signed up, Mr Lillico said it's hard to know how many would put up their hand to help but he estimates 20-30. Council is coordinating the roster of community groups to help with catering and it's already in action.
Mr Lillico has two property owners registered to receive assistance, from Tabulam and Stanthorpe, and is fielding phone calls. The Stanthorpe property owner was happy to accommodate the volunteer couple and their van on her property, to save daily travel time, so they were dispatched on Monday.
He said the woman was quite distressed and the wheels were quickly put in motion to get help to her.
"How much stress can people can put up with," Mr Lillico said.
He urged affected landholders to either call him on 0484 145 732, email tenterfield.blazeaid@gmail.com or come and see him at the showground.
Anyone who can volunteer a day's labour is also asked to be at the camp by 7am any morning to register (essential for insurance reasons) and to be briefed. Mr Lillico said all they need to bring is a big heart.
He said he'll be setting up at account at FoodWorks and keeping all purchases as local as possible, to help local businesses as well.
