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    UNITED: Horsham Fire Brigade members, from left, Curtis Vanstan, Claire Longstaff, Emma King and Pacer Kilpatrick prepare to work on the Little Desert Fire at Dimboola last month. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Fire recovery: Collaboration in Dimboola

By Lauren Henry

As Dimboola recovers from the Little Desert bushfires, its businesses and clubs have set about thanking firefighters for saving their town.

Big Bertha food truck fundraised more than $4000 to give out ice-creams to firefighters, while Dimboola Store received donations to pay for coffees for emergency services workers.

Dimboola Urban Fire Brigade lieutenant Ash Wallace said firefighting efforts were well-supported.



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“I was amazed that within a couple of hours of the fire starting, there were so many resources brought to the job to look after it and our people – it was not just Dimboola volunteers on their own,” he said.

“As a brigade, we are appreciative of the people who have come from far and wide to maintain the sustainability of the brigade.”

The fire, which started on January 27 from lightning strikes, burnt down the Little Desert Nature Lodge and one home, along with three-quarters of the national park.

It continues to burn south-west towards Goroke and Nurcong, with multi-agency crews battling a now 90,500-hectare blaze.

Initially the fire forced the quick evacuation of Dimboola on the night of January 27, with residents allowed to return to the town the next day.

The Dimboola Riverside Holiday Park remains closed as it provides support accommodation for emergency services, while Hindmarsh Shire Council has advised the boat ramps along the Wimmera River are closed until further notice.

Council has also warned people to remain clear of fire-affected areas, as they may not be safe due to the debris, falling trees and branches, and emergency and recovery vehicles requiring clear access.

Assessments on various fire-affected areas are still being completed, and council has established a survey to gather information on the economic impact of the fires.

Council chief executive Monica Revell said the council was collaborating with partner agencies, including Emergency Recovery Victoria, Regional Development Victoria, and Parks Victoria, to understand the challenges and guide recovery efforts. “This disaster has caused significant devastation across the shire, affecting the economy, ecology, environment, and the physical and mental health of the community,” she said.

“Your input is essential for shaping informed strategies for immediate recovery and building long-term resilience.”

She encouraged people to complete the survey at www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/economic-impact-survey.

Hindmarsh Shire Council has set up recovery centres at Dimboola and Nhill this week, with community information sessions with advice on preparing for emergencies and supporting vulnerable residents scheduled for 2pm and 5pm at Dimboola Old Shire Hall.

There will also be a community meeting at Dimboola Library at 6pm tomorrow, Thursday, to give people an update about the Little Desert fire.

Emergency relief payments are available for eligible community members, whose homes have been affected by the Little Desert bushfires.

Emergency relief payments are designed to provide immediate financial help for eligible people experiencing financial hardship due to the bushfires to help pay for essentials such as food, clothing, medication and accommodation.

Golf course

About half of the Dimboola Golf Club course burnt in the fire, but its clubrooms and sheds were saved.

Club president Nick Pietsch said firefighters and people on private units helped to save the clubhouse.

But he was optimistic the course would re-open in time for the season in April.

“Probably half the course has been impacted by the fire, so there’s going to be a lot of cleanup work,” he said.

“It’s still closed to the public so as soon as things are opened up and it’s safe to do so, we’ll get all our volunteers in there and start cleaning up.”

Mr Pietsch said chef Cat Clarke, who started a restaurant at the golf club late last year, had been forced to temporarily close her business.

“It’s very disappointing and hard on her – to think she’s only just started a couple of months ago,” he said.

“It’s impacted her pretty hard, but hopefully she can get back on her feet and continue on with what she’s been doing.

“It’s been good for the club, good for Dimboola, and obviously good for Cat and her staff.”

Ms Clarke will be hosting a pop-up chef’s table from The Victoria Hotel, Dimboola, on Sunday. 

The entire February 5, 2025 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!