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When I heard about the bushfires here in Victoria I was in East Gippsland, enjoying a few days break by myself; Matt was at home with the kids. Most of Saturday I’d spent in the middle of nowhere, underground – exploring caves, and had driven home in silence. It was nice to have time and space to think. I had no idea of what was going on, literally, around me.
Early evening I set up the tripod to do my weekly self-portrait while I felt motivated. Then I heard the news from Matt. And he explained that the fires were at that point spreading through Wandong and Heathcote Junction, where our property (block of land) is, but he had no clue as to the severity of it.
I turned the tv on and heard that there were also fires not that far from where I was staying. Most of the roads between me and home were blocked. I suddenly felt a million miles away, and very lonely. And totally helpless. It’s hard to capture that kind of emotion in a self-portrait. So I simply thought of those that were fighting the battle of their lives, and prayed for relief.
I’ve since managed to make it back home, but still feel sick from shock and sorrow, as does most of Australia I guess. And I’ve spilled many tears of grief for strangers and neighbours alike.
We finally got through to our property this evening to view the damage – about 1/4 to 1/3 of the block was destroyed. We were the lucky ones. Over 30 homes and 4 lives were lost in Wandong and Heathcote Junction, some of those belonging to our immediate neighbours. It seems a cruel thing to us that our land, containing only trees and dreams, was spared, whereas so many people lost their homes, their memories, their livelihoods. Even their lives.
We count our blessings, and hold those we love just that little closer. And pray for those that are unable to do the same.
How you can join hands with me and reach out to those in need….
While sitting out on the block this evening I was struggling with thoughts of how to help these people, my neighbours, in a practical way. Whilst my husband is very much the handyman, I am not. But – guess what – I can take photos. And I can take what money I earn from sessions and put it directly into the pocket of those that need it most during this time. And this is exactly what I’m going to do.
For every session booked between now and the end of this month I will be donating the entire session fee either directly to our neighbours, or to the Red Cross appeal currently running. I can only encourage you so much to consider this as a way of helping those who have lost family, homes and/or possessions without making it sound like a sales pitch, which is the last thing I want. What I do want is for these broken and hurting people to know that we care. That they aren’t alone. That Australia is built on a system of ‘mate-ship’, and when the going gets tough we all chip in and do what we can. So I urge you to join with me and show that we care. Please use the contact button above to email me, or call on 0434 588369.
Thankyou.
Narrelle x
{ Melbourne Photographer }
Edited to add: sessions don’t need to take place during February to qualify, they just need to be booked during this time. Thanks again.
Update: Since posting this I have come across a whole team of photographers across Australia who likewise feel compelled to offer their services to the bushfire appeal (I know a lot of them so it doesn’t surprise me – they’re all lovely, kind-hearted people as well as talented photographers). Kris Leigh, from Newcastle, is putting a list together on her blog of photographers, and other folk, involved. So visit her blog if you’re not in Melbourne and are wanting to find a photographer in your area to work with. Visit it anway. She’s super talented and lovely herself, so her blog is worth the visit. 🙂