By Mitchell Clarke
The inspiring work of BlazeAid volunteers has been recognised internationally – by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth – almost a year to the day that the Bunyip recovery efforts wrapped up.
Volunteer-based organisation BlazeAid received a Commonwealth Points of Light award on Friday 14 August, which recognises the outstanding individuals who made and continue to make a change in their community.
The weekly award is made by Queen Elizabeth, as Head of the Commonwealth, to thank inspirational volunteers across the 53 Commonwealth nations.
Bunyip BlazeAid found and co-ordinator John Anderson said the award provided recognition to the whole movement.
“BlazeAid is successful because of the selfless volunteers who have worked and still continue to work to help affected communities,” he said.
Mr Anderson led 600 volunteers to clear 300 kilometres of damaged fencing and re-fence 150 kilometres after the Bunyip bushfires in March last year.
He said this time last year, the local camp was starting to finish up their response to the community.
“It’s nice to get some recognition. We got well recognised locally after the Bunyip bushfires but to be recognised internationally, amongst all volunteers and volunteer groups is definitely a good feeling,” Mr Anderson added.
“I think it’s a really good thing for the volunteers, many of whom are still out working on 20 odd camps across Australia.”
Not long after the Bunyip fires, Mr Anderson shifted focus to establish camps in fire affected communities across Victoria and South Australia during the summer fire crisis.
BlazeAid was born out of the devastating 2009 Black Saturday bushfires by Kilmore East farmers Kevin and Rhonda Butler, who lost fences in the flames.
“We salute all BlazeAid volunteers who enrich the lives of others everyday and it is them we humbly accept the award on behalf of – for these wonderful and dedicated volunteers have made BlazeAid a most loved and respected Australian charity,” Mr and Mrs Butler said.
British High Commissioner to Australia Vicki Treadell said she was delighted to virtually present the award to Kevin and Rhonda on behalf of all BlazeAid volunteers.
“They both demonstrate incredible commitment to BlazeAid, the volunteers they have recruited and the communities they support,” Ms Treadell said.
“They are making a significant impact on the lives of those that benefit from BlazeAid’s work.”
