Haven’t seen you since your move to Rubicon … so you won’t necessarily know that Kingbilli is still standing. We remained throughout – a bit nerve-wracking, but too many treasured critters to leave unattended – but thankfully the worst is over now and the entire property, from the river to the tops of our hills, along with all our animals (both wild and domestic) escaped unscathed. In fact the cathedral Lane community (by whatever means they could manage) were enormously supportive of one another and all residents and many of the properties are fine!

Along with so many folk affected by the fires, we were without electricity, telephone, or any mobile reception, between the 7th-16th February – and also by virtue of necessity, considerably restricted by road closures between here and Alexandra; Marysville, Thornton; Eildon and Healesville – all of which empasized the difficulties and the sense of isolation. But once the power and phones were restored and the roads re-opened, Georgina and a group of dedicated wildlife carers have been able to put a rescue team together – based at the Taggerty store (thanks to the kindness and generosity of Sandice and Ray ) and now spend each day searching burnt areas for animals, injured and/or displaced by the fires.

Michael and I, meanwhile, are concentrating on a much less heart-breaking job – cleaning up the mess – ashes, tree branches etc. from around the buildings, gardens and the property in general … a tedius task, but in an odd way, almost therapeutic!

We are much relieved, as you can imagine, and extraordinarily grateful for the support we’ve been given. Makes you realise that when the chips are down, there really are some truly wonderful folk in this country of ours!

All the best to you both!

Ginny Beach
Kingbilli