The recent bushfires in Barnawartha and the Indigo and Leneva Valleys are very close to home for Albury and Wodonga residents and many people are wondering how they can help.

At present the need is for an immediate helping hand for both the people and animals affected by the fires. Rural residents and farmers are tackling the ground work of cleaning up the burnt landscape and feeding and containing livestock. If you can help this process in any way the best place to start is with Blaze Aid. There is already a Blaze Aid camp set up at the Barnawartha Football oval. Register with Blaze Aid here or contact the Camp Co-ordinators Malcolm and Vicki McIntosh, Ph 0437817330 Email  blazeaid.barnawartha@gmail.com

Meanwhile the habitat in the burnt out bush areas has been decimated and homeless and hungry wildlife will be moving into unusual areas. Please treat them kindly with temporary food and shelter if possible and refer any injured birds or animals to local Wildlife Rescue organisations such as Murray WIRES

In the coming months there will be Landcare events organised to provide nest boxes for wildlife, restore bush habitat and assist landholders to establish native bush corridors across the landscape. To register your interest in participating in these types of activities or receiving notification of events, please contact Parklands at info@parklands-alburywodonga.org.au , or the Wodonga Urban Landcare Network through anne.stelling@landcarevic.net.au

Meanwhile, the Wooragee Landcare Group facebook page has regular updates on ways to help and upcoming events.