22/02/2026
BLAZE AID VOLUNTEERING REPORT – PETER WILLIS
Good afternoon,
I have just returned from two weeks away volunteering with Blaze Aid at Bullioh, approximately 20km east of Tallangatta.
Earlier in January, I also volunteered with Blaze Aid at Goomalibee near Benalla, where I ran into fellow APMS member David Friday, who was volunteering at the same camp.
The Bullioh Blaze Aid camp covers the fire-affected areas from just east of Tallangatta through to Koetong.
We went for a drive east along the Murray Valley Highway and, unfortunately, all the trestle bridges on the bike trail except one were lost in the fires. I was unable to see what remained of the old Shelley Railway Station due to fallen trees and forestry workers blocking access to the roads.
Looking east from a high hill at Shelley toward Corryong, the valley was filled with smoke haze. It was black as far as the eye could see, with smouldering fires still burning and waiting for decent rain. From this point, we could not see Mt Kosciuszko as we normally would.
At higher altitudes, however, it was encouraging to see eucalyptus trees already sprouting only 4–5 weeks after the fires.
While volunteering with Blaze Aid, the work has been hot and dusty but extremely rewarding. The camaraderie within our teams was amazing, and it felt strange to be leaving this morning as I felt I should have stayed longer.
I would like to encourage our members to spread the word about Blaze Aid, which is helping farmers in their time of need. Blaze Aid operates entirely on donations.
Yesterday, a ute loaded with water, soft drink and fruit juice arrived, donated by the CFA at Tynong (Gippsland). If APMS is able to arrange any type of donation, it would be greatly appreciated.
We also hope that some APMS members may have the time to volunteer. The Blaze Aid website lists all camps currently operating across Victoria and other states affected by floods.
In addition to repairing fences, the work Blaze Aid does supports the mental health of farmers who may feel overwhelmed by the devastation of their stock and property. Every bit of assistance helps them know that someone cares.
Food is supplied; however, volunteers are required to bring their own accommodation (e.g. caravan, tent or swag). Portable prefabricated huts are available at each camp.
One of our fellow Blaze Aiders (Daniel) has created the attached video from drone footage captured during morning tea and lunch breaks while working at Bullioh.
Please take a moment to view the video below.
Regards,Peter Willis
https://youtu.be/Jz_QHpsUbWk?feature=shared