“I live at the base of the hills and look at the mountain from my front window. I wasn’t affected anything like other people so it’s great that I can contribute in a little way because I certainly can’t use a chainsaw,”
“I live at the base of the hills and look at the mountain from my front window. I wasn’t affected anything like other people so it’s great that I can contribute in a little way because I certainly can’t use a chainsaw,”
When the call went out from the Help The Hills – Dandenong Ranges Taskforce for high visibility vests, Cathy Lechner did not hesitate.
Cathy obtained approval for Cleanaway to donate more than $1,000 of vests and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to help with the massive clean-up in parts of the Dandenong Ranges outside Melbourne, that were devastated by a storm last month.
Pictured: Cathy with firefighter Ryan Lewis from Emerald Country Fire Authority who is also IT Manager for Help the Hills Taskforce, the body coordinating the clean-up
From her home, the Head of Business Resilience can see the severe impact of the storm, which brought powerful winds and heavy rain.
Pictured: The impact from the storms
Homes and other property were crushed, power was lost for weeks and roads were blocked as the winds brought down giant trees.
Pictured: Strong winds brought down giant trees causing extensive damage to properties
The Taskforce co-ordinates requests for help from the local community, with an army of volunteers each weekend assisting with the clean-up using chainsaws, and mulching/wood chipping machines, and larger equipment such as bobcats, mini excavators or back hoes.
Pictured: Heavy vehicles assisting with the clean up efforts
“I live at the base of the hills and look at the mountain from my front window. I wasn’t affected anything like other people so it’s great that I can contribute in a little way because I certainly can’t use a chainsaw,” Cathy says.
Pictured: The task force hard at work clearing felled trees
The donation also includes gloves, glasses and ear plugs to be used by the many volunteers who answer the call-out for assistance each week.
Our supplier Blackwoods also supported the clean-up effort with a supply of hand sanitiser.
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