While the safest option is always to leave high-risk areas early, Neighbourhood Safer Places and Community Fire Refuges are a place of last resort during a bushfire.
Community
Living with fire: Libby's bushfire story
As the clock struck 12 and celebrations rang in the new year around the world, Libby’s home was being destroyed by the ‘Black Summer’ bushfires.
During the worst of the 2019-2020 bushfires, Libby Grieg, a Mallacoota-based artist, was forced to evacuate. First to Eden, then Canberra, before moving on to Harden with more stops in between.
After finding refuge back in Eden, she returned to Mallacoota months later – but her family home was no longer standing, and with it went all her photographs and artworks created over the years.
Follwoing the devastation, Libby was able to attach an art studio in the rebuild, and focus on creating art for an exhibition in Mallacoota with the theme ‘Recovery for the Fires’.
Libby continues to prepare for bushfire season each year, having already installed solar panels and a battery in her home, and like other residents including Phill and Kate, encourages those in fire-prone areas to prepare with a water tank.
While the impact has been devastating to the region that is still looking to recover, Libby remains proud of the small community, and their spirit in coming together.
RACV has invested $1 million in solar energy systems for bushfire-prone communities. Those looking for further bushfire recovery can check the Bushfire Recovery Victoria website for further information.
