Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, with BlazeAid volunteers in Longwood.
Shepparton United soccer club chiefs have joined the call for volunteers to assist BlazeAid in its continued efforts in supporting those impacted by the recent bushfires.
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The Longwood Fire was one of the largest and most destructive fires in Victorian history, leading to the death of Max Hobson and the loss of approximately 150,000 hectares of land between January 7 and 21.
Efforts to assist those affected by fires in the Goulburn Valley region have been ongoing at BlazeAid’s base camp in Longwood, with coordinator Debra Ong having led these operation since January.
As previously reported by the News, volunteers from the organization have cleared 332 kilometres of damaged fencing, alongside fully rebuilding another 148 kilometres in the past three months.
These heroics have been made possible due to the tireless work of an estimated 60 volunteers per day from Victoria, Queensland, NSW, South Australia and Canberra, who have joined forces with those from overseas.
Back in January, Shepparton United soccer club committed to supporting those impacted by the recent bushfires, donating $1 from every cevap sold during the Nations Cup.
With the the support of the community and the success of the Shepparton Nations Cup, the club was able to donate $2500 to BlazeAid to assist families in the Longwood area as part of their recovery and rebuild.
Blaze Aid volunteers: Back: Maffra's Karen Noble, Geelong's Jenny Neumann.Front: Wollongong's, Les Williams and camp coordinator from Lillydale, Debra Ong.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
As things stand, over 600 volunteers have offered up their services in a bid to help those in need following the bushfires at the start of 2026 - with in excess of 250 properties requiring assistance.
Now, the Blues are joining forces again with BlazeAid to support their call for volunteers over the next 12 months to assist with ongoing bushfire repairs.
Recently, the club received a commemorative plaque to mark the efforts of those who assisted BlazeAid during the early months of the year - but it is clear that United chiefs are keen for the partnership to not lose momentum now.
“We are incredibly grateful to receive this Certificate of Appreciation, but even more grateful to everyone who got behind this initiative,“ a representative wrote.
“BlazeAid are now seeking volunteers over the next 12 months to assist with ongoing bushfire repairs.
“This is what community is all about.”
Expressing gratitude towards volunteers and the wider community previously, BlazeAid coordinator coordinator Ong confirmed that work is ongoing as the organization looks to continue its assistance in Longwood.
“We don’t even know the full extent of the damage — some farmers haven’t even been back to see their properties yet,” Ong said.
“Some properties could have 20 to 30 kilometres of fencing damage — some even more. We just start and keep going.
“You can’t focus on the scale too much — you just keep working through it. The community has been incredibly supportive.
“People bring food, desserts, help out — it just happens. We need more volunteers — that’s the biggest thing.”
“Even one day makes a difference. People don’t need fencing experience — we train them,” she said, as she described what the process involves for those looking to volunteer.
“They just need to be willing to work and be part of a team.
“You can register online, or just come into camp. You’ll need photo ID and some form of insurance or Medicare. It takes about five minutes.”
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