General News
17 November, 2022
Lexton records and reflects on 2019 bushfire with book
A new book commemorating the Lexton-Ben Major Fire and the community’s recovery effort following its impacts will launch next weekend, bringing the community together to reflect on the impact of the bushfire. Just before Christmas in 2019, the...
A new book commemorating the Lexton-Ben Major Fire and the community’s recovery effort following its impacts will launch next weekend, bringing the community together to reflect on the impact of the bushfire.
Just before Christmas in 2019, the fire burned through almost 3000 hectares of farmland and narrowly missed the Lexton township itself, but caused extensive damage to fencing and agricultural infrastructure.
Following the fire, the Lexton Fire Recovery Committee was established and had been planning an event as part of the recovery process, however this was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the idea of creating a book floated soon after.
Heat, Help & Healing tells the story of not only the fire and its impact in the community, but the resilience of Lexton and its people in the aftermath.
Book co-ordinator and editor Judy Martin has compiled photographs and information for the book over the past 15 months and said it’s been an emotional process.
“The compilation has taken some time and has involved lots of emotion as landowners have shared their experiences and stories of recovery,” she said.
“I think the biggest thing in termsof pulling the book together was the input from the community and the community’s contribution of photos and images.”
Originally starting as a 60 page project, the book soon grew to 224 pages in length and now includes over 200 pages of images, anecdotes and memories.
The book covers the heat of the summer day and the hot conditions experienced by those fighting the fire, the help received by so many on the night and weeks that followed and the efforts of volunteers who helped with recovery and rebuilding fences.
“I was getting files with 150 photos in them from people and not only of when the fire was happening, but in the weeks and months that followed,” Ms Martin said.
“It was then that I realised there was a story to tell not just about the event itself, but the recovery that followed.”
The book will be launched at the Lexton oval on Sunday, November 27 from 12 pm, with CFA members and residents invited to attend.
Ms Martin said the launch would be an opportunity for the community to come together.
“Not only are we launching the book and making it available for purchase, we also hope to take the opportunity to acknowledge the amazing and varied support and assistance that our local communities received almost three years ago,” she said.
“It will be a chance for us all to come together, share some memories and continue to support each other.
“We are planning to have this launch in rain, hail or shine.”
A barbecue lunch and refreshments will be provided on the day, as well as a prize draw, blind auctions and spinning wheels. Copies of the book will be available for purchase for $40.
RSVPs are encouraged for the event and can be made by emailing Ms Martin at p.martin01@ bigpond.com or by calling 0407 843 784.