It was never going to be a normal day
Photographer: Bronwyn & Ken (Snow) Hammond
Date: 1 February 2021
Monday February 1st 2021 was never going to be a normal day. We woke to the start of a snap COVID-19 lockdown.
Snow got up early to put on a load of washing and the last load of plums into the Vacola. I started to prepare to travel to the Pilbara the following day.
The first change happened around 9am when Port Hedland Airport announced it was closing to all but emergency aircraft. My morning was then consumed rescheduling my week!
Washing in, house secured…
Photographer: Bronwyn & Ken Hammond
Date: 1 February 2021
I finally got away from my desk just before noon, in time to turn off the Vacola and bring the washing in before making some lunch.
Whilst at the washing line I noticed what I thought was dust. I stopped momentarily to work out what was stirring up the horses next door. I quickly realized the dust was in fact smoke…
Being a hot and windy day we knew this was serious but thought we were safe.
Not home…
Message Recipient: Karen Fanderlinden
Date: 1 February
It was about midday on the 1st Feb, I was at the checkout in Woolies Mundaring when my neighbour rang to alert me about the fire which was in my bottom paddock, she said her and hubby were going to cut the fence to get my horses out.
My daughter was at home getting ready to return to work, she was inside and unaware of the fire. I rang her, she ran outside, saw the fire and hung up.
I paid for my shopping and as I drove home the smoke was darker and thicker. I was stopped at the road block approx 100 metres from my driveway and was not allowed in. I felt helpless as I saw the black smoke engulf the surrounds of my house and neighbouring properties.
Burning in the distance
Photographer: Ayden Stenton
Date: 1 February 2021
Taken from the Glen Forrest 1:4* on the way to the West Gidgegannup for the first crew change of many at the Wooroloo bushfire.
*A 1:4 is a fire truck with a 1,000 litre capacity and is 4-wheel drive.
The Community Led Art Project “CLAP” reference group
View of Noble Falls
Photographer: Aleesha Edmunds
Date: 1 February 2021
Looking towards Noble Falls from the Gidge One Stop at approximately 3:30pm on Monday 1st February.
Cars weren’t permitted eastbound any further than the One Stop, and the photo shows people evacuating westbound from Tilden Park.
Fitbit tells a story
Wearer: Bronwyn Hammond
Date: 1 February 2021
It is only later when you have time to reflect that you realise just how much stress and strain the fire puts on your body.
After eight hours and 10,000l of water we finally got a break for a feed and a well-deserved shower.
Sleep came in shifts just in case the situation changed. We were exhausted but safe. Everything was still intact and all the animals were safe and secure.
Exhaustion
Photographer: Karen Fanderlinden
Date: 1 February 2021
I spent the afternoon and evening at my friends place in Chidlow, keeping tabs on the fire.
I was very fortunate to be able to return home at about 11.30 pm. I'll never forget the devastation I saw when I was driven home. I was so relieved to see Skye, she was totally exhausted. We chatted for half an hour, then she lay on the floor and slept for about 6 hours.
3km south
Photographer: Nicky Marlow
Date: 1 February 2021
Gidgegannup artist Jan Pittman was sent this picture by her friend Nicky. As alluded to by the title, Nicky's property is 3km south of Gidgegannup.
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60km away from Marangaroo
Photographer: Derek Baker
Date: 1 February 2021
These photos are from Marangaroo which is 60kms away from Wooroloo.
I have no connection with the area, I was just amazed at the heat and smoke from the fire.
Tilden Park
Photographer: David Massie
Date: 1 February 2021
The fire burnt all afternoon and all night in Tilden.
After saving our house this photo was taken from our verandah and shows the ridge along Falls Heights and Noble Falls Reserve still burning at 10.35pm.
Fire under stars
Photographer: Sara Botten
Date: 1 February 2021
This photo was taken in West Gidgegannup at 9:00pm on Monday 1st February 2021.
After a long afternoon watching the initial fire grow and move towards Gidgegannup the night was spent under the stars watching it travel like a dragon up the valley to the north of us.
By morning it was in Bullsbrook…
The universe certainly has a sense of humour
Photographer: Barbara Laurin
Date: February 2021
This sign in our driveway survived, while all around was burnt.
No shower so taking a bath
Photographer: Barbara Laurin
Date: February 2021
Thank you to Alex for letting us share this private picture.
We could have shared him “making lemonade when life gave him lemons” (painting the fallen blackened tree in front of the house) but we loved the practicality of this shot.
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No water
Photographer: Maureen Williams
Date: 7 February 2021
Our first visit to our property was emotionally devastating – 48 acres of blackened land.
Five water tanks damaged beyond repair.
There was very little left standing and even less to salvage. It was very surreal and still is, but we are alive.
Car for sale
Photographer: Maureen Williams
Date: 7 February 2021
I had planned to sell my car!
This shed also contained lots of our ‘play’ items – the motorised golf cart, clubs, canoes and other ‘stuff’ that we would get around to using one day!
First sight of our home
Photographer: Kirstine Kelleher
Date: 3 February 2021
This was our first view of our destroyed home, a couple of days after the fire.
Absolutely nothing inside the house survived.
Before and after
Photographer: Maureen Williams
Date: 7 February 2021
We had a wonderful house on our bush property in Gidgegannup. This view from our lounge was outstanding for observing the animals and birds and the feeling when just sitting was one of sheer relaxation.
The second photo shows the outside view of the same room after the fire.
We remain grateful however that we spent many cherished years here and have indelible memories of special events and party's including many milestone family birthdays.
Sunrise
Photographer: Barbara Laurin
Date: 4 February 2021
Sunrise with the smoke in the air turning the light to pink.
My daughter’s house is smouldering in the background.
Ash sunrise
Photographer: David Massie
Date: 3 February 2021
Two days after the fire walking the dogs.
The bush is still hot and we keep to the tracks, the dogs are subdued and walk slowly with heads lowered.
No words, tools
Photographer: Joel Robins
Date: February 2021
No words, cars
Photographer: Joel Robins
Date: February 2021
No words, flames
Photographer: Joel Robins
Date: February 2021
No words, morning
Photographer: Joel Robins
Date: February 2021
Demolition
Photographer: Maureen Williams
Date: 30 June 2021
Demolition underway, part of our roof is headed to the trucks.
What an amazing process it was for all of the demolition and removal to happen.
The rain frustrated the workers and residents however without this physical and financial assistance we could not envisage rebuilding.
All gone...
Photographer: Maureen Williams
Date: 20 July 2021
It was a day of celebration as we stood on the pad with all signs of the burnt house removed.
Quilts for recovery
Photographer: Maureen Williams
Date: 22 September 2021
We had to take a photo of this amazing quilt so that we could choose the correct colours for one of our bedrooms in our new build.
This quilt of course came from wonderful donations by quilters from around Western Australia and Australia.
The main event was organised by local community people earlier in the year. We felt truly humbled by this fantastic initiative and have to acknowledge the skill of these quilters along with their generosity.
Quilts for Wooroloo Fire Recovery
Project Coordinator: Fleur Adams
The project objective was to have at least 200 quilts made for the families who had lost their homes and their possessions, but not their community. A total of 860 handmade quilts arrived to envelop all.
The community was there for them and the sewing community kicked into overdrive to create beautiful handmade quilts for them all, with love poured into each and every one of them.
“The fabric shall bind them back together in their community”
The aim was to bring back a smile a feeling of community not forgotten, of the wider community thinking of them and creating something to cherish and hold onto, to be wrapped in and comforted.
The sewing community came together from as far as Queensland, up to Darwin and down to South Australia. And from places where fires had ripped through also, like Yarloop.
Ladies created stunning quilts before sending or delivering them, along with teddy bears and also pillow cases (to complement the children’s quilts) from a delightful lady in her 80s from the Wheatbelt.
Hand over day was filled with hugs and tears, the tears became happy ones as the quilts found their owners (a quilt pulls you to it). There were many lighter steps on so many as they left.
Fleur shared with us that…
“To see such an outpouring was amazing and
beautiful and let me know that we are all in this together and want to do what we can to help others. It was worth the sleepless nights and the rooms filled to the ceiling with quilts, rugs, teddy’s and love. And, gaud forbid, should it happen again I would do it all again to bring a spark back to others.”
The Community Led Art Project “CLAP” reference group
Regeneration
Photographer: Bronwyn & Ken Hammond
Date: Various
Blacking out lasted a couple of weeks, until we had substantial rain. The landscape was suddenly stark. So very different to what we had become accustomed to over the past 20+ years.
Just add water and the bush responds with new life.
An important reminder that we too would get through this. The darkness was quickly being replaced with vibrant colour.
Cowslip Orchard, beautiful regrowth
Photographer: Maureen Williams
Date: 19 September 2021
On our return from our trip away we were seeing more orchids emerging from the burnt soils on a daily basis.
Spring has come
Winter rains bring the land back to life and soften the harshness.
Whilst Spring has come, there is still a stark reminder on the other side of the lake, highlighting the intensity of the fire.
Wooroloo icon, our past builds our future
Photographer: Bronwyn & Ken Hammond
Date: February 2021
With the help of friends, volunteers, government agencies and the insurance company we were able to quickly replace that property which had been destroyed and damaged.
Just as the landscape will recover over time so will we.
We will recover better and stronger versions of ourselves.
Our past builds our future.
Dam repair
Photographer: David Massie
Date: 16 May 2021
The dam liner was melted and now removed.
Time to clean up the sludge ready for the new liner.
Bells Rapids
Photographer: Jacinta McManus
Date: 13 March 2021
Photograph taken of the fire damage to the hills surrounding Bells Rapids.
I visited again in June to see the revegetation.
Western Power Camp
Photographer: David Massie
Date: February 2021
Ready to mobilise for another long day on the fire ground, installing new power infrastructure.
Chidlow Brigade on Patrol
Photographer: David Massie
Date: 7 February 2021
Seven days after the fire front scorched Tilden, the Chidlow Volunteer Bushfire Brigade continues to patrol and black out in Gidgegannup.
Minderoo POD delivery
Photographer: Nigel Etherington
Date: March 2021
Established by Andrew and Nicola Forrest in 2001, the Minderoo Foundation is a modern philanthropic organisation seeking to break down barriers, innovate and drive positive, lasting change.
Minderoo Foundation’s Fire and Flood Resilience initiative is providing shelter and recovery support to those families whose homes were destroyed.
These temporary accommodation pods enable people to return to their land and remain within their community.
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Our POD arrives
Photographer: Maureen Williams
Date: 10 March 2021
How extraordinary it was to be offered a POD with the compliments of the Minderoo Foundation.
We distinctly remember the overwhelming feeling of survival when it arrived and was so carefully and professionally put in place.
What a wonderful gesture from Nicola and Andrew Forrest.
Blazeaid volunteers
Photographer: David Massie
Date: February 2021
Blazeaid arrived to install some fencing at a crucial time in the recovery.
Not knowing where to start the recovery, Blazeaid came and started. Not only did they deliver fencing, but also much needed support during difficult times.
DRA volunteers
Photographer: David Massie
Date: February 2021
Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) came with chainsaws and cleared the fallen trees that blocked the firebreaks.
The DRA volunteers were all ex-military personnel and all three services were represented.
This photograph, from left to right, features Kylie Baumback, Rob Bampton, David Nicholson, Lee Baumback and Pepita Prince-Ruiz.
Nesting Box Project
Project Coordinator: Simon Cherriman
Simon made his first nesting box when he was 10 years old! He has dedicated his life to the conservation of West Australian wildlife and educating the community to better understand and appreciate its importance.
Following the Wooroloo Bushfire he called for assistance with installing nesting boxes throughout the fire scar prior to the 2021 breeding season. The boxes lend a helping hand as the hollow formation process in trees takes hundreds of years.
Simon shared that “Nest boxes age trees, you can turn a tree that’s 20-years-old into one that’s 200-years-old.
230 nest boxes were constructed for this project. They have been installed to provide homes for displaced birds and small marsupials, ensuring that local recovery is possible.
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Synchronisation
Photographer: Nigel Etherington
Date: February 2021
Synchronization (noun)
Pronounced: [sɪŋkrənʌɪˈzeɪʃ(ə)n]
The operation or activity of two or more things at the same time or rate.
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Modern art
Photographer: Barbara Laurin
Date: 28 February 2021
Our hay and machinery shed.
We had received our annual hay delivery just the week before.
Boots after fire
Photographer: Sue West
Date: February 2021
worn out. adjective.
UK: wɔːn ˈaʊt
US: wɔːrn ˈaʊt
Something that is worn out can no longer be used because it is so old or because it has been damaged by continued use.
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I caught the first, the biggest and the most
Photographer: Maureen Williams
Date: 7 July 2021
We were in need of a break away and headed to Carnarvon.
We indulged ourselves by joining a fishing charter.
We had great success that day and I have loads more pictures to prove the title of this image is correct!
A break away to Monkey Mia
Photographer: Barbara Laurin
Date: 19 September 2021
Red Cross have shared with us all, the importance of self-care. It has been refreshing to see a number of impacted residents taking the opportunity for short trips away to rest and recharge.
Parky Care have also been very active in this area, brokering weekends away to Preston Beach for families in need of some well-earned time out.
The Community Led Art Project “CLAP” reference group
Wildflowers
Artist: Jan Pittman
Date: mid-2020
I painted these wildflower in mid-2020 and needed to add some Hibbertia (yellow) flowers but ran out of time. I simply thought “oh well, I'll do them next spring (2021)’…
What could possibly go wrong with that thought?
Only the total loss of our 90 acres of bushland in the February fires, is what!
Thankfully our bush is recovering but mentally perhaps I wasn't quite ready to leap into it again so soon after that fire.
Balgas after fire
Artist: Jane Li
Date: March 2021
Fellow members of the Watercolour Society of WA were invited to visit Jan Pittman’s Gidgegannup property in March 2021.
Approximately thirty artists visited the property.
Jane chose to focus on the balgas (Xanthorrhea species) and, along with Stephanie, gifted the creations to Jan.
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Hillside after fire
Artist: Stephanie Boyle
Date: March 2021
Stephanie joined approximately thirty fellow members of the Watercolour Society of WA (WSWA) at Jan Pittman’s Gidgegannup property in March 2021.
Stephanie captured the trees on the hillside.
The WSWA had an art auction soon after this, selling the paintings donated by members. They raised an amazing amount of money for bushfire relief, which was donated to the Gidgegannup CWA and the folk who organised the stock feed.
The Community Led Art Project “CLAP” reference group