Family home destroyed in fire

A local family have been left homeless after a blaze destroyed their home on Beatties Road early on Sunday evening, July 25.

Local fire crews were alerted to the house fire, which was located approximately 5km south of Yarrawonga, at around 7pm.

Yarrawonga CFA Coordinator Lieutenant Simon Crawford said crews including Yarrawonga, Mulwala, Tungamah, Wilby and Almonds were quick to get on the scene.

“It took about one and half to two hours to extinguish but unfortunately the home was eighty percent destroyed by then.

“All crews were fantastic and assisted with getting water to the fire due to the remote location.”

Mr Crawford said the fire is not being treated as suspicious, but fire investigators will remain at the location to identify the exact cause.

The single mother and four daughters aged 6, 14, 16 and 18-years-old lost everything in the fire with a number of businesses and organisation getting involved first thing on Monday morning to assist the family kickstarted by the Lions Club of Yarrawonga.

“We have had a number of businesses get in touch with us about they can do to help, and we have got the ball rolling,” Secretary Debbie Van Corler said.

“As a Lions club we are able to access emergency funds which we have put in an application to the V6 foundation for a grant to assist but until the family get a roof over their heads we will work on what we can all do to help in the coming weeks.

“At the moment the real estate is trying to work out further accommodation for the family and once that has been found we will be able to assist as well as inform the community on any further donations and the likes that are required.

“So far we have had a number of businesses put their hands up to help with K-Hub and Bunnings to this point being absolutely amazing. K-Hub donated a crate of clothes and toiletries for each family member on Monday with the necessities needed straight up which was great and Bunnings has gone above and beyond to assist also.”

Yarrawonga College P-12 has also put their hand up to assist with 9-12 Principal Jo McCarthy saying the school was providing food and care packages, uniform vouchers, assistance with clothing through local businesses.

“The Lions club has also stepped in and provided much needed support in conjunction with KHub,” Jo said.

“I believe that one of the older girls who left school a couple of years ago has started a Go Fund Me page which can be found at GoFundMe and search ‘please help donate to restart from a house fire’.

“At the moment the family is overwhelmed and exhausted and needs a bit of time to process and figure out next steps.

“The community has been amazing and this is deeply appreciated by the family. Housing is going to be the big concern in the coming days.”

A second GoFundMe page was also set up by a relative of the family who lives interstate. To donate visit: https://au.gofundme.com/f/ help-to-start-over-after-house-fire?qid=9c610 1f0aa0142f8c14836565975290c.