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Helping to rebuild a bushfire affected community
The Grandparents Treasure Chest in Quaama NSW is a tool and machinery shed where the community shares local rebuilding materials as needed. This initiative is led by Don, and supported by community members Lyndia and Kym.
After the fires, Don quickly realised that you can rebuild a community but you can’t replace it like for like. So in an effort to support the town he sprung into action to support the community.
Located in Quaama, NSW, Don realised he had to do something to help the community he loves after going through so much after the fires of 2019 and early 2020. He worked with Weston Creek Men’s Shed, ACT to arrange the donation of tools and furniture from around Canberra, and construction of items like cupboards for those who lost their belongings in the fires. He also established the ‘Grandparents Treasure Chest’, sourcing shipping containers (the treasure chest!) donated by the Minderoo Foundation to sit in town and filling them with tools for the shed where local community members could come in and get what they needed.
These containers are now the local treasure chest. Through Bega Valley Shire Bushfire Recovery Funding, Don and his team were able to buy more materials for construction of the cupboards and workbenches and pay for transport to and from Canberra. They also used funds from GIVIT to source a ride on lawnmower, which is now a much loved shared resource in the community.
Don said, ‘if you drive past the town a lot of people are still rebuilding, so there is going to be an ongoing need for support in these regions for years to come as the town continues to recover’.
Pictured with the lawnmower are volunteers Lyndia and Kym who work with Don on this incredible community initiative.
