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Connecting Gippsland through positive storytelling.

Three Towns Podcast Series

As the first anniversary of East Gippsland's horrific bushfire season approaches, journalist Matt Abud presents stories from three towns that were at the frontline of the Black Summer fires - Buchan, Sarsfield and Cann River.


Episode Seven - Sarsfield Snaps.

Join the Sarsfield community as they open the latest prints from the 'Sarsfield Snaps' bushfire recovery project.

Episode Six - In Sarsfield After the Black Summer Fires.

After the Black Summer fires, Sarsfield's Recreation Hall changed from a low-key place to becoming essential for community fire recovery.

Speakers:
Jo Andrews, Secretary, Sarsfield Recreation Hall and Sportsground
Amy Fisher, Sarsfield Resident
Grant Woods, Fair Dinkum Sheds
Stan Barker, President, Lakes Entrance Garden Club
Rosanna Palmer, Vocalist, Rosanna's Raiders

Episode Five - Black Summer in Cann River, Part 2.

The Cann River locals who stayed, and those who left, all face immense stress.

Speakers:
Gus McKinnon, local contractor
Marija Mrsc, Bush Nurse
Julie Mustard, Tonghi resident
Susie Bady, then-Neighbourhood House Coordinator
Michael O'Brien, Cann Valley resident
Fred and Kerry Marchi, proprietors of Relics Cafe

Episode Four - Black Summer in Cann River, Part 1.

When the Black Summer fires reached Cann River, local residents say one man and his team were the reason the town was saved.

Speakers:
Julie Mustard, Tonghi resident
Michael O'Brien, Cann Valley resident
Susie Bady, then-Neighbourhood House Coordinator
Gus McKinnon, local contractor
Marija Mrsc, Bush Nurse
Fred and Kerry Marchi, proprietors of Relics Cafe

Episode Three - After the Fire.

People around the district gathered at the Buchan Rec Reserve. The town works together in response to the disaster.

Speakers:
Melva Woodgate, farmer
Kate Hodge, CFA volunteer
Donald Graham, Buchan East resident
Susie Edwards, Gelantipy Bush Nurse

Episode Two - The Black Summer Fires reach Buchan.

The town had never faced fire like this before. Preparation and community connection were crucial to how people responded.

Speakers:
Kirstie Pearce, town resident
Melva Woodgate, farmer
Kate Hodge, CFA volunteer
Donald Graham, Buchan East resident

Episode One - Buchan prepares for the fire.

The Black Summer fires threatened Buchan for weeks before they arrived. The town used the time to get as prepared as possible.

Speakers:
Kate Hodge, CFA volunteer
Anne Brewer, Buchan Bush Nurse
Suzanne Davies, former Neighbourhood House Coordinator

Learn more here.

Your Podcast Series Presenter - Matt Abud

Matt works in media projects in many places, mostly South East Asia, and lives in Central Victoria, which is also in a bushfire zone.

Matt explains:
"The Black Summer fires hit home hard, and this is one way I can contribute. COVID disruptions meant it changed along the way, and became much more involved than I ever imagined - I simply hope it's of value to all those who went through Black Summer.

"I'm thankful to all the many people who shared their experiences, grateful to everyone who helped us out, and appreciate all the hospitality and friendship we found along the way.

"East Gippsland really is special. More on all of that, soon!"

Thank you

Theme music and occasional other contributions by Spoonbill: https://soundcloud.com/spoonbill

Podcast photo courtesy of Anna Fuhrmeister, age 11, Sarsfield.

Landing page photo by Jen Osborne.

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