The Great Storm of June 2021 will be one the most locals won't forget for many many years.
No Livres were lost, but that was the blessing from God. All hell broke loose that night.
It sounded like 747's going low over the house, occasionally the house would shake as a tree came down.
It was only in the early morning when the wind died down a bit that we could get out and start check on the Neighbours.
(Our house and gardens were untouched) The community was devasted.
Many were in shock, survival mode. all Roads were Blocked, No Power and No telecommunications.
Stephan and I got into my new truck and started with Chainsaws to get to people's homes.
The Local CFA checked in on us, and many neighbors soon joined us.
By Mid morning about 10 Chainsaws were going trying to cut ourselves out.
The Local CFA roles were to ensure No one was in danger so they were busy elsewhere
We later found out, we were Gorund Zero.
It was late into the evening of the 10th June then emergency access had been created for vehicles to get on and off the mountain. Single land, dangerous driving but emergency gear could be hauled up the mountain. The Storm had caused havoc in the forest because we had a wet summer that might the mighty mountain ashes had put a lot of leaf on the tops. very wet autumn and a very strong wind from the south, the big giant Mountain ashes couldn't cope anymore. and they would fall.
Some of the trees had trucks wider than cars. And they fell on roads, they leave a dent.
The mountain was a mess, For us, I got Jennifer off the mountain, and Stephan (RJ) had to be at work. Both were to stay at Gemma-ann's for the next week. As for myself. I basically joined the CFA team and worked like many capable men did alongside them. Clearing Driveway, Suppling Petrol for generators, Firewood to those that needed warmth in their homes. Cover Damaged homes in Terpulins. Whatever the Community needed.
The Local CFA even had the CFA strike teams join them, and so many were amazed at the destruction. Soon the Busy CFA teams were stood down and the Power supply and Raids specialists start coming in and SES took over their role. By day 5, I was exhausted, I went to Gemma-ann's to recover. Get a hot meal and a good sound warm sleep.
We decided after that to head to Dubbo and see Lissa. Stay off the mountain for a while. and let the crews do the cleanup work. We got Power and Telecommunications early on Day 13.
The results were sound enough. Zero Deaths, 60% of Homes damaged. 35000 homes lost power with 97% of the power grid damaged on the Mountain. We were the lucky ones. this is an event in our lives we will not forget.
Batter and not beaten.
