Narooma helps with new beginnings for bushfire victims
Narooma helps with new beginnings for bushfire victims
29 September 2009
published by www.naroomanewsonline.com.au
Australia —
The first of five families who lost everything in the Victorian bushfires have visited Narooma for a relaxing break.
The visits were made possible after manager of the LaSalle Motel Rhonda Upton rushed down to the Bendigo area the day after the bushfires to check on her mother and daughter who just escaped the disaster.
The fires came as close as across the road for her relatives.
I saw the devastation and wanted to do something, so I called the local radio station and offered five holidays for families affected by the fires, she said.
The Rotary Club of Eaglehawk responded and got five families in touch with Rhonda who has booked them in over the next few months.
The first family to visit was the Kidd family from Bendigo who spent fives days at the LaSalle Motel last week taking in the sights around Narooma.
After losing their home and material possessions to the bushfires, the Kidds have now set their sights on the future.
The family who are still recovering from their loss say they have learned deep life lessons such as acceptance and the value of new beginnings.
“We’re really focused on the forward movement,” Mrs Kidd said.
The family have found the break in Narooma relaxing.
When asked how they enjoyed their stay, the family responded positively.
Talking about how easy it has been to relax in Narooma, Mr Kidd said, “I don’t know how people work in a place like this.”
Rhonda said the town had been very welcoming and one local couple invited the family back to their home for a cup of tea and a chat after meeting them at the newsagent and hearing their story.
