Every dollar from $9m SA bushfire appeal now distributed to the Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Island communities after bushfires
Bushfire took almost everything the Webb family had. Now, they are set to welcome a new daughter named Phoenix as the family rebuilds from the ashes.
SA News
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Bushfire took almost every material thing the Webb family had. Now, they are on the cusp of welcoming a new daughter named Phoenix as the family builds new life out of the ashes.
Marc and Rhiann Webb have described the terrifying moments as their home and farming business at Kenton Valley near Cudlee Creek were destroyed in the new year blazes, while they continue a rebuilding process that has been assisted by the $9 million bushfire appeal.
The State Government says every dollar from the fund has now been distributed to the Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Island communities following devastating summer bushfires.
A total 1062 families, individuals and businesses shared in the donations.
Mr Webb said the family had been in their home for a month, when the power went out and they received an alert that a fire was nearby. They fled towards Gawler, only to change plans as the Hillier blaze also started going, and later returned home to see the destruction.
“Despite crossing our fingers all night, the house, the sheds and our business were completely destroyed,” Mr Webb said on Sunday. “It was overwhelming.
“It was still burning at the time. The house was down and collapsed, the sheds were all mangled and melted, but there was still little spot fires. “We lost the house, all home contents.
“We didn’t feel forgotten by the grants, because they kept coming.”
Ms Webb said: “You never prepare yourself for something like that”.
“You don’t know what to expect. You don’t know how to feel. You don’t know what to think or what to look at when you are peering at piles of deep ash,” she said.
On Sunday, the family revealed that a new daughter due in a month’s time would be called Phoenix because “she is the new life rising from the ashes”.
Human Services Minister Michelle Lensink said everyone who donated “can be very proud their contribution went to help our communities rebuild after such devastation”.
“We’ve been working hard to get the money in the pockets of those who need it most, so this is a significant milestone that $9 million has now been gifted,” she said.
“A heartfelt thank you goes to all of the individuals and businesses, both locally and abroad, who very generously donated during South Australia’s time of need.
Minister Lensink said a further 15 projects were recently awarded funds from the SA Bushfire Appeal under round two of a community strength and resilience initiative.