Community gives back to those who risked all

His paddocks are burnt, but this farmer is rallying the community to thank the hard-working firefighters who battled the Thornton bushfires.

THANK YOU: Thornton hobby farmer John Brander is organising a movie to raise funds for the Rural Fire Service. Picture: Dominic Elsome

AS FIRES flared, and embers flew through the air – rural fire fighters were all that stood between the blaze and the small community of Thornton.

With fire extinguished and as the community begins to recover, residents are finding ways to thank the men and women who risked their lives for them.

Thornton hobby farmer John Brander’s property was heavily affected by the Thornton bushfires earlier this month, with many of his paddocks turned to ash and dust.

But without the hard work of emergency services, he said it would have been much worse.

“It was pretty scary – but the one highlight that needs to be reinforced was the co-ordination between the emergency services,” Mr Brander said.

It wasn't just during the fire that members of the rural fire service went above and beyond, with crews taking the time to check on residents after the threat had passed.

“We were blown away by their care and understanding after (the fire),” he said.

“They visited every property and asked how are you going? Are you okay?

“They made the effort to go around and make sure everyone was okay.”

Mr Brander is organising a family-movie night to raise funds for the Rural Fire Service to thank them for their work.

He said the event would also bring the community together to help the healing process, following multiple fire emergencies in the area during the past two months.

“People do need to talk about it, and I think that’s what will pull the community together,” he said.

“Everyone’s hurting in a different way. Some people are hurting in a business sense, others are hurting just mentally. 

“You get through the event but the aftermath you just sort of look and think where do I start?”

The event will be held at Mulgowie Hall on December 6, from 7pm with a family friendly movie.

Metalcorp Toowoomba have covered the cost to hire the outdoor cinema equipment and will be running a sausage sizzle on the night – with proceeds going to the RFS.

Donations for the service will also be excepted on the night.

For more information, contact John via email: [e-mail].

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