Richard Mainey: Man killed in Willi Willi Road fire at Temagog near Kempsey identified

Heartfelt tributes are flowing for the man who lost his life as an out of control bushfire tore through the Kempsey region on the state’s mid-north coast on Monday night.

Tributes are flowing for well known local Richard Mainey who was killed as an out of control bushfire, fanned by raging winds, tore through the Kempsey region on Monday night.

It is understood Richard Mainey, whose whole family has a longstanding connection to the area, lost his life when he was out trying to protect a family property from the blaze whipped up by ferocious winds alongside family members John, Phil and Josh Mainey and Adam Osborne.

Richard has been described as a “top bloke” and well respected businessman.

“I went to school with Richard - a happy go lucky guy, always had a smile and willing to help anyone - RIP.

“Sending prayers and thoughts to all his family, it is a great loss to the Kempsey community,” Tanyia Farrawell posted on this publication’s Facebook page.

Tim Webster took this photo of the fire at Toorooka near Willarran around 8pm on Monday night.

“Rest in peace Richard. I worked for him when I moved to Australia when I was 18 and for a few years.

“Awesome boss. Sad to hear this news and condolences to the family,” Jen Crawford said.

“R.I.P. Richard. I met him a matter of weeks ago - he was a top bloke. My deepest condolences to his family and friends,” Keiran Morgan said.

The entire Mainey family is well known in the area for their generosity and willingness to help others.

“Tragic news, such a generous businessman and part of a wonderful family. Thoughts to family and friends,” Noni Collins posted.

“I was mentored by Phil and his family as a young fella. I can only hope and pray for their families at this time, much love,” Adam Marr posted.

Well known local Richard Mainey was killed when a blaze tore through his Temagog property on Monday night, October 16. Picture: Facebook.

Mr Mainey’s brother John and his wife Lila have also paid tribute to Richard releasing the following statement:

With heavy hearts we share this sad news, on Monday evening we suffered a tragic loss.

We lost our brother Richard Mainey in the bushfire, trying to save the Family farm alongside John Mainey , Phil Mainey, Josh Mainey and Adam Osborne.

Richard was a caring brother and uncle. He was always there if you needed a hand, he was a quiet achiever with initiative and a mister fix-it man. We will miss those dimples and cheeky grin more than words can ever say.

Love Always John and Lila xx

Emergency services were called to a Stony Creek Lane property at Temagog, west of Kempsey, about 10.15pm after concerns were raised for the 56-year-old’s welfare.

Kevin Rosten. Picture: Chris Knight.

Temagog women fighting a fire with hand tools. Picture: Chris Knight.

On arrival, officers from Mid North Coast Police District located a body with his bulldozer nearby destroyed by flames.

Temagog resident Kevin Rosten said Mr Mainey had a long connection to the area.

Mr Rosten, who helped set up the Temagog Rural Fire Brigade in 1977 and remains a volunteer for it, said Mr Mainey owned a large property in the area and his mother also lived nearby.

“I heard he had been tidying up around the house (in the dozer) and then gone (working) further away. It’s just terrible,” Mr Rosten said.

Tim Webster took this photo of the fire at Toorooka near Willarran around 8pm on Monday night.

Just west of the property, fire had reached Temagog Rd, and on one property two women worked frantically with hand tools and buckets of water to try and stop a grass fire.

NSW Police superintendent Shane Cribb said on Tuesday afternoon the family was “devastated”.

“We do believe that he was perhaps putting in some lines to try and prevent the fire but as I say that will be part of the investigation,” Mr Cribb said.

RFS Lower North Coast manager Liz Ferris says authorities are putting what they call a “heavy weight of attack” on the blaze, known as the Willi Willi Road fire, in preparation for worsening conditions over the weekend.

On Tuesday, Ms Ferris said the fire was burning on all fronts with an 80km perimeter.

Residents and emergency services remain on high alert and an evacuation centre has been established at the Kempsey Showground.

The fire has been downgraded to a watch and act but is still burning out of control and by about 3pm on Tuesday had burnt out more than 21,500ha.

Firefighters are working frantically to try and tie in the Willi Willi Road fire ahead of expected worsening conditions on Saturday and into Sunday.

Kempsey Shire residents are noticeably on edge as the area was ravaged by the Carrai East mega blaze in 2019 which claimed more than 60 local dwellings.