Currowan bushfire: One year on communities remember the day that changed everything

Eleven-year-old Emerald Smith lost her father to the Currowan bushfire last year. One year on from its ignition in bushland, the south coast community has remembered what was lost.

Thursday marks one year since the devastating Currowan fire ignited in south coast bushland, burning for more than 70 days it claimed three lives, 312 homes and almost 500,000 hectares of bush.

This week has seen south coast communities come together to remember not only the horrors of last summer’s bushfires, but also the way in which it brought everyone closer.

Eleven-year-old Emerald Smith lost her father John on December 30 while he was defending the family’s bush property. A social media post by her local firefighting brigade at Long Beach near Batemans Bay marking her birthday on November 24 has gone viral.

Emerald Smith lost her father John during the Black Summer bushfire emergency on the south coast. Picture: Long Beach RFS

Last year Emerald spent her birthday gift cards on food for the Long Beach fire brigade, delivered to the fire station in individual bags with messages of support for firefighters.

Thousands of messages of support flooded the brigade’s Facebook page this week after they thanked Emerald for her help during their most difficult moments.

The Currowan Fire just north of Batemans Bay burned for more than 70 days. Picture: Supplied by Surf Lifesaving NSW

“Emerald was so touched and grateful that she even missed her daddy‘s birthday greeting, she was greeted by thousands of people who are thinking about her on her birthday,” Emerald’s mother Josie said.

“She had a lovely birthday, she got an advance birthday present, a puppy named Alfie whom she loves a lot, she had a pre-birthday celebration with our Filipino friends, then she was surprised by her friends when she came home from school and had a very lovely cake and cupcakes made by my friends.

A property impacted by the Currowan Fire in Conjola Park. Picture: Heather Mcnab

“We went to church and she had her first communion, then had dinner with our friends.

“She was delighted.”

Eurobodalla Shire Council flew its flags at half mast to mark the anniversary, after 79 per cent of its landscape was devastated by fire.

“It’s been a traumatic year and the coming weeks will be tough for many in the community,” council said.

CFA crews help fight the Currowan blaze near Batemans Bay. Picture: Supplied

“At this time of reflection, we are grateful to the emergency responders who protected us, and we honour the courage of so many residents who worked together to provide safety and comfort in those dark days.”

Shoalhaven City Council’s Mayor Amanda Findley marked the day by recognising the “contribution, generosity, and goodwill” of everyone who helped south coast residents during the bushfire emergency.

“There are countless residents, emergency support services, volunteer groups and community service providers, not for profits and government agencies who went above and beyond to protect our community,” she said.

Firefighting captain Ron Threlfall and his daughter Skye, 22 at the Nerrigundah NSW Rural Fire Service shed that became their last place of refuge. The shed survived the fire due to the sprinkler system that was installed. Picture: Sean Davey.

“While it has been a challenging year the Shoalhaven has shown it is a resilient community.

“And today’s message is one of hope. We have seen and continue to see extraordinary compassion and kindness shown to our community.

“Let us remember to stay connected and committed to supporting one another.”

She said the region’s Mayoral Relief Fund, created to help individuals, families and tradespeople directly impacted by the fires, has handed out $308,000 with $114,000 to be distributed over coming weeks.