Shoalhaven: Community rally for Croker family beekeepers after house fire tragedy

A well-known Shoalhaven beekeeping family – who once helped others fight through Black Summer – have lost everything in a horror house fire, prompting a massive wave of community support.

Eric, Lizzie, Charlotte and Will Croker. Picture: Supplied

A South Coast community has rallied behind a well-known Shoalhaven beekeeping family after a devastating fire destroyed their home and claimed the lives of their beloved pets.

The Crokers’ Boyne Creek home of 20 years was reduced to rubble on Wednesday night, according to family friend Mark Brayne, who also revealed the blaze tragically killed their dogs, Banjo and Bingo.

Mr Brayne said the uninsured home was an “off-grid lifestyle” property cherished by Eric and Lizzie Croker and their children, Charlotte and Will.

“All of that was lost in a matter of seconds, and their whole world has tragically been destroyed including their belongings, family heirlooms, memories, photographs, everything,” he said.

“The spirit of bush is truly alive, and Eric and Lizzie are no strangers to this way of life. Both have given countless hours and their own blood, sweat and tears to supporting others in need during tough times.”

The Croker's family home of 20 years burnt down on Wednesday evening. Pictures: Supplied

The couple paused their beekeeping business during the 2020 Black Summer Fires to help locals who lost homes and livelihoods.

“This included not only those in their district, but far beyond their small bush community,” Mr Brayne said.

“Eric retrofitted his work truck with firefighting gear and risked his own life to assist neighbours and farmers to save homes, livestock, pets and families — all selfless acts for others in need.”

Now, in an effort to repay the kindness, Mr Brayne has launched a GoFundMe to support the family.

“Let’s show the Crokers how good our community can be, and give back to this beautiful family that have given so much and tragically lost everything in a single night,” he said.

More than $21,000 has been raised in just days.

“Unfortunately, their home was not insured. Although insurance wouldn’t bring back their dogs or priceless mementos, the money would ease the burden they now face,” Mr Brayne said.

“We’d just like to send a huge thank you to everyone who has donated so far. The amount of people willing to help is just mind-blowing, and we can’t thank you all enough.

“We’ve raised over $20k in less than 24 hours and are well on track to hit our goal.”

Investigations into the cause of the blaze are ongoing.

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Originally published as Shoalhaven: Community rally for Croker family beekeepers after house fire tragedy