Fighting spirit a lifeline for town doing it tough

THROUGH the smoke and ash of the uncontrollable fire threatening Geeveston, there’s a ray of light, says Huon Valley stalwart Dick Geeves, a descendant of Geeveston settlers.

Dick Geeves, 94, who is a descendant of Geeveston's founding father. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

THROUGH the smoke and ash of the uncontrollable fire threatening Geeveston, there’s a ray of light, says Huon Valley stalwart Dick Geeves, a descendant of Geeveston settlers.

Walking through Mr Geeves’ Port Huon home it’s hard not to notice the town’s history on display.

A mantel piece holds memorabilia and some of the 94-year-old’s most prized possessions, while on the walls hang photos of Geeveston’s founding fathers.

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Indigenous Tasmanian artworks are some of the Mr Geeves’ favourite collectables.

It’s a history that exists in the WWII veteran’s riverside museum-like home built by his great-grandfather in 1890. And it could all be lost if an imposing fire burning south of the property takes hold.

But there’s a certain sentiment that will never be taken away from the Geeveston community even if property is destroyed Mr Reeves said.

“I think in some ways the fires can be looked at as a good thing because it makes the people realise that they live in a good community,” he said.

“The whole community has got together and dealt with the problem.

“Houses have been saved and its much to the efforts of volunteers. It’s a good side effect of a bad situation.”

“If my house burns down, I’d be sad. Not because I’d have to live elsewhere but because it’s grandad’s place.”

The witty former geriatric clinician who locals know as “Doctor Dick” praised efforts by the Huon Valley Council for their work at the Huonville evacuation centre, where he spent a night this week after Huonville road blocks prevented him from returning to his property.

“I wound down my window to a guy holding up the road who told me I can’t go home and I said ‘but I have to, I’ve only my wallet on me’ but I was told it didn’t matter, and I came to realise, no it didn’t,” he said.

“The reception I got at the evacuation centre was amazing. I was provided with a bed, all essential items and person-after-person offered me all the support I needed. Well done to the council.”

Mr Geeves said the community spirit evoked since fire broke out on January 16 has brought out one of the proudest moments over his long-standing years as a respected community member.