Family rising from the ashes

Clean-ups and back-burning were still in progress at their Indigo Valley property as they planned their first celebration of the festive season outside the house.

Mrs Newman said the fires were still at the back of her mind while spending Thursday evening with friends and family.

“The fire brigade volunteers have all been running around helping so we didn’t really think we should leave the place much when they were all doing the volunteer work,” she said.

“Yesterday they were burning at the top of the valley.”

Mrs Newman said her thoughts went out to the families that would be starting 2016 under the burden of rebuilding their homes.

“It’s hard, but we were very lucky because the fire trucks came and the weather changed,” she said. 

“We lost lots of fencing and trees, but no cattle and no houses.

“That’s minor compared to having to put sheep down and cattle down and losing houses.”

Mrs Newman said the support from the wider Border community had been fantastic. 

“There’s people helping people everywhere,” she said. 

“People have come and offered hampers, the government services were there too making sure we had power and water.”

Chris Newman said the beginning of 2016 would be hopeful, but busy keeping the property safe given the ongoing fire risk. 

“I think we'll need to stay home for a while and make sure it doesn’t flare up,” he said. 

“There’s trees that are burning so hot, but there’s no smoke.

“Just like a Bunsen burner, you see nothing but if you look at the leaves 30 foot above, they’re all shaking from the heat coming out from the trees.

“We haven’t got the hot weather yet, in theory.”