MEDIA RELEASE
099.09
16 November 2009
Bushfire recovery volunteers named Victoria’s Local Heroes
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) tonight congratulated Blaze Aid
founders, Kevin and Rhonda Butler, for being honoured as Victoria’s Local Hero in the
lead-up to the 2010 Australian of the Year Awards.
DIAC is once again proud to sponsor Australia’s Local Hero Award and to celebrate the
extraordinary work of ordinary Australians who make their local community a better
place. Next year is the 50th anniversary of the Australian of the Year Awards.
Mr and Mrs Butler, from Kilmore East, received the award for their leadership in the
Victorian bushfire recovery efforts by establishing Blaze Aid – a charity which
coordinates an army of volunteers who are helping to rebuild rural fences and the spirits
of bushfire victims.
“Mr and Mrs Butler are outstanding citizens who inspire us with the passion they have
for this country and its people,” a DIAC spokeswoman said.
“Following the devastating Black Saturday bushfires they were overwhelmed with offers
of assistance to rebuild their farm’s destroyed fences. Once their own stock was
secured, they were determined to help others do the same, so they established the
Blaze Aid charity.”
Blaze Aid has received donations of money, tools, equipment, food, accommodation,
transport and hands-on support for its team of some 2700 local and international
volunteers who have replaced a total of 400 km of fences on 70 properties in the
Kilmore-Kinglake region.
“Australia’s Local Hero Award acknowledges dedicated citizens such as Kevin and
Rhonda who work tirelessly to make the lives of those around them that little bit better,”
the spokeswoman said.
“Our Local Heroes are extraordinary individuals whose passion and energy strengthen
our communities and encapsulate what it means to be Australian.”
The national Local Hero Award recipient will be announced in Canberra on
25 January 2010.
Media Enquiries: DIAC - National Communications 02 6264 2244
Australian of the Year Awards & National Australia Day Council Media Enquiries:
Nicole Browne 02 9954 7677 or 0414 673 762
Victoria’s Local Hero
Kevin and Rhonda Butler
Kilmore East
Bushfire recovery volunteers
The day after the devastation of the Black Saturday fires, Kevin and Rhonda Butler
began rebuilding three kilometres of fencing burnt out on their property to stop 1500
sheep from straying onto the Hume Highway. Realising that the task would take
three months to complete, they called on the help of friends and family. From that
experience Blaze Aid was born to help fix destroyed fences. Nine months on from
Black Saturday, 2700 long- and short-term Blaze Aid volunteers have completed 400
kilometres of fencing on 70 properties. Many volunteers have made their home on
the Butlers’ property and meals are provided at what has become known as Kev’s
Shed. With true Aussie spirit, Blaze Aid volunteers work side-by-side with fire
survivors, rebuilding not only their fences but also their spirits. A huge task still lies
ahead with hundreds of kilometres of fencing still needing to be installed, but the
Butler’s determination will help rebuild the spirits of Victorians.
NEWS 
