The Australian agricultural community is in mourning after a cattle farmer was killed while attempting to defend his property from devastating bushfires in regional Victoria.
A Tragic Discovery on Scorched Earth
The remains of Maxwell Hobson, aged in his early 80s, were discovered on Sunday approximately 100 metres from his burnt-out vehicle on Yarck Road in Gobur, within the Longwood fire zone. The discovery sent shockwaves through the tight-knit local farming community.
Mr Hobson and his wife, who is in her late 70s, owned a 101-hectare cattle farm in Terip Terip, south of Euroa. Despite official advice from the Country Fire Authority to evacuate on Thursday ahead of predicted worsening conditions on Friday, Mr Hobson had made the fateful decision to stay and protect his livestock. His wife was safely evacuated to the nearby town of Alexandra.
Close friend Andrew Embling paid an emotional tribute, describing Mr Hobson as "just a great Australian guy." He added, "When you've got true blue farmers coming in and crying on your shoulder, that's hard."
Widespread Destruction and Community Impact
The tragedy unfolded amid a widespread bushfire emergency. By midday on Monday, more than 350 structures had been destroyed by fires burning across the state. The breakdown of losses paints a stark picture of the disaster's scale:
- 47 homes and 3 businesses were destroyed in the Ravenswood and Harcourt fires.
- The Longwood fire, where Mr Hobson died, claimed 154 structures.
- The Natimuk fire destroyed at least 30 structures.
- Fires in Streatham, Walwa, Yarroweyah, Mount Mercer, and Dargo also caused significant property and agricultural losses.
Locals reported that cattle from the Hobsons' farm were seen scattered on roads after the fire front passed, with some animals having to be euthanised and others cared for by neighbours.
Leadership Response and Firefighting Efforts
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan offered her condolences, stating the death was "a devastating reminder of the tragedy that fire can bring to any community." Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also expressed his sympathies to the family and community.
Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Weibusch reported that conditions had eased on Monday, allowing firefighters better access to tackle the 12 major fires still burning. He praised the efforts of crews who had managed to contain blazes in Streatham, Mount Mercer, and Natimuk, singling out local leaders for their work protecting vulnerable sites like a nursing home.
Support for affected communities is being mobilised. From January 16, grants for mental health and wellbeing activities in farming communities will be available. An official bushfire appeal will open for donations, and disaster recovery payments of $1000 per adult and $400 per child can be claimed by eligible residents.
