Residents of the Victorian town of Harcourt are beginning to assess the damage after bushfires destroyed 54 homes and several businesses in the area. The town, about 110km north-west of Melbourne, was among the worst hit by fires that started on 7 January amid a heatwave with temperatures above 40C.
Jess and John Bell, both Country Fire Authority volunteers, described the 'miracle' that saved their weatherboard house while many neighbouring homes were reduced to rubble. 'You'll see one house burnt and one standing strong, basically untouched. It's just bizarre,' Jess said.
The fires have burned more than 400,000 hectares across Victoria and destroyed over 700 structures. In Harcourt, residents have been allowed back sporadically to check on properties. Many are using generators and bottled water, waiting for insurance assessors.
Community-led recovery efforts are underway, with the miniature railway transformed into a relief centre. Remy Sowman, whose Coolstore cafe was destroyed, said the community had come together to share stories and resources. He plans to rebuild the cafe.
Local businesses have been severely affected. Jacqueline Brodie-Hanns of Shedshaker Brewing Company lost 90% of her stock, and many winemakers and fruit growers face an uncertain future. A fundraiser at Boomtown bar in Castlemaine raised over $130,000 to support affected businesses.
