Community spirit shines bright

Community spirit has shone brightly in the wake of the Margaret River bushfire, with Busselton shire residents rallying behind their neighbours in a display of empathy and unity.

The South West Coachlines initiative to transport donations of goods to aid those who lost their homes and possessions filled four buses in Bunbury and Busselton on Saturday, including two which set off from Mitchell Park for distribution by the Margaret River Lions Club.

Veolia Transport general manager Lisa Shreeve told the Times the public embraced the chance to give, with some providing entire suitcases of items and buying food, new linen and toys specifically for the cause.

“The generosity of people overwhelmed me,” she said.

“People didn’t want to spend money on postage, they wanted more to go to the victims. Buses gave people the opportunity to get it there straight away.”

A collection point organised at 14 South Street received a variety of used and new household basics and attracted lateral thinking, with donations of items such as mattresses which could help home owners who wanted to open a room for displaced people.

Resident Sherie Arnold said she was compelled to get involved, and every small effort counted.

“You’ve just got to chip in … for a long time we were the lucky ones here in Australia and then bang, it’s on our backdoor.”

Ms Arnold said a garage sale was planned.

She said people could give through the Margaret River fire donation Facebook page and blankets and food was also being sought for FAWNA to care for affected animals.

Meanwhile, parents, students and staff at Dunsborough Primary School came together to conduct a Money Line fundraising activity on Tuesday which measured 72m and raised $857 to be donated through the Dunsborough Bendigo Bank branch.