'Bilpin – Our Stories' was a unique opportunity for people to engage with one another around a shared experience. They did this with enthusiasm, joy, and a cathartic release of pent-up anxiety according to Helen Foulis who experienced the loss of her house at Tutti Fruitti Bilpin.
“I was dreading the coming of Christmas where everyone is supposed to be happy and all I could think of was the remains of Clay’s (Helen’s Stepson) mini jeep after the fire. That was his 2019 Christmas present," said Helen.
"So when I went to the anniversary afternoon tea I was down. But after we sang and danced, I felt great – it was so cathartic - all that pent up anxiety I had been holding onto was gone! And I love watching the video, it cheers me up."
Project Lead, Kooryn Sheaves, said "The aim of the project was to foster the new and deep neighbourly support networks that were forged in the dry and heat defending our properties, homes and livestock from drought and fire. When the next disaster comes, or we are feeling bad, there is a neighbour over the paddock or down the road we can talk to. A burden shared is a burden halved and people can leave with confidence that someone has their back."
This project provided a glimpse of the strength, toughness, flexibility and spirit of individuals and the community.
