Twenty-five bushfire-ravaged backyards have been repaired by Habitat for Humanity since the bushfires hit the Blue Mountains in October last year.
Last week Federal MP for Macquarie Louise Markus visited some of those bushfire-affected properties that have recently had work completed by the Christian not-for-profit organisation.
Matt Bradhurst, Habitat’s NSW program manager took Mrs Markus to four properties in the Blue Mountains which have had new gardens and landscaping installed by the group’s volunteers.
Habitat for Humanity, through a donation by the Commonwealth Bank, has been working on the ground with their ‘Brush with Kindness’ work teams to assist with landscaping.
Mr Bradhurst said at the end of each completed project the difference was visible not only in the properties but in the lives of residents.
“It has been amazing to see the transformation of the gardens the teams have worked on. Where there was nothing but blackness there is now mulch, saplings, grass and life” Mr Bradhurst said.
One transformed property is the Rainbow Preschool in Winmalee. The preschool’s back garden was destroyed, but through the work of Habitat for Humanity it is well on the way to restoration.
Mrs Markus said it was “inspiring and uplifting” to witness the before and after of the properties.
“I was so pleased to introduce Habitat for Humanity into the recovery efforts and to now see the work they have carried out almost six months later. Many of the properties they have completed are those of elderly residents who take great pride in their gardens. The results are truly astounding and my thanks goes to all the volunteers.”
The work is well ahead of schedule as Habitat had hoped to complete 25 gardens by the end of June.