Euroa Showgrounds becomes hub for BlazeAid bushfire recovery

The Euroa Showgrounds has become a base for rural recovery efforts following the January Longwood bushfires, with BlazeAid establishing a volunteer camp on site to support fire-affected landholders.

The Euroa Agricultural Society Inc. (EAS) was approached by Strathbogie Shire Council’s Recovery Team on 12 January to host the recovery camp, with volunteers beginning to arrive from 20 January.

BlazeAid, a volunteer-based organisation assisting rural communities after natural disasters, is coordinating local recovery efforts from the Euroa Showgrounds. The group works alongside impacted property owners to clear, repair and rebuild fencing damaged by the fires.

Volunteer numbers vary throughout the recovery effort, with up to 60 volunteers based at the camp at any one time. Swags, tents, campervans and rooftop tent set-ups can be seen spread across the grassed areas surrounding the main pavilion.

The camp operates from the Showgrounds’ main pavilion and multipurpose room, utilising kitchen facilities and amenities. The Euroa Agricultural Society has provided the space free of charge, with agreements in place to manage increased water, electricity and gas usage.

While some regular user groups continue to access the outdoor oval and limited amenities, priority use of the core facilities has been given to support the volunteer effort.

BlazeAid’s Longwood Camp Coordinator, Debra Ong, said the support from the Euroa Agricultural Society has been vital in enabling the recovery effort to move quickly.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Euroa Agricultural Society for opening the Showgrounds as our Longwood basecamp,” Ms Ong said.

“This support has enabled volunteers from across Australia to come together and help fire-affected landholders begin the long process of recovery. The work is practical, rebuilding fences and other essential farm infrastructure, but the impact on families and the broader community is significant.”

“We are always looking for more volunteers. Whether you can spare a day, a week or longer, people of all ages and experience levels are welcome. If you’ve ever thought about helping your rural neighbours, now is the time.”

Locally, BlazeAid teams are supporting approximately 200 properties, primarily clearing and rebuilding fencing across fire-affected farmland.

EAS President Lyndal Dean said the Society recognised the importance of stepping forward during a time of crisis for the district.

“Our community and agricultural industry have been hit incredibly hard by the Longwood fires. When BlazeAid reached out, there was no hesitation from our committee,” Mrs Dean said.

“The Showgrounds exists for the community. Supporting recovery efforts like this is exactly what we’re here for.”

“Yes, it’s been a juggle. We’ve relocated meetings, adjusted bookings and worked closely with our regular user groups, but everyone has been incredibly understanding.”

“As a volunteer-run organisation, our facility hire income underpins the year-round running of the Showgrounds, including maintenance, improvements and the day-to-day costs of keeping the grounds operational, but the priority right now is helping our farming families and communities rebuild.”

“Planning is already underway for the 2026 Euroa Agricultural Show on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October. The Show has always been about supporting and celebrating our agricultural community, and this year that meaning is stronger than ever.”

BlazeAid is expected to remain based at the Showgrounds for several months as recovery efforts continue across the region.

Community members interested in volunteering at the Longwood camp can find further information or register their interest at www.blazeaid.com.au/longwood.