Local farmer and councillor for the Harcourt ward, Tony Cordy, was one of the first property owners to be impacted by Friday’s devastating fires.
The fire, which started on the East side of Mount Gaspard at around 2.30pm on January 9, resulted in five houses being under threat in the initial stages, including Tony’s. While Tony’s home and two others were spared, sadly, two homes were lost.
“The emergency response from CFA, FRV, local volunteers and two helicopters was on site very early, but the conditions were impossible,” Tony said.
Determined to slow the spread of the fire, Tony jumped on the tractor with the sprayer, which unfortunately rolled. He then took to smothering the flames with the tractor’s bucket and creating fire breaks with the plough.
Despite his efforts, roughly 80 per cent of the 2,000-acre farm was burned as the fire made its way steadily towards Harcourt.
The family farm has been in the family since the 60s, and Tony can vividly recall the ’69 fires that came through when he was just 12-years-old.
“While the ’69 fires didn’t have the same impact on homes and the community, it was a massive fire,” he said.
Tony extended his thanks to all the emergency services people, volunteers and those who offered support across the community.
“For those of you who have lost homes, my heart goes out to you. Many of you I have known all my life. Please look out for each other, and do what you can to assist,” he said.
“I encourage all community members to attend the Castlemaine Recovery Hub at the Town Hall. The resources there are fantastic, and you will see people you know. Connecting and talking about what has happened is important.
