The Clarence Valley is a heart shaped food bowl and local government area spread over three Indigenous nations in Northern NSW, Australia. Encompassing myriad communities in approximately 66 locales, ranging from small river and bush villages to vibrant coastal holiday hamlets, a bustling regional city, lush pastoral lands and national parks. It is a haven of the most temperate, biodiverse beauty the continent of Australia has to offer. 

In the summer of 2019/2020 vast swathes of the Clarence Valley were razed to the ground by the most devastating bush fires on record. 168 homes were destroyed, and many more homes and properties were damaged. Through community-lead resilience, reconnecting with nature, and cultural knowledge-sharing, communities are getting back on their feet and fortifying themselves for future disaster events. →

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Clarence Valley Community

The Dorrigo plateau community of Dundurrabin on Gumbaynggirr country was overrun by the Bees Nest Fire which burned over 100,000 hectares, and was the earliest mega fire of the devastating 2019 bush fire season.

The pace of the approaching fire, which travelled 20km in one hour, took locals by surprise. It was 3 days and 3 nights of unrelenting fire explosions and a total of 3 and a half months of hyper-vigilance, as the fire blazed around and through the community. Communications were lost, systems broke down, but at a local level and with local knowledge, the community mobilised to defend itself with support funnelling in from across the state.

Located approximately 428km north of Sydney and with a population of approximately 97 people, it is a vibrant bush community of well-travelled creatives that have gravitated to the area for its rugged and enchanting environs.

It is home to prized and revered old growth forest, abundant and sometimes endangered fauna, and kind and resilient people evermore galvanised by their fire ordeal.  →

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Dundurrabin

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Situated 35 mins north-west of Coffs Harbour on Gumbaynggirr Country in the Clarence Valley, the charming town of Glenreagh is nestled alongside the Orara River framed by towering sandstone ranges and subtropical forest. It is deeply connected with its timber heritage and mountain railway line and in the 2016 census had a population of 900 people.

During the 2019 bushfires the people of Glenreagh were faced with the decision to prepare their property and to stay and defend, or evacuate. For some, the approaching blaze offered little time even for that decision. Determined to distill lessons from the experience and with an eye to the future, community members have rallied and joined to lead recovery efforts in Glenreagh.  →

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Glenreagh

Over 10,000 hectares burned in the Shark Creek 2 fire that threatened Angourie and Wooloweyah in the 2019 bushfires. 

No strangers to bushfire, the two small villages of Angourie and Wooloweyah nestled within the Yuraygir National Park have enacted their fire plans several times over the years. The villages are approximately 7km south of Yamba and 2km apart, with Angourie bordered by the Pacific Ocean and Wooloweyah bordered by Lake Wooloweyah that joins to the Clarence River.

For Angourie locals, it was the first time they had found themselves directly in the line of fire and having to defend their homes. More vulnerably positioned further south and set within taller trees, Wooloweyah has evaded catastrophe on several previous occasions. Gratefully for locals, 2019 was another such occasion, as being early in the fire season, the villages were defended by the full force of the NSW Rural Fire Service.  →

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Wooloweyah + Angourie

Nymboida is a rural village on Gumbaynggir Country, 44km south-west of Grafton and approximately 687km north of Sydney. In the 2021 census the population was 268.

The jewel in the crown of Nymboida for those that call this bush haven home is the mighty Nymboida River, which forms part of the longest white water trail in Australia, and the bubbling Goolang Creek. It is also home to thriving flora and fauna such as the platypus and many spectacular and iconic species of birds.

Nymboida was among the most devastated of the Clarence Valley communities in the 2019 bushfires. At the time of the fire, the population was 298 and they lost 85 homes. After the fire, a third of the population moved away.  →

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Nymboida

The Myall Creek Road fire bore down on the community of Woombah and cut access to the community of Iluka on 27 November 2019.

Set within the Bundjalung National Park at the mouth of the Clarence River, the communities of Woombah and Iluka are bordered by and built inside towering wet sclerophyll forest. It is home to many young families, abundant flora and fauna species and historically strong numbers of Clarence Valley Koalas. 

The Woombah Fire Brigade had been assisting in other Clarence Valley locales such as Nymboida before having to return home to enact their own fire plans. In a huge coordinated effort between the NSW RFS and community, no homes were lost in the blaze, but the terrifying experience and the devastating impact on the local environment rocked local residents and mobilised community to lead their own recovery.

Today, the community is stronger for the experience and are working together to better prepare for future events.  →



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Woombah +
Iluka

The Long Gully Road Fire burned through 74,000 hectares, including the Clarence Valley community of Ewingar on the 5 September. Tragically there were 2 deaths, 40 homes destroyed, 22 damaged, and 300 saved.

The community of Ewingar, nestled on the range behind the Clarence River, is ruggedly beautiful, sparsely populated and promises the quiet bush life, miles from shops and town spoils. For the locals that call Ewingar home, self-sufficiency, planning ahead and being prepared is de rigeur.

Despite this, and having experienced bushfires before, when the Long Gully Road fire arrived, locals virtually met it where they stood. Of the handful of those that were the most prepared physically, no one was prepared for the mental and emotional experience of the area being 100% burned by fire.

In the days, months and now years that have followed, the community has taken charge of their recovery and together with various government agencies and grant funding support, have empowered themselves through a variety of ways for future events.  →

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Ewingar

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The communities of Baryulgil and Malabugilmah located on Bundjalung country in the upper reaches of the Clarence River, are bush-hardy communities of families that are accustomed to fire. But for the few individuals that stayed to defend homes along with the NSW RFS in the Long Gully Road fire, it is an experience they will never forget.

With a population of elderly and children, it was important the most vulnerable were out of harms’ way as the fire approached. Most of both communities evacuated to Grafton ahead of time and for a prolonged and agonising wait, were unsure of whether they had homes to return to.

Local heroes stepped up and fought the fire with emergency services as the blaze completely covered the villages. Miraculously no homes were lost. Several community members have now joined the RFS and hope to weave their cultural fire knowledge into their RFS training to prepare for future events.  →

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Baryulgil + Malabugilmah

“The fire was like a giant skipping across the range, throwing fire with its rope.” – Ramona, Malabugilmah.

The Myall Creek Road fire burned through 121,324 hectares of bushland and arrived at the Clarence Valley community of Ashby on 26 November 2019.

Nestled overlooking Maclean on the Clarence River the small community of Ashby is a motley haven of characters joined by a love of nature and the quiet life. It made the fire particularly devastating for the community which is also home to stricken numbers of Clarence Valley Koalas, further fraught by the 2019 bushfire season.

Caravans, sheds, and water tanks were destroyed in the blaze, though in a breathtaking effort of NSW RFS and community hands working together, no homes were lost.

Since the fire the community has worked together to lead their own recovery. Through nature-based workshops and a long initiative with Yaegl Bush Regenerators and Resilient Clarence project partners Envite, they have created a nature discovery trail through the Ashby Reserve for current and future generations to enjoy.   →

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Ashby

“We were a neighbourhood before the fire, now we’re a community” – Chris, Ashby.

Hazards Near Me NSW App (iOS & Android available) - "In February 2023 the NSW Rural Fire Service app Fires Near Me NSW was updated to include additional information about other emergencies from the NSW State Emergency Service. Fires Near Me is now called Hazards Near Me." 

Clarence Valley Emergency Dashboard - Live updates happening in the Clarence Valley. 

Clarence Valley General Emergency Preparedness - Preparing for emergencies and making a plan can be simple.

Plan and prepare - NSW Rural Fire Service -  Know your fire danger. 

Rural NSW Fire Service - RFS NSW live bushfire dashboard.

External Resources

Stay safe, educate and keep up-to-date on hazards in your area with these external resources. 

Over 10,000 hectares burned in the Shark Creek 2 fire that threatened Angourie and Wooloweyah in the 2019 bushfires. 

No strangers to bushfire, the two small villages of Angourie and Wooloweyah nestled within the Yuraygir National Park have enacted their fire plans several times over the years. The villages are approximately 7km south of Yamba and 2km apart, with Angourie bordered by the Pacific Ocean and Wooloweyah bordered by Lake Wooloweyah that joins to the Clarence River.

For Angourie locals, it was the first time they had found themselves directly in the line of fire and having to defend their homes. More vulnerably positioned further south and set within taller trees, Wooloweyah has evaded catastrophe on several previous occasions. Gratefully for locals, 2019 was another such occasion, as being early in the fire season, the villages were defended by the full force of the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Stories shared from bush-hardy community members during the 2019–20 bushfire season, the worst NSW has recorded.

Helen's Story

Having lived in Angourie for more than 50 years, Helen shares her experience in the Shark Creek 2 fire, both as an impacted resident, and as a grandparent supporting her daughters families over the river in fire-affected Woombah.

Helen, Angourie NSW.

The Clarence Valley is a heart shaped food bowl and local government area spread over three Indigenous nations in Northern NSW, Australia. Encompassing myriad communities in approximately 66 locales, ranging from small river and bush villages to vibrant coastal holiday hamlets, a bustling regional city, lush pastoral lands and national parks. It is a haven of the most temperate, biodiverse beauty the continent of Australia has to offer. 

In the summer of 2019/2020 vast swathes of the Clarence Valley were razed to the ground by the most devastating bush fires on record. 168 homes were destroyed, and many more homes and properties were damaged. Through community-lead resilience, reconnecting with nature, and cultural knowledge-sharing, communities are getting back on their feet and fortifying themselves for future disaster events. 

Introduction to Mosaic Burning

Fire Practitioner Craig Little takes residents of the Clarence Valley on a walk and talk and introduces mosaic burning as a land management tool. Learn how to read Country and how the slow, gentle practice of mosaic burning benefits the landscapes and helps protect the country from the impact of severe bushfires.

Flying Foxes are essential to the ecology of the Clarence Valley. They are pollinators, seed dispersers benefiting the health of the native forests where they forage. The Grey-headed Flying Foxes that can be seen in Maclean are currently listed as vulnerable and they suffered badly during the droughts and fires.  Bat expert Peggy Eby talks to us about these Flying Foxes and other species we may encounter in the Clarence Valley.

The Roll Of Flying Foxes In The Environment

Find out why Flying Foxes are essential to the ecology of the Clarence Valley.

Bats are essential to the ecology of the Clarence Valley. They are pollinators, seed dispersers benefiting the health of the native forests where they forage. The Grey-headed Flying Foxes that can be seen in Maclean are currently listed as vulnerable and they suffered badly during the droughts and fires.  Bat expert Peggy Eby talks to us about these bats and other species we may encounter in the Clarence Valley.

The Role of Flying Foxes in the Enviroment

Indian Mynas - A feathered menace

This Indian Myna is amongst the most destructive invader to reach Australian shores. They overtake any hollows needed for native animals to breed in and become the dominant bird in the landscape threatening native biodiversity.  Trapping and extermination are being used to tackle this nasty invader.

This Indian Myna is amongst the most destructive invader to reach Australian shores. They overtake any hollows needed for native animals to breed in and become the dominant bird in the landscape threatening native biodiversity.  Trapping and extermination are being used to tackle this nasty invader.

Indian Mynas - A Feathered Menace

The Long Gully Road Fire burned through 74,000 hectares, including the Clarence Valley community of Ewingar on the 5 September. There were 2 deaths, 40 homes destroyed, 22 damaged, and 300 saved.

The community of Ewingar, nestled on the range behind the Clarence River, is ruggedly beautiful, sparsely populated and promises the quiet bush life, miles from shops and town spoils. For the locals that call Ewingar home, self-sufficiency, planning ahead and being prepared is de rigeur.

Despite this, and having experienced bushfires before, when the Long Gully Road fire arrived, locals virtually met it where they stood. Of the handful of those that were the most prepared physically, no one was prepared for the mental and emotional experience of the area being 100% burned by fire.

In the days, months and now years that have followed, the community has taken charge of their recovery and together with various government agencies and grant funding support, have empowered themselves through a variety of ways for future events.

Michael's Story

Michael shares his fire experience and guides a tour around Ewingar Hall of all of the upgrades post the Long Gully fire.

Michael 01 -Ewingar, NSW

Shane's Story

Shane is a proud Yuraygir man. Knowledgable and practiced in traditional land management techniques, he is also a trained RFS fire fighter. He advocates for greater synergy between agencies and meaningful consultation and involvement of traditional peoples in fire strategy and land management.

Shane, Wooloweyah NSW.

Tucabia Flora Reserve

Landcare volunteer Peter Turland has worked tirelessly to protect the endangered Swamp Tea-tree, Melaleuca irbyana and establish the Tucabia Flora Reserve. Peter currently works with Jacob Cameron-Clarke from Clarence Valley Council's Bush Regeneration Team maintaining the reserve and growing unusual plants from the Clarence Valley. Together they aim to inspire people to grow a diverse range of local species to recognise and protect the biodiversity of the Clarence Valley.

The communities of Baryulgil and Malabugilmah located on Bundjalung country in the upper reaches of the Clarence River, are bush-hardy communities of families that are accustomed to fire. But for the few individuals that stayed to defend homes along with the NSW RFS in the Long Gully Road fire, it is an experience they will never forget.

With a population of elderly and children, it was important the most vulnerable were out of harms’ way as the fire approached. Most of both communities evacuated to Grafton ahead of time and for a prolonged and agonising wait, were unsure of whether they had homes to return to.

Local heroes stepped up and fought the fire with emergency services as the blaze completely covered the villages. Miraculously no homes were lost. Several community members have now joined the RFS and hope to weave their cultural fire knowledge into their RFS training to prepare for future events. 

1. Echidna 2. Platypus & 3. Eel Tailed Catfish

Joe's Artwork

Creative Recovery. Joe Walker is a proud Bundjalung man from the Baryulgil area. He draws and paints in the x-ray style art originating from his traditional lands. Experience the gentle joy of colouring. Download and print this selection of Joe Walker's Indigenous colouring pages here: 1. Echidna 2. Platypus & 3. Eel Tailed Catfish

The Big Picture - How the Clarence Valley is Recovering from the Fires

Usually, we only get to see the landscape from the ground, this is a chance to see the Clarence Valley from a new perspective offering a broad vision of the landscape in and around fire-affected communities. We document the journey to hear from participants about how they were involved with the fires and the recovery in communities. How prepared are communities for the next disaster?

Usually, we only get to see the landscape from the ground, this is a chance to see the Clarence Valley from a new perspective offering a broad vision of the landscape in and around fire-affected communities. 

We document the journey to hear from participants about how they were involved with the fires and the recovery in communities. How prepared are communities for the next disaster?

Creating the Memorial Totems

Mallanganee Ceramicist Michael talks through the creative recovery process of the memorial clay totems made by the community at Ewingar Hall.

Michael 02 - Ewingar, NSW

The Dorrigo plateau community of Dundurrabin on Gumbaynggirr country was overrun by the Bees Nest Fire which burned over 100,000 hectares, and was the earliest mega fire of the devastating 2019 bush fire season.

The pace of the approaching fire, which travelled 20km in one hour, took locals by surprise. It was 3 days and 3 nights of unrelenting fire explosions and a total of 3 and a half months of hyper-vigilance, as the fire blazed around and through the community. Communications were lost, systems broke down, but at a local level and with local knowledge, the community mobilised to defend itself with support funnelling in from across the state.

Located approximately 428km north of Sydney and with a population of approximately 97 people, it is a vibrant bush community of well-travelled creatives that have gravitated to the area for its rugged and enchanting environs.

It is home to prized and revered old growth forest, abundant and sometimes endangered fauna, and kind and resilient people evermore galvanised by their fire ordeal. 

Debra's Story

Debra shares the lessons learned from the community-led response in the Liberation Trail fire and how Dundurrabin is now better prepared for future events.

Debra - Dundurrabin, NSW

Wildlife monitoring cameras

See how wildlife monitoring cameras are being used to study wildlife and identify feral animals as the environment recovers from the Shark Creek Bushfire of 2019. 

While coastal emus are the target species of this project, by identifying the feral animals present in the landscape the property owner can put measures in place to control pest species and protect the rare and endangered coastal emus. 

See how wildlife monitoring cameras are being used to study wildlife and identify feral animals as the environment recovers from the Shark Creek Bushfire of 2019.
 
While coastal emus are the target species of this project, by identifying the feral animals present in the landscape the property owner can put measures in place to control pest species and protect the rare and endangered coastal emus.

Wildlife Monitoring Cameras

 Baryulgil and Malabugilmah Emergency Management Calendar. Click HERE to view/print full PDF version

Baryulgil and Malabugilmah Emergency Management Calander

The Baryulgil and Malabugilmah Emergency Management Calendar is supported by Aboriginal Affairs, NSW Government, Rural Fire Service Association and the Clarence Valley Council. 

The pace of the approaching fire, which travelled 20km in one hour, took locals by surprise. It was 3 days and 3 nights of unrelenting fire explosions and a total of 3 and a half months of hyper-vigilance, as the fire blazed around and through the community. Communications were lost, systems broke down, but at a local level and with local knowledge, the community mobilised to defend itself with support funnelling in from across the state.

Located approximately 428km north of Sydney and with a population of approximately 97 people, it is a vibrant bush community of well-travelled creatives that have gravitated to the area for its rugged and enchanting environs.

It is home to prized and revered old growth forest, abundant and sometimes endangered fauna, and kind and resilient people evermore galvanised by their fire ordeal. 

Andrea's Story

The Dorrigo plateau community of Dundurrabin on Gumbaynggirr country was overrun by the Bees Nest Fire which burned over 100,000 hectares, and was the earliest mega fire of the devastating 2019 bush fire season.

Andrea - Dundurrabin NSW

Hayley, Tyler & Tahlia’s Story

Join Dundurrabin children Hayley, Tyler & Tahlia as they share their experience and some important tips from the Bee’s Nest fire.

Hayley, Tyler & Tahlia - Dundurrabin

Nymboida is a rural village on Gumbaynggir Country, 44km southwest of Grafton and approximately 687km north of Sydney. In the 2021 census, the population was 268.

The jewel in the crown of Nymboida for those that call this bush haven home is the mighty Nymboida River, which forms part of the longest white water trail in Australia, and the bubbling Goolang Creek. It is also home to thriving flora and fauna such as the platypus and many spectacular and iconic species of birds.

Nymboida was among the most devastated of the Clarence Valley communities in the 2019 bushfires. At the time of the fire, the population was 298 and they lost 85 homes. After the fire, a third of the population moved away.

The community rallied to assist and largely lead their own recovery. The Helping Hub was established at the Nymboida Canoe Centre and was the beating heart of the village’s recovery, supplying donated food, tools, clothes, and essential information about where to find support.

Today Nymboida is continuing its healing through creative recovery workshops and initiatives and through community events such as the well-loved and much celebrated annual Nymboida Camp Oven festival.

Todd's Story

8 Days after he completed his RFS training, Todd found himself at the front line of the 2019 bushfire season with the Copmanhurst brigade.

Todd - Nymboida, NSW

Bob's Story

Bob lost his home at Dundurrabin in the 2019 bushfires. His brother Barry lives next door on the same property and his house was spared by the blaze.

Bob - Dundurrabin NSW

The Long Gully Road Fire burned through 74,000 hectares, including the Clarence Valley community of Ewingar on the 5 September. There were 2 deaths, 40 homes destroyed, 22 damaged, and 300 saved.

The community of Ewingar, nestled on the range behind the Clarence River, is ruggedly beautiful, sparsely populated and promises the quiet bush life, miles from shops and town spoils. For the locals that call Ewingar home, self-sufficiency, planning ahead and being prepared is de rigeur.

Despite this, and having experienced bushfires before, when the Long Gully Road fire arrived, locals virtually meet it where they stood. Of the handful of those that were the most prepared physically, no one was prepared for the mental and emotional experience of the area being 100% burned by fire.

In the days, months and now years that have followed, the community has taken charge of their recovery and together with various government agencies and grant funding support, have empowered themselves through a variety of ways for future events.

Hayley's Story

Hayley shares her proactive approach to leading her community through creative recovery after the Long Gully fire.

Hayley -Ewingar, NSW

Shakti's Story

Having survived Ash Wednesday, Shakti had extreme fire event experience. Here she shares fresh insights on fire behaviour, what worked, what didn’t work, and how Dundurrabin is recovering and better preparing for future events.

Shakti Dundurrabin

Rudy's Story

Rudy - Dundurrabin

The Myall Creek Road fire bore down on the community of Woombah and cut access to the community of Iluka on 27 November 2019.

Set within the Bundjalung National Park at the mouth of the Clarence River, the communities of Woombah and Iluka are bordered by and built inside towering wet sclerophyll forest. It is home to many young families, abundant flora and fauna species and historically strong numbers of Clarence Valley Koalas. 

The Woombah Fire Brigade had been assisting in other Clarence Valley locales such as Nymboida before having to return home to enact their own fire plans. In a huge coordinated effort between the NSW RFS and community, no homes were lost in the blaze, but the terrifying experience and the devastating impact on the local environment rocked local residents and mobilised community to lead their own recovery.

Today, the community is stronger for the experience and are working together to better prepare for future events.

Trees For Koalas

Koalas rely on trees for their survival and habitat destruction remains one of their greatest threats. The Iluka Public School have been working with Envite Environmental to plant koala habitat ensuring koala will be found in Iluka in the future.

Trees for Koalas - Iluka

There are social, semi-social and solitary native bees.  We meet members of the Clarence Native Bee group to discover some of the species that are commonly encountered in the Clarence Valley.  Bees can be attracted to backyard gardens with plant selections that flower for long periods and offer blossoms throughout the year alongside some creative habitats, such as bee hotels.

Native Bees In The Clarence

We meet members of the Clarence Native Bee group to discover some of the species that are commonly encountered in the Clarence Valley.

Native Bees of the Clarence Valley

Yugaamgan (Emu) Festival

The coastal emu is an endangered emu now only found in Yaegl country. The Yaegl Elders enjoyed the festival held at the Yarrawarra centre and planned a festival in Yaegl country to celebrate the Yugaamgan (coastal emu).

Yugaamgan Festival - Wooloweyah

Clarence Valley Council's Senior Weeds Control Officer Joel Crispin talks about how to win the battle with Tropical Soda Apple. Meet some local Glenreagh residents to see how they are coping with the invasion and find out what strategies work with this weed.

Tackling Tropical Soda Apple In Glenreagh

 Find out what strategies Glenreagh residents are using to work with this weed.

Tackling Tropical Soda Apple in Glenreagh

Dogs see the world in terms of how it smells and different breeds of dogs can be utilized by scientists for their highly tuned olfactory systems. 

Armed with 250 million scent detectors they are fast and efficient at locating target species and are helping scientists as they study rare and endangered species of wildlife.

Canines For Wildlife

Meet the Wildlife Canine team including Max, a wildlife detection dog being used to locate rare and endangered fauna such as koalas.  

Meet the Wildlife Canine team including Max, a wildlife detection dog being used to locate rare and endangered fauna such as koalas. 

Dogs see the world in terms of how it smells and different breeds of dogs can be utilized by scientists for their highly tuned olfactory systems. 

Armed with 250 million scent detectors they are fast and efficient at locating target species and are helping scientists as they study rare and endangered species of wildlife.

Canines for Wildlife

To Leave or Not to Leave
(With apologies to Will)
To leave or not to leave, that is the question:
Whether it’s better to face a sea of flames
And choking smoke under a blood-red sun
Watching planes, and helicopters drop pink retardant
Or flee, to a safe but vaporous venue
Where our minds visualise a burning home
And the tangible evidence of our lives
Drifts away in a plume of smoke
Sleep is but a dream, and if perchance
We sleep, what dreams may come?
Will it be a nightmare that leaves me drenched?
No, I dream of boogie boarding in a cool refreshing ocean.
Of doing something productive, satisfying
Rather than another circuit of the garden
Checking for embers, or climbing the ladder
Scanning for smoke with the other rooftop watchers
There is no fear, frustration rules the day.
When will we get our lives back again?

Martin's Poem

A bushfire Poem written by Martin, Ashby NSW

Daniel's Story

Daniel was a new resident to Wooloweyah when the Shark Creek bushfire threatened the village in 2019. Having grown up in the suburbs, Daniel had never had to turn his mind to preparing for bushfire. Here he shares how feelings of disempowerment and gratitude, spurned him to empowerment and leadership.

Daniel - Wooloweyah, NSW

The Myall Creek Road fire burned through 121,324 hectares of bushland and arrived at the Clarence Valley community of Ashby on 26 November 2019.

Nestled overlooking Maclean on the Clarence River the small community of Ashby is a motley haven of characters joined by a love of nature and the quiet life. It made the fire particularly devastating for the community which is also home to stricken numbers of Clarence Valley Koalas, further fraught by the 2019 bushfire season.

Caravans, sheds, and water tanks were destroyed in the blaze, though in a breathtaking effort of NSW RFS and community hands working together, no homes were lost.

Since the fire the community has worked together to lead their own recovery. Through nature-based workshops and a long initiative with Yaegl Bush Regenerators and Resilient Clarence project partners Envite, they have created a nature discovery trail through the Ashby Reserve for current and future generations to enjoy.

Tour Of The Discovery Trail

After the Myall Creek Road bushfire, the community of Ashby rallied to heal through getting their hands in the soil. Together with Resilient Clarence partners Envite and the Yaegl Bush Regenerators, the Ashby community built their own nature discovery trail walk.

Tour of the Discovery Trail - Ashby

Heather's Story

Heather shares how she and husband David, with help from the RFS, defended their property at Ashby Heights in the Myall Creek Road, Bora Ridge fire.

Heather's Story - Ashby

Hayley shares her experience navigating the fire response as a mother, what aided her in the aftermath, and the value of sharing of our stories. 

Hayley - Wooloweyah, NSW

Jason's Story

Woombah RFS Captain Jason shares his story of defending other villages in the Clarence Valley before the fire was eventually on his own doorstep and his wife was enacting their fire plan whilst he fought with the brigade.

Jason - Woombah NSW

Rodney's Story

For Angourie locals, it was the first time they had found themselves directly in the line of fire and having to defend their homes.

Rodney - Angourie,NSW

Aunty Lenore's Story

Yaegl Elder Aunty Lenore shares childhood memories of life in Ashby and her relationship with fire.

Aunty Lenore - Ashby

Cara & Vicky's Story

Woombah residents Cara & Vicky share the post-fire recovery response, the work they are doing now and what they have learned from their experiences, and some of the hopes and dreams of the community looking forward.

Cara & Vicky's - Woombah, NSW

Pete's Story

Pete shares his fire story and how the experience has informed the preparation of his property for future events. He shares his trauma insights as a registered psychologist of 27 years, and the interesting and effective way he supported his community in the aftermath of the Shark Creek fire.

Pete - Wooloweyah, NSW

Richard's Story

Richard shares his experience in the Myall Creek Road, Bora Ridge fire and how he had designed his home with bushfire in mind.

Richard's Story - Ashby

John's Story

John has faced several fires at Wooloweyah over the years. Here he shares his decisive action plan for when bush fire threatens.

John - Wooloweyah, NSW

I can smell the thick smoke in the air as
it floods my lungs.
I can see the bright red sky as it quickly
turns to a colour of rust as the sky is
painted with ash falling like rain drops.

I remember the fireman coming into our
home telling us we need to protect our
house and evacuate. A wave of panic
rushed over me like a quick turning tide

We packed the car with loving
memories leaving behind
moments of love and fun.
All that was important packed down
into the boot of a car.

My parents knew it was not safe so
they took us to the ferry and we were
separated.

I spent many restless nights wondering
whether they were safe or not, and
pondering on whether or not our house
would survive this fire that was
ravaging our region.

As I was driven home, I noticed
everything was different. There was no
life in the trees or green in the grass,
instead there was destruction and
sorrow.

I buried my head into my hands and
tried to imagine it as it once was. I lifted
my head and I saw something that
filled me with faith. There was a sprout
of life, a green stalk with tiny little
leaves branching out from the
blackened trunk of the tree. There was
another one and another one.

That little sprout was rejuvenating and
restoring life back into this charred
forest. I rejoiced over the rebirth of the
land on which I can reconnect with.

I look out the window once more to see
patches of green in the sooty forest,
like stars of hope shedding light on the
darkest of nights.

Hope is growing

Macy's Poem

What the communities in the Northern Rivers have been through, among other things, is an education in practical psychology. 

Creating The Discovery Trail

Creating the Discovery Trail - Ashby

Kirra's Story

17 year old Woombah resident Kirra shares the post-fire recovery insights she has garnered from the Myall Creek Road fire and how she hopes to give back in the future.

Kirra - Woombah, NSW

Robyn's Story

After just surviving the Black Saturday bushfires, Robyn shares a powerful account of her experience in the Bora Ridge fire that threatened her village of Woombah in the 2019 bushfires. Robyn imparts the vital lessons she learned, how preparation saves lives and warns pleadingly of apathy and complacency.

Robyn - Woombah, NSW

Gary's Story

To heal and help others. Gary bravely invites us to the home he built, loved and lost in the Liberation Trail fire, and shares his onward journey through trauma in the years since the event.

Gary - Kangaroo Creek

Situated 35 mins north-west of Coffs Harbour on Gumbaynggirr Country in the Clarence Valley, the charming town of Glenreagh is nestled alongside the Orara River framed by towering sandstone ranges and subtropical forest. It is deeply connected with its timber heritage and mountain railway line and in the 2016 census had a population of 900 people.

During the 2019 bushfires the people of Glenreagh were faced with the decision to prepare their property and to stay and defend, or evacuate. For some, the approaching blaze offered little time even for that decision. Determined to distill lessons from the experience and with an eye to the future, community members have rallied and joined to lead recovery efforts in Glenreagh.

Ross's Story

Glenreagh local Ross shares his insights on how agencies can work effectively with communities and the importance of taking the time to consult as many community members as possible to collaboratively strategise the response.

Ross_Glenreagh_V2

Ashby, Lawrence and Waterview Heights are home to Clarence Valleys koalas.  Their greatest threats are from habitat loss, vehicle strike, dog attack and disease. To protect the future of koalas in the Clarence Valley we need to work together to protect known koala trees, drive carefully through the areas where they live.  Control our beloved pets and register your koala sightings here: https://www.clarenceconversations.com.au/koalaregister/maps/koalas

Koalas In The Clarence

"To protect the future of koalas in the Clarence Valley we need to work together to protect known koala trees and drive carefully through the areas where they live."

Ashby, Lawrence and Waterview Heights are home to Clarence Valleys koalas.  Their greatest threats are from habitat loss, vehicle strike, dog attack and disease. To protect the future of koalas in the Clarence Valley we need to work together to protect known koala trees, drive carefully through the areas where they live.  Control our beloved pets and register your koala sightings here https://www.clarenceconversations.com.au/koalaregister/maps/koalas

Koalas in the Clarence

Faye's Story

Faye shares her passion for community and her experience of the post-fire recovery effort in Glenreagh. 

Faye - Glenreagh, NSW

Alan's Story

Alan shares his local knowledge and bush fire experience, and how this informs his practical approach to fire preparation in his locale. 

Alan - Wooloweyah, NSW

Revelation.

There’s a phrase I heard lately that goes along the lines of, “power doesn’t necessarily corrupt,  but it always reveals.” And I know it’s meant to be about what happens to people when they’re unconstrained by the social norms that keep us ordinary folk in line, but I can’t help but think of this phrase when I cast my mind back to those awful fires. 

There was the surreal terror of those unforgettable moments: standing on the roof, filling the gutters, involuntarily ducking when the jet boomed overhead to lay down a precise trail of iridescent pink retardant over Angourie. The wind shrieked up smoky whitecaps on the lake, executing our plan, trying to act and stay rational, while tasting that metallic fear. 

But it was in the aftermath, days later, that something deeply sad and surprising was revealed. The power of fire had scorched the earth; and in doing so revealed that which was hidden: all along Lakes Boulevard and the road out to Green Point. Hundreds, maybe thousands of bottles and cans, turfed out from passing cars over the years. Out of sight, out of mind.

Along with several others, who couldn’t bear to see the disrespect visited on this sacred place, we filled up crates and boxes and sacks and cars with bottle after bottle after can after can. Even paid the tip fees. And all the while, feeling that paradox – grief, anger and shame at what we’ve become, along with the small happiness that love and positive action brings. 

Gra's Story

"It was in the aftermath, days later, that something deeply sad and surprising was revealed..." 

Irina's Story

Irina shares the experience of fighting her way home in the Long Gully Road fire to find her husband and son, and how she has remembered her mother ducks, ducklings and milking cows.

Irina - Ewingar, NSW

Mosaic Burning

Fighting fire with fire. An introduction to the mosaic burning method of traditional fire management. 

Property owner Barbara Linley talks about her collaboration with First Nation's Fire Practitioner Craig Little as she learns the techniques and benefits of mosaic burning and how this cool fire technique can help protect the landscape from the threat of bushfires.

Mosaic Burning - Fighting Fire with Fire

Myself and other staff at the aged care home, drove to work each day with our cars packed with our own personals: the stuff that we thought worth saving in case we didn’t get home.
There were about 96 elderly residents who had to be cared for.
We had to be ready to move them.
Some, the ones with respiratory challenges, had already been either taken to hospital or to somewhere safer.
Plans were hatched as best we could.
We felt supported but it was stressful.
When the wind changed, the smell of fire, the sound of fire and the seeping smoke kept the hackles on our necks up.
We wet towels and had them at the bottom of entrance doors.  
It was all we could do.
When I had some quiet time, after the crisis, I took a walk down from my home to Green Point…. 

External Resources

Stay safe, educate and keep up-to-date on hazards in your area with these external resources.

WE PAY OUR RESPECTS TO THE TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS OF THE YAEGL, BUNDJALUNG AND GUMBAYNGGIRR NATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR CONTINUED CONNECTION TO COUNTRY AND CULTURE.