As the Australian summer begins to ramp up, the very real risk of bushfires and other severe weather events becomes higher, especially in regional and rural parts of the country.
When these severe weather events happen, people and communities must band together to recover and rebuild, and volunteer-based, not-for-profit company BlazeAid is one of a host of organisations that is leaned on during the aftermath of such events.
Ahead of the 2024 bushfire season Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) has proudly announced it is contributing two ready-to-work traypack trucks for use as volunteer and equipment transport vehicles for BlazeAid.
Both light-duty trucks are outfitted with heavy-duty, factory-fitted aluminium trays and sit at a GVM of 4500kg, meaning they can be driven on a standard car licence.
They have a GVM of 8000kg and a towing capacity of up to 4000kg.
IAL Sustainability and Compliance Manager David Kirsanovs says it is important for people and organisations to rally around those that are so crucial to helping communities in times of trouble.
“With volunteer-based organisations such as BlazeAid, having reliable, high-quality equipment can make that much difference to their outreach work, improving efficiency in rebuilding efforts and saving time,
“Rebuilding after these events can take months or even years, which is where the trucks can provide valuable, long-term support to the teams on the ground.
“We recognise the time that BlazeAid and their volunteers invest is an invaluable gift to the communities who are getting back on their feet after such hard times.”
BlazeAid was founded by Rhonda and Kevin Butler following their experiences with significant loss of property and livestock during Victoria’s Black Saturday bushfires in 2009.
As of 2024 the organisation has helped over 13,800 properties across Australia and contributed an estimated $400 million towards disaster recovery efforts.
BlazeAid CEO Melissa Jones says the vehicles will enable the organisation’s volunteers to continue their work in the field.
“At this stage, BlazeAid has established 215 base camps across Australia to lend a hand in disaster relief,” Jones says. “This includes over 38,000 volunteers who have contributed 420,000 days of their time.
“The addition of these two trucks will greatly enhance our capacity to assist rural communities and families in need across Australia.
“With these vehicles, our volunteers will be able to reach and operate in affected areas more efficiently, delivering the essential aid required for rebuilding and recovery.”
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