Shirley Bray with daughter Laura and Sue Neilson at the scene of the fire that destroyed the Brays’ home. Picture: Meagan Rogers.By Paul Dunlop
BUNYIP is rallying around a family who lost everything in a fire.
Lindsay and Shirley Bray and their three daughters escaped the flames when their house burned to the ground on 17 June but were left with little more than the clothes they were wearing.
Now, the community is helping the family get back on track.
Fundraisers and donations of goods and services are being organised as Bunyip residents show support for their own.
Sue Neilson, a friend of the Bray family, is coordinating the effort.
“People have just said how terrible it would be to lose basically all your possessions,” she said.
“Something like that hits hard in a small community, it could happen to any of us.”
Mrs Neilson said the Brays were initially reluctant to be in the spotlight but agreed when told residents were keen to offer help.
“A few of us in the community wanted to do something to show that we care,” Mrs Neilson said.
“They were a bit hesitant but the reality is that they need help and it’s a circular thing — they would do it for others and they might get a chance to help somebody else another time.
“The girls go to school in the area, people know the family, anything we can do is a help.”
An electrical fault is believed to have ignited the blaze which began in a bedroom.
Bunyip CFA captain Glenn Coster told the Gazette the ferocity of the fire meant saving the house in Nylander Street was almost impossible.
“We did the best we could but it burnt very rapidly,” he said.
“It was lucky the house was on a large block at the end of the street. The fire could have caused significant problems if other houses had been any closer.”
Mr Coster praised the family’s actions, saying Mrs Bray had bravely ensured everybody was safely outside before the fire razed their home.
A cinema night at Warragul cinema on Thursday, 27 July at 7 pm is the first major fundraiser for the Bray family.
The Lake House stars Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves. Tickets cost $15 per person and include a champagne supper. The community raffle will be drawn on the night.
“It’s a night out for a good cause,” Mrs Neilson said.
Phone Davina on 5629 5696 or Sue on 5629 5966 for more details.
