Ahead of the 2024 bushfire season and future recovery efforts, Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) has provided two Ready-to-Work Traypack trucks to assist the continued efforts of BlazeAid as volunteer and equipment transport vehicles.
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Working with families and individuals in rural Australia after natural disasters, the not-for-profit organisation was founded by Rhonda and Kevin Butler, who experienced significant loss of property and livestock during the Black Saturday bushfires in 2009.
IAL Sustainability and Compliance Manager David Kirsanovs says he hopes the two trucks help ease the burden of rebuilding for BlazeAid volunteers and those affected.
“With volunteer-based operations 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,” he says.
“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.”
BlazeAid is primarily focused on the repair and replacements of structures on rural properties and farms, including clearing fallen trees, fences and buildings, and general property clean up.
“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.”
The two light-duty Ready-to-Work trucks supplied by IAL are outfitted with heavy-duty, factory-fitted aluminium trays and can carry necessary tools, building supplies, and volunteers to site.
Both light-duty trucks sit at a GVM of 4,500 kg, meaning they are driveable on a standard car licence, with an easy-to-use, two-pedal automated manual transmission.
The models are specified with a GCM of 8,000 kg and a towing capacity of up to 4,000 kg, which will assist BlazeAid volunteers in moving trailers and caravans to the base camps used in relief efforts.
Now each year the organisation hosts a huge number of volunteers.
BlazeAid was born following the Butler’s advertisement in the local newspaper for assistance after the Black bushfires, receiving 25 volunteers.
Now, as of 2024, the organisation has helped over 13,800 properties across Australia, contributing an estimated $400 million towards disaster recovery efforts.
This includes education for community members and replanting of native trees and grasses to help the environmental recovery of areas significantly damaged during fire or flood.
CEO of BlazeAid Melissa Jones says BlazeAid has currently established 215 base camps across Australia to lend a hand in disaster relief, including over 38,000 volunteers who have contributed 420,000 days of their time.
“We are deeply thankful to Isuzu Australia for their generous support and contribution. The addition of these two trucks will greatly enhance our capacity to assist rural communities and families in need across Australia,” she says.
“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.”
BlazeAid’s also focuses on building future community resilience and coordinating social activities for farmers and community members with the goal of growing stronger home-grown support through connection.
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