FIVE rural women have banded together again this summer to provide refuge to residents and farm animals affected by a spate of serious bushfires in the Meander Valley.
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Alison de Graaf, Sharnee Bryant, Emma Lodge, Carlee Lee and Chenae Simpson have formed a bond in recent years through their association with Rural Youth.
Having all grown up on farms across the country and witnessed the devastating effects of natural disasters, the group decided to become involved in the Dunalley bushfire recovery in 2013 - fundraising for devastated farmers, performing food and water supply drops to firefighters and helping remove animals from the fire zone.
Now, three years on, the group decided it was time to act again, as five severe bushfires loom over farms near Chudleigh and Mole Creek.
The team - who all hail from various suburbs around the North - have taken indefinite leave from work and will be performing water and food deliveries to firefighters and concerned home owners in the days to come.
The group has arranged for two farms - one in Deloraine and at Epping - to be used a refuge for animals near the fire zone, which otherwise would have been at risk of being injured or killed by the blazes.
The refuges have enough food and water for dozens of animals.
Other farm owners have also come forward to offer their land and feed should the Deloraine and Epping farms become over-populated with livestock.
On Wednesday, team member Chenae Simpson advertised the group's service on Facebook.
In a matter of hours her Facebook post was shared more than 1800 times.
While the offer is yet to be taken up by concerned homeowners, Mrs Simpson said the service was there and all people have to do is ask.
"Everyone knows everyone around here and you'd feel pretty crappy if this was happening and you just sat on your hands," she said.
"This is easy for us because we have the contacts of farmers and we know the area and the lifestyle," Ms de Graaf said.
"We can also help round up cattle and whatever else if need be."
The group is adamant that more needs to be done to help farmers in the current climate, especially post bushfire.
"When the fire stops burning it's not over," Mrs Simpson said.
"Especially for the farmers.
"Financially we might not be much help, but we can organise fundraisers and help repair fences. We're just bored mums and we're waiting by the phone to help."
Anyone who requires assistance can contact Alison de Graaf on 0467 441 911.