We were making our way to Lemon Tree Passage from our base camp in the Central West late last week. We always make our way via Mudgee when heading to Newcastle/Central Coast and spend a few days camping at the showgrounds in this very nice wine/food area.
Talking to some fellow nomads who suggested that we stop for a night at Cassilis Bowling Club on our way through to Lemon Tree Passage. Powered site, toilets/showers, water and meals at bowling club. That was last Sunday.
We are still at the bowling club but on the other side at the blaze aid camp that has been in operation for the past 4 months. They are pulling down and putting up new fences in the Cassilis/Ulan and Coolah area as result of the February fires.
We will complete 5 days volunteer work on various farms, with Jenny working in the kitchen with the other wives.
You cannot believe the fellowship of these "Nomads" from various places, some who have been here for 4months, some for a few weeks but all working for the cause, enjoying a tough day in the paddock but coming home to happy hours, dinners being prepared by farmers wives, donations of all sorts both for the farmers and volunteers to maintain a camp. We have been totally blown over by the infrastructure, the set up the support from the communities and the number of volunteers that have been through the camp.
The camp will close on 25th of this month but there is still plenty of fencing to do and volunteers still required.
This weekend just down the road is The Festival of the Fleeces 9th to 11th June at Merriwa.
The Festival is the largest event in the area and brings people to the area to experience hospitality and authentic rural heritage.
So for some one in earlier posts who was asking about what is so good about "living" the life on the road here is just an example that popped up.
AND for he person with the inane dribble this is just a bit more.
Hi JohnR, we also like visiting the Mudgee area and have done so reguarly over the years, our last trip out that way was only 2 months ago when we stayed at the Riverside CP. On the way home we actually saw a Blaze aid team replacing fencing along the Ulan Road not far from the Golden Highway intersection what a great job they do in helping the property owners get back on their feet. As we are travelling from Newcastle (Lake Macquarie) we always stop off for a break in Merriwa plenty of room to leave your van just on the edge of town near the park. We stretch our legs by walking back to the bakery/cafe for a coffee and something to eat. Interesting that you are heading to Lemon Tree Passage as we are actually booked into the Big4 for 10 nights from the 17th you never know we might run into each other. I bought a travel auction voucher from a nice lady on this site who was unable to use it so now we need to get up there before it runs out.
Thanks for your response and support for blaze aid.
The area you talk about has been refurbished with new fencing from Cassilis Camp, as well as providing support to the various communities with in the area. What a lot of people don't realise is that these fires were in February of this year, the damage has been extensive, and the focus/ news headlines are now distant memories. Farming families out here are trying to put their lives back together with very little support from government or anybody else.
In this instance it is fire and another camp exists at Dunedoo. There are also camps in Queensland supporting flood families and as well long term drought areas.
Just picked up some stats from the co-ordinator for Cassilis:-
Number of Volunteers 256, Number of properties 45, Number Volunteer days 2,075, Fences cleared 165klm+ and Number Fences re-built 170klms. Meals to volunteers 7,500.
Average age 58.3 and Mean Age 63.
While the camp will come to a close on 25th of this month there are still considerable number of farming families in need of "HELP", it is not hard, it is not difficult and if you are a nomad with a caravan/motor home or any other form of accommodation think about it and in need contact Brian Carr on 0428 984 117.
You can stay for a day, a few days a week or just call in to the Bowling Club at Cassilis and check it out.
We came for the night and stayed for a week.
Absolutely had a ball of a time and really enjoyed helping out both on the farms and at the blaze aid camp.
Unfortunately our "house sitting" commitments start again Monday.
