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On behalf of the Council of Heritage Motor Clubs NSW we express our deep sympathy to all those affected by the bushfires, especially the families and friends of those who have lost their lives, and those who have lost homes, businesses and livestock, and we convey our thanks to those who strove to protect life and property.
A significant number of CHMC club members live, work or have family in the areas affected. For us, their relatives, friends or colleagues there is great relief that they safely escaped, but we also realise that for them the hurt and loss will run deep. We are aware of members of CHMC clubs who have suffered destruction or serious damage to their houses, sheds and properties, and have been advised that cherished heritage or historic vehicles have been destroyed.
CHMC clubs, already well known for their generosity and support of communities in need, are stepping up and will be doing what they are able to, as they have with drought relief, to assist those affected by the bushfires. Numerous displays and cruises are being organised specially for bushfire relief fundraising, and many pre-existing events will now be directing proceeds to bushfire appeals.
We encourage all historic and classic vehicle clubs to consider tailoring drives to include areas hit by the fires, as we did recently in asking clubs to go into drought affected towns and regions (see BT 77), to inject money into businesses and communities that need income. A cup of coffee, a snack and some petrol, a counter lunch and buying some souvenirs – multiply that by the number in your club’s driving group and it can help put dollars into a town hit hard by fire, and vital for many towns doubly hit by fire and drought.
The CHMC Committee can assist by:
• Publicising club fundraising events on its Facebook and website, send details to: Webmaster@heritagemotoringcouncil.org.au
• Providing advice, support and networking for those with fire affected historic vehicles and antique machinery, e.g. where the RMS or insurers are involved. (Both NRMA and Shannon’s have advised verbally that they will support the claims process so it is dealt with in a timely manner and owners need not be concerned if their documentation has been destroyed)
• Providing what assistance it can to clubs in fire affected communities. Our clubs are very much part of their communities, returning them to strength particularly after a disaster is part of assisting those communities to get back to normal.
To our members who are volunteer firefighters please take care and stay safe, and those who are working in the relief centres, we thank you. The Committee of the Council of Heritage Motor Clubs NSW Inc.
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