We opened our doors and our arms at Wingham Showground.

The Wingham Showground Trust president, Robert Walsh threw open the Showground for families and animals. The Trust team has been on hand all week, working side by side with us, supporting everyone.

The Hunter Local Land Services team swung into action ready for animals to be placed.

The Wingham Show Society kiosk manager, Kylie Murray started to prepare the Tearooms for evacuees. This became an incredible commitment that Kylie Murray gave. Ensuring there were meals for everyone, coordinating all the food donations that streamed through our door and being such a caring person, with the biggest heart. We couldn't have done this without her.

The call went out early on Saturday morning for volunteers and all hands needed on deck. They came and kept coming, giving their time so generously.

We all worked together to create an amazing team of support. Not just for each other, but the whole community.

We scaled down our Evacuation Centre at Wingham Showgrounds on Wednesday November 20, knowing in our hearts that we have been good listeners, able to feed, clothe and assist in finding accommodation for all our fire affected evacuees.

We have seen lifelong friendships formed, families reunited, and such an outpouring of community support and spirit that was very overwhelming.

During our 13 days on the Showground we had one mission, and that was to create a safe haven for all that have been affected by these fires.

So, a world of thanks is for everyone. Everyone that has responded when the shout out for help was given and spread our message far and wide through the entire Australian community.

We ask that everyone stays safe, look out for each other and continue to keep our beautiful community spirit alive.

Regards

Elaine Turner

President

Wingham Show Society