A group of Danish volunteer firefighters have been calling Wingham home for the past few weeks as they work alongside BlazeAid to help clean up after the recent bushfires.
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Firefighter Assistance Denmark is a relatively new organisation made up of part time volunteer firefighters with their first mission being a two week trip to the Manning Valley to lend a helping hand.
According to volunteer, Matias "Trelle" Trelborg a group of nine firefighters were chosen to respond to a call for help by Australian natural disaster volunteer organisation, BlazeAid.
BlazeAid is all about helping rural communities rebuild after an event, like bushfires, by helping people clear away debris and rebuild infrastructure like fencing.
Trelle said there were 600 Danish firefighters willing to come along to help Australians rebuild after the devastating fires, but only a few were chosen.
The group arrived on January 20 with a plan to stay for a fortnight to clear fallen or damaged trees, rebuild fences, and deliver food to livestock.
"The firefighters on this trip have a big variety of professions back home but all are connected to the Danish firefighter department," Trelle explained.
He is currently studying to be a paramedic, while fellow volunteer firefighter Mathias "Niller" Nielsen is a carpenter. The pair have known each other for two years and completed their firefighting training together.
"We have been overwhelmed by the hospitality, openness and sweetness of the people we have met in Manning Valley," Niller said. "Even though we have met people who have lost a lot they still manage to keep their spirits high."
They said they have been greeted with a lot of gratitude due to their commitment to helping others.
On a lighter note, the temperature difference between Australia and Denmark is something they had to get used to coming from winter into a blazing hot Aussie summer.
"It has been a bit of a surprise to us how hot it is down here. We have had to adjust to the temperature since we have about five degrees in Denmark," Trelle smiled. "But it has been a pleasure to break a sweat."
The crew worked mainly within a 30 minute radius of Wingham and after a day off to visit the sights around Sydney they headed home on Thursday, February 6.
Anne Keen
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
