Linda Tomich, Marino Biviano and Mark Dickinson from Hampton Park put together last weekend’s Langbourne Drive Bushfire Fundraiser, which raised $33,000 for the families affected by the Narre Warren South fire on Saturday 7 February.
By Kelly Yates
A HAMPTON Park man who instigated last weekend’s Langbourne Drive Bushfire Fundraiser has collected $33,000 for the families affected by the Narre Warren South fire.
Mark Dickinson had hoped to raise $5000 initially from the event but was thrilled to rake in the large amount.
“It was more than we could have ever dreamed of,” he said.
The idea of the fundraiser was sparked when Mr Dickinson drove past the destroyed homes along Langbourne Drive after the blaze.
“I felt helpless,” he said.
“I couldn’t re-build the homes but I could donate my time and effort to raise some money.”
Businesses jumped on board, with celebrities including Dicko and comedian Dave O’Neil showing up to Amberley Park Shopping Centre last Saturday.
Bucketloads of people attended the event, which kicked off at 8am with a sausage sizzle and activities including a jumping castle, mustang display, rides and airbrush tattoos.
Other organisers Linda Tomich, Bronwyn Grinstead, Stephen Lesley Farrell, Julie Kelly, Atila Siposs and Marino Biviano from FoodWorks in Narre Warren South pieced together the event in a week, setting up on the day from 5.45am.
Drag car rides were auctioned off for $120 each, with some people donating $50 when buying a sausage.
“There were 177 Harley Davidson rides on the day, with one 86-year-old lady having three rides because she enjoyed it that much,” he said.
Three families who lost their homes in the fire attended the fundraiser.
“One lady involved came up to me, said thankyou and gave me the biggest hug,” he said.
“We both started to cry and I couldn’t let her go.”
A minute’s silence was held at 9am. Mr Dickinson said he was touched that the local CFA units turned up on the day.
“It was magnificent to see them there,” he said.
“Heroes are not out on the sporting field with numbers on their backs, nor are they on silver screens wearing tuxedos and ball gowns,” Mr Dickinson said.
“They are out in the bush where you can’t see them, wearing dirty yellow overalls and thank God they are.”
Mr Dickinson said it was a day he would never forget for the rest of his life.
Several Casey councillors and local MPs also attended the event.
“Every cent raised will be going to the families affected by the fire,” he said.
Donations for the Langbourne Drive Bushfire Fundraiser can be made at the Bendigo Bank in Amberley Park Shopping Centre.
