Above: Seven homes were destroyed in the Narre Warren South fire on Black Saturday. 26971Picture: Meagan RogersBy Kelly Yates
A BERWICK man who initially wanted to raise $5000 for the victims of the Black Saturday fire in Narre Warren South by holding a sausage sizzle ended up raising more than $50,000.
Talking to the News this week, Mark Dickinson said he still felt emotional about his role in organising the Langbourne Drive Bushfire Fundraiser that was held on Saturday 14 February after Black Saturday at Amberly Park Shopping Centre.
“Besides my wedding and the birth of my kids, it was the proudest day of my life,” he said.
The idea of the fundraiser was sparked when Mr Dickinson drove past the destroyed homes along Langbourne Drive after the fire.
“I felt helpless,” he said.
“I couldn’t re-build the homes but I could donate my time and effort to raise some money.”
With the help from Marino Biviano from Foodworks in Narre Warren South and 10 other local businesses, Mr Dickinson and the team ran the community event that attracted hundreds of people.
Celebrities including Dicko and comedian Dave O’Neil, and the local CFA units showed up on the day and joined the community to enjoy a sausage sizzle and activities.
“The Aussie spirit came through on the day,” Mr Dickinson said.
Mr Dickinson said he met three families who had lost their homes in the blaze on the day of the event.
“One lady came up to me and said she had lost her house,” he said.
“She gave me the biggest hug and we didn’t pull apart until our tears stopped.”
Mr Dickinson said the community was willing to dig deep on the day, with one man handing over $400 for a sausage.
“And all he said was that he still had his house and wedding photos but the families affected had nothing.”
Mr Dickinson said it was a day he would never forget for the rest of his life.
