Maribyrnong Flood Assist

All of our family of eight (7 living at home) are safe and well and we wish to extend our thanks to all those who have checked on our welfare and offers of assistance.

By way of update, we are still in shock at the ferocity of the flood and the damage we have sustained. Miraculous, the bedrooms kitchen and main living area did not get water ingress (we do have a damp and smelly house) but the rear of the house which is 50 mm lower was flooded destroying most furniture, beds and personal belongings. Our garages saw over a metre of fast flowing water. Yes we have been luckier then some but tentative estimates put out loses at over 80%, importantly after getting the power and plumbing right, we can at least stay at home.

Those that know us, would know that our home is a place of practicality, we eat and sleep there but our actual lives are filled with experience out side of the house, Football at MARBY Park, rowing at Essendon rowing club, walking the dogs at Fairburn Park but other wise; riding, climbing, paddling, camping and the list goes on.

This outside life style is why we have been devastated, literally every thing we own that was not in the house is gone, we accept that we live by the river so nearly all of the lost and destroyed equipment was on shelves over a metre in height, this would have saved them except for the ferocity of the flood. Water flow coming from the land clashed with water being held up by the bridge and entered the rear of the property where it took out fences and garage walls, it was so turbulent that it destroyed shelves and everything was then piled at the end and buried in silt and mud.

I was ill health retired from work and to pay the bill have been required to undertake occasional work sub contracting as an electrician, apart from a few hand tool, I have lost all my trade equipment and any chance to gain extra work.

We are asking for your help so that we can regain a little piece of the life style that has been taken from us. We have had so many offers of assistance and equipment but if many people could find it in their hearts to donate just a little, the cumulative effect would be greatly appreciated by us. We understand how Covid and the current economic down turn is hurting everyone, but any assistance no matter how small will be appreciated.

Thank you from the Blythe Family.