Joy had been working in the garden when she made the decision to leave. The bushfires were approaching and in the scorching plus 40 degree heat and heavy breeze, 75-year-old Joy knew she had to go.
After getting her dog into the car, and collecting a handful of items as she hurried out of the house, she had no idea what she would return to. She had built the house 20 years before and it contained a lifetime of memories.
Joy fled to the evacuation point at Bungendore, a small community west of Canberra. Finally she received word from a neighbour. They had seen her house burn. There was nothing left.
“All I had was the clothes I was wearing,” said Joy. “I didn’t have my own handkerchief to dry my tears.” As the shock began to set in, all Joy wanted to do was go home. And then she’d remember – she had no home to go back to.
Anglicare and other services helped Joy in the immediate aftermath of the ordeal. She moved in to her daughter’s house nearby but she now faces the daunting task of insurance claims and clean up. She also has to make big decisions about her future.
Joy is also a Warden at St Thomas’ Anglican church and is a well-loved and respected member of the community. She knows that she has the support of her family, her local church and the caring community – but it will be a long journey to recovery.
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Joy – Carwoola bushfire survivor
