Jane Mcluskey, 68, is most grateful for all the help from the community after her house on Fisherman’s Crescent and all her belongings were completely destroyed in a fire early last Wednesday morning.
She was away visiting her daughter and family in Queensland last week but rushed back after getting the news. Thanks to her insurance company, she said the process of rebuilding was going smoothly.
“I would like to thank my neighbours, my friends and my Quota colleagues for all the incredible support I have received, it has made a horrible situation bearable,” she said. “I made the right decision when I moved to Narooma, the local community is truly unique and wonderful.”
Emergency services were called to the fire just before 3am Wednesday morning. A Rural Fire Service spokesman said Narooma and Dalmeny RFS brigades attended, as did the NSW Fire & Rescue Narooma brigade. The cause was unknown and a crime scene was established.
The whole neighbourhood was out on the street on the morning of the fire, watching the incident and looking after themselves. Neighbours were woken by breaking glass and roof was well alight. Firefighters said the situation could have been worse, as the house is surrounded by high trees.
Mrs Mcluskey’s daughter Caitlin, said her mother only had a small suitcase of clothes with her at the time of the fire when she was at her Queensland house.
“Apart from that her entire life has now been incinerated bless her, which is just heartbreaking,” her daughter said. “Her friends down there have been wonderful and have really rallied around her offering places to stay, a car to drive, as hers was in the garage.”
Stan Gorton
Walkley-nominated journalist based at The Islander on Kangaroo Island with an interest in the local community and the environment.
Walkley-nominated journalist based at The Islander on Kangaroo Island with an interest in the local community and the environment.
