GoFenceMe charity to assist farmers rebuild vital boundaries

The charity's central aim is to coordinate subsidised fencing supplies and donations to help farmers across the south east rebuild with part of their costs covered.

Mr Keys met Kathy Kelly when she was delivering hay to Bemboka with South Coast Rural Relief and the Harvey Hay Run.

What developed was a charity to look after what seemed like the forgotten communities of Bemboka, Bombala and Bredbo.

"Although in the last few weeks there have been good rains, most farmers have had to continue to hand feed their remaining livestock in smaller paddocks due to the destruction of their fences," Mr Keys said.

READ ALSO: Bemboka 2018 fire survivor reflects on 'nuclear blast'

Fencing materials cost approximately $7000 per kilometre. According to Mr Keys and a group of knowledgeable locals, it's estimated around 250km of boundary fences were burnt in Bemboka, meaning a cost for materials of $1.75million.

Internal property fencing is likely another 1000km.

The region has already seen Australia Defence Force reservists lending a hand on boundary fences and national charity organisation BlazeAid recruiting an army of volunteer fence builders.

BlazeAid has said it will "be here for the long haul - until the last farmer has been helped". GoFenceMe said it was pleased to be able to work alongside BlazeAid in these communities.

The program is already being rolled out in Bemboka and will soon follow in Bombala for the fire-impacted communities of Cathcart and Rockton, and then into Cooma.

READ ALSO: Joan Cuzner lives through 1952 and 2020 bushfires

The plan is to seek corporate support as well as public donations, with local suppliers the beneficiaries of all purchases of fencing materials and tools.

The group has also sought funding for a tool shed to be provided in each of the towns so materials can be stored securely.

Bendigo Bank has kicked off the charity with a $10,000 donation.

Direct deposits can be made to GoFenceMe Inc at Bendigo Bank BSB 633000, account number 172557944. Donations should be accompanied by an email to gofenceme@outlook.com so a receipt can be provided.