Empathetically efficient

Lobethal Bushfire Recovery Centre
Selfless. Kind. Hardworking.

It's heart-warming to remember how the community came together in the Cudlee Creek Fires emergency disaster.

Jodie Turpin was among the many standout volunteers together with the Disaster Relief Australia team. She took on the challenging role of logistics manager at the Lobethal Bushfire Recovery Centre, a one-stop-shop for community members seeking practical support and advice amid the devastation.

Jodie was there to help set up the centre within 12 hours of the disaster, and she volunteered for more than 80 days after that.

At the height of the emergency, Jodie efficiently went about arranging accommodation, food, water and clothing.

"We set up a supply centre where people could come and get what they needed," Jodie says.

She had teams that went house-to-house and farm-to-farm delivering supplies, checking in on people and setting up generators.

Jodie also worked with the ADF, Team Rubicon and locals to arrange tree and rubble removal.

What touched many people, was that she always found time to give a hug and lend a listening ear.

"I have always loved my community and to be able to help was a very rewarding experience that I will hold close to my heart," Jodie says.

"I will continue to check in on the many people affected by this terrible disaster."

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. Lobethal Bushfire Recovery Centre will use its grant to help fund fencing repairs and other recovery operations.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here