Waroona’s heartfelt thank you to those who helped prevent disaster during March’s Nanga Brook bushfire

A South West shire cracked out the bacon sandwiches and coffee to say a sincere “thank you” to the dedication and effort of so many who helped fight March’s devastating Nanga Brook bushfire.

The Shire of Waroona hosted a free community breakfast on Saturday morning to offer thanks to the hundreds of firefighters who put their lives on the line to protect the community last month.

The crowd gathered in the newly opened Railside Park in the early hours to share stories, sandwiches and speeches, with breakfast courtesy of the Waroona Lions Club and coffee from the Salvation Army.

Shire president Mike Walmsley said it was heartening to see so many attend and continue to come together as a community.

Cr Walmsley said 149 firefighting units were involved in fighting the blaze that consumed 3000ha of bush and destroyed three homes.

“We have gone a little way to thank some of those people,” he said.

“But you can never say enough. I cannot say thank you enough to all the support we had.”

Waroona captain Michael Simpson spoke to acknowledge the work of various volunteers, giving presentations to the Waroona West, Preston Beach and Lake Clifton brigades.

Specially recognised for his outstanding service during the disaster was Neil Birch.

Mr Simpson said he was one of the first responders and was at the station every day making sure it was clean and the fridges remained full.

Department of Fires and Emergency Services South West superintendent Andrew Wright said the dedication of the community and volunteers was amazing.

Shire of Murray president David Bolt said it had been heartening to see so many brigades come together and support each other.

“Bushfires don’t have any boundaries,” he said.

“When an emergency comes, the volunteers drop their day job and put their life on hold and we are just so appreciative of their support in making the community feel so much safer.

“Their families also need to be congratulated and supported.”

Beyond the breakfast, there was free art therapy open to the community as well as support services from the Red Cross and Disaster Relief Australia which have been active in helping those impacted by the fires.