‘The animals are their family’: Horses and pets take refuge with residents

1 month ago 15

Laying back in the shade on a reclining camp chair with a cold drink and their beloved horses nearby, Mark and Julie King almost seem comfortable.

But the massive gumtrees towering above them won’t stop swaying, and the constant noise of the wind is a terrifying reminder of why they left their Maindample property for the refuge of the Mansfield Showgrounds.

Julie King with her horses in Mansfield on Friday.

“We came in last night because today was supposed to be the worst day,” Julie King said.

“We hope we’re here for nothing but, with that wind … wow.

“It’s pretty hard to sit here and feel that wind and not worry.”

The Kings are among 60 people scattered among the sheds and shaded areas of the showgrounds on the outskirts of Mansfield, but they are vastly outnumbered by the animals that have brought the group together.

Cloe Rodgerson carries buckets of water for horses in Mansfield.

There are about 120 animals taking refuge at the showgrounds, including a few dozen horses, a handful of small ponies, a couple of troublesome donkeys who won’t stop knocking over communal water buckets, some chooks and plenty of dogs.

While the showgrounds are not an official fire refuge centre, Gwen Evans from the Mansfield Agricultural & Pastoral Society said her committee felt compelled to offer a safe place for people wanting to protect their beloved animals, including some who might otherwise have stayed on properties and put themselves in grave danger.

“It’s frayed nerves,” Evans said. “We’ve got limited facilities, but at least you can have animals.

“There are a lot of people who have no family around here, and the animals are their family.”

Gwen Evans at the Mansfield Showgrounds.

The Mansfield Sporting Complex in the centre of town has about another 150 people registered as staying.

At the showgrounds, people have gathered with caravans, tents and swags from Longwood, where the fire started, as well as from Terip Terip, Merton, Bonnie Doon, Woodfield, Jamieson, Ancona and far further afield.

“There’s a lot of travellers here. We have some people from Cairns with their dogs who were camping, but the campground is closed,” Evans said.

“We can keep people safe and reduce stress. People will feel safe so therefore they don’t panic, they don’t clog the roads.

“We’ve got a building with two split systems, so they’re keeping cool in there.

“We’ve got access to tea, coffee, little refreshments and we’re not feeding people, but most are self-sufficient anyway.

“Currently, we have power ... what happens when we don’t have power?”

With his deluxe recliner under the shade of an open pavilion next to his horses, Mark King isn’t too worried about seeking the comfort of the air-conditioning. But that bloody wind can’t stop him thinking about the four cows and 20 sheep he couldn’t bring with the horses.

“This is for our safety and the horses,” he said.

“It’s not ideal, but what can you really do?

“You just hope you’re here for nothing.”