The Muster's Rural Aid Appeal annually raises funds to assist rural Australians in dire need. This year, the Gympie Apex Club, organisers of the Muster, will pledge all monies raised through the Rural Aid Appeal to BLAZE AID - assisting survivors of the devastating Victorian bushfires.

Blaze Aid began on February 8, 2009, the day after the devastation of the Black Saturday Fires. It's mission is to assist the survivors to rebuild, many of whom lost everything as the huge fires engulfed and destroyed entire properties, stock and communities. Blaze Aid not only helps to physically rebuild, but also gives vital support and encouragement in the most despairing of times.

Out of the ashes came urgent needs: one survivor, local farmer Kevin Butler, had lost many kilometres of fencing, and was at risk of losing his remaining stock. Realising the task of refencing was too big to face alone, he called for assistance - word spread, 120 helpers arrived, and a 3-month task was achieved in just 7 days. This was the birth of Blaze Aid.

Since that day, nearly 3000 long- and short-term Blaze Aid volunteers have come from all parts of Australia, as well as overseas, to help. With this help, approx 400 km and 7500 days worth of fencing was been completed in a short period of time, mainly in the hard-hit areas of Kilmore East, Kinglake, Kinglake West, Pheasant Creek, St Andrews, Strathewen, Flowerdale, Wandong, Mt Disappointment, Glenburn and others. Still, the task remains huge, with hundreds of kilometres still to be tackled.

Blaze Aid offers vital support. However, underlying the physical rebuilding is the all-important emotional support, given to those who have lost everything to help them to cope. Often it is in helping others that they find the most therapy for themselves.

Monies donated from the Muster's Appeal help meet some of the costs, to enable the project to continue. Much equipment is needed - fencing tools, including powered wood drills for hanging gates, crowbars, shovels, bolt cutters for cutting wires, spinning jennies, tension meters for assessing wire tension, safety gear including vests and goggles, trailers for taking tools and equipment out to properties and for bringing back wire and posts.

Kevin's vision is that Blaze Aid is of an enduring nature, so that upon the completion of the fencing program, assets, tools and equipment are stored and archived until such time as they are required in the event of another disaster, not only in the current program, but well into the future. Blaze Aid is currently being reviewed as a model for fence rebuilding after future natural disasters.

How you can help families in need:
Funds are raised through the sales from an extensive range merchandise, which includes a compilation Muster country 4-CD album, a compilation Muster blues album, hats, clothing, leathergoods, Muster souvenirs, and selected Bundaberg Rum and XXXX merchandise. Click here to see the range or phone 07 5482 2099 for a FREE catalogue.

By choosing to purchase Rural Aid Appeal merchandise, you will be making a direct contribution to assist victims of one of the most horrific bushfires in known history.

More information on Blaze Aid can be found on website www.blazeaid.com - thank you for choosing to assist rural Australians in need.