Nambucca Valley Septic Installation Initiative unearths more local heroes – News Of The Area

Drew Walker is one of the local heroes making this unique initiative possible.

WHILE the devastation of the 2019 bushfires is fading in the minds of many Australians, the memories and aftermath are still something many Nambucca Valley residents live with every day.

For some of those who lost their homes, the daunting task of rebuilding has been made a little easier by a project known as the Nambucca Valley Septic Installation Initiative.

Conceived by Nambucca Valley bushfire volunteers, Kathleen Crawley and Gus Smith, the initiative has brought out the best in human nature while dealing with the worst of circumstances.

In addition to helping residents maintain proper sanitation standards and providing hope for those recovering, the initiative was designed to help the uninsured, severely underinsured, and financially hardest hit by fires who chose to remain on their properties.

This initiative has uniquely brought together a range of community organisations, local governments and businesses.

It was Kathleen and Gus’ success in applying for a $50,000 Reece grant for septic tanks and hardware that allowed the initiative to start.

Funds from the Council’s Bushfire Levy were allocated to cover installation costs and when these were depleted the Salvation Army was able to provide additional funds.

Council approved additional funding and the amazing Nambucca Valley Rotary Club also gave $10,000 to the initiative.

But to make the initiative a reality, so many other wonderful people and organizations had to be behind it.

The council waived the normal fees for such an installation, and although the initiative had received the $50,000 Reece grant, Reece Plumbing supplied the septic tanks and hardware at cost.

The installation required the services of specialized plumbers and two local companies, Drew Walker Plumbing and Nambucca Plumbing stepped in to make it happen.

News Of The Area spoke to Drew Walker and asked how this could be accomplished given his company’s existing workload.

Drew said, “We worked in the septic facilities alongside other jobs and my team was keen to do their bit for the community after the fires.”

Project coordinator Kathleen Crawly added, “The specialist work performed by Drew Walker Plumbing and Nambucca Plumbing included clearing, trenching and heavy equipment backfilling, all at cost price.”

In addition to those already mentioned in this article, Kathleen humbly notes that this was a collaborative effort and so much hard work by Rhiannon Treasure-Brand, Lena Jones of Service NSW, NVC planning and development including Kyle Bates and Emma Walsh, Richard Spain, Nambucca Valley Bushfire Relief Fund Committee, Garry and Norma Johnson, Boral Macksville Quarry, Blue Dog Haulage, Austone, BB Water Wagons Scotts Head to name a few.

By Mick Birtles