Ferny Creek Reserve was bustling with energy on Friday, 19 September, as 45 volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help split and deliver free firewood to locals doing it tough.
The effort was spearheaded by Rescue Logs, in partnership with Disaster Relief Australia, Mountain Men, Rotary, and the Philanthropic Collective, and included direct deliveries to recipients across the Dandenongs and surrounding areas including Mount Evelyn, Cockatoo, Emerald, Belgrave, Selby, Olinda, Kalorama, and Monbulk.
The volunteer-run organisation, ‘Rescue Logs’ founded in the wake of the 2021 storms that downed thousands of trees, has become a lifeline for hills locals, especially single mums and pensioners, who rely on wood heaters to get through the cold.
As firewood prices climb and living costs soar, what started as a clean-up effort has grown into a critical support service.
Rescue Logs president, Julia Hall said the initiative began with a simple goal.
“After the 2021 storm toppled 25,000 trees overnight, we all pitched in to chop the timber. I began teaching people to repurpose the wood for projects instead of discarding it, and that’s how Rescue Logs started,” she said.
What started as a small, grassroots effort has since expanded to a team of 24 regular volunteers, most of whom work on weekends to help manage the ongoing supply of firewood.
The group not only collects and chops timber, but also mills it for projects around the hills.
Where the wood is unsuitable for other uses, it’s split into firewood and delivered to the Philanthropic Collective, a community organisation that provides food parcels to families in need.
Ms Hall said the need for firewood has become increasingly dire for many locals, particularly those with wood heaters.
“What we’ve discovered is a lot of single mums and pensioners in this area only have wood heating, imagine the amount of work it takes to chop, collect, and store that wood for the winter,” she said.
“By providing firewood, we’re really just helping people keep their homes warm.”
The community response to the firewood program has been overwhelming.
Initially, the Philanthropic Collective had just five regulars picking up firewood, but now, Ms Hall said that number has grown to over 15 locals coming by for a bootload to keep warm.
“Today, we’re delivering full trailer loads of firewood to eight families,” she said.
“A trailer load can last someone two months, so it’s a huge difference for them.”
The value of this assistance becomes even clearer when you consider the rising cost of firewood.
“A cubic metre costs about $380, our new trailer holds two, so each delivery keeps families warm for months. It’s a game-changer,” Ms Hall said.
One family that has benefitted from the program is a mother in Selby, who is the primary caregiver for her two neurodivergent children.
“Her only form of heating was wood, and she was previously forced to collect firewood from the side of the road, now, she can pick up firewood from Olinda, or we can deliver it to her. She’s incredibly grateful,” Ms Hall said.
Beyond just firewood, Rescue Logs also supports community projects.
“We’ve made friendship seats from rescued timber, small benches for kinders, schools, and local groups,” Ms Hall said.
“It’s another way we give back, and we’re really proud of it.”
Ms Hall said it’s important to have strong community partnerships in these efforts.
“With support from Disaster Relief Australia, Mountain Men, and our incredible volunteers, we can achieve so much more,” Ms Hall said.
“Having over 70 people on-site today means we get a huge amount done quickly.”
The group’s work is made even easier with the support of local organisations.
“Bendigo Bank helped us out by providing a grant for a hydraulic splitter, which makes splitting firewood much safer, especially for our older volunteers,” Ms Hall said.
“They also funded the new trailer, which has made our deliveries much more efficient.”
The partnerships don’t stop there, Yarra Ranges Council also played a crucial role by connecting Rescue Logs with Disaster Relief Australia, further strengthening the community ties.
“It’s a perfect example of how the community, local organisations, and the council can work together to support each other,” Ms Hall said.
Looking ahead, Rescue Logs plans to continue expanding its work.
Ms Hall said the group is teaming up with local high school Rangers Tech to teach students how to mill logs and turn them into furniture.
“It’s a great way to get younger people involved in a hands-on, sustainable project, while also providing them with valuable skills,” she said.
Rescue Logs also aims to work with local schools to create more community spaces, like outdoor education areas, and further fundraise to support their growing initiatives.
“The future is about building on what we’ve already achieved and continuing to provide vital support to those who need it most,” Ms Hall said.
While Rescue Logs continues to make a significant impact in the region, they’re always looking for more hands to help.
“We always welcome new volunteers. If people want to get involved, they can head to our website, rescuelogs.org, and sign up. Donations are also crucial to keep the program running,” she said.
As Rescue Logs marks four years, its impact is clear with a stronger community, growing support networks and a lasting commitment to helping locals in need.
“It’s been incredible to see how far we’ve come. And the fact that we’re still going four years later is just amazing. We’re here for as long as people need us,” Ms Hall said.
