Glynis's Story

Glynis turned to the Society when the family farm was badly impacted by two bushfires late last year, the worst of which engulfed Glynis’ husband Ray’s sawmill and woodturning business, leaving it ruins. As well as the loss of income from the destroyed business and the repairs needed on the property, the family lost 10 of their cattle to the fire, with a horse dying in the days following the fire from stress. Though the Limberg home, which Glynis shares with Ray and 11-year-old son Harrison, was spared from the flames, Kerry said the family has a long road ahead of them to get back on their feet. “They’ve lost their livelihood and everything on their property, they have to start from scratch. Her husband lost his shed with all of his tools and equipment,” she says.

“Their main concern after the fire was fencing so that they could keep their remaining cattle, water for their water tank and feed and water for their cattle.”

“We’re spending $600 a week just on stock feed,’’ Glynis added. “We’ll never replace the tools in the sawmill. “Just having someone from St Vincent de Paul Society to talk with can be the brightest thing in a whole day.”

Kerry Clarke and Leanne Long are two of the salt of the earth Queenslanders who help make the Society a trusted charity in times of disasters, such as the recent bushfires and ongoing drought. Based in Ipswich, during the worst of the natural disasters Vincentians Kerry and Leanne used to make a fortnightly trip out to the small town of Esk, an hour’s drive away to assist people in need like Glynis Limberg.

Thanks to kind donations, Kerry and Leanne were able to offer Glynis $3000 towards the family’s costs, help which was followed up with further support to brighten the Limberg’s Christmas. “Glynis was still with us when the $3000 claim went through and she just burst into tears, she was so grateful,” Kerry explains. “We took out lots of food for her and the family and some toys for her son, she put all the stuff we had brought for her son into the one bag and told him it had come from us because she wanted him to know that people were willing to help. Glynis is one of those people you really want to reach out to and help, one of those people who make it all worthwhile.”

Kerry and Leanne met with Glynis again recently to see how they could continue to support the family as they begin the process of rebuilding their lives, Kerry adding that they both enjoyed their regular trips out to help the people of Esk. The generosity of the community has allowed Vincentians give direct, crisis assistance to fire and drought victims across the country and will continue to provide long term recovery aid.