The Australian National University (ANU) is delivering free building materials to local farmers to help them rebuild following recent bushfires.
Celebrating the work of its ANU Hail Remediation Team, the University said the materials came from its Acton campus where over 200 buildings were damaged during the January 2020 hail storm.
“Once the repair process started, it was discovered that loads of roof sheets were not contaminated with any hazardous materials and were in good condition for reuse but needed a place to go,” the ANU said.
“An initiative started by the late Glen Toscan, member of the Rotary Club of Bungendore, enabled ANU to partner with the Rotary Club to transport and re-purpose roof sheets to local farmers whose outbuildings had been destroyed by recent bushfires,” it said.
“Sadly, Glen passed away last year but the project has continued to progress, paying tribute to his memory and legacy.”
Former Director of ANU Facilities and Services, Christine Allard, now leads the initiative as the (soon to be) President of the Rotary Club of Bungendore.
“This project, aside from being about sustainability, is about empowering the local people affected by the bushfires to help themselves and others in their community,” Ms Allard said.
“The Rotary Clubs of Bungendore and Tumut work together to identify farmers who can use the materials, and the ANU Hail Remediation Team manages the logistics of delivering the roofing sheets to those farmers,” she said.
“The project has been delivered through the generosity of the contractors and transport companies who all give their time and resources free of charge.”
Ms Allard said the first delivery of roof sheets was made in July last year, with six loads already delivered to farmers and additional loads scheduled for the weeks ahead.
She said it was estimated that more than 25 farmers had benefited from the program in Tumut, Adelong, and Courabyra.
“That number will continue to grow as the program carries on into 2023,” Ms Allard said.
“So far, the roofing materials have been used to build chicken coops, vehicle sheds, carports, and hay sheds,” she said.
“This sustainable re-use program means that no waste is created through the hail repair process at ANU,” the former Director of ANU Facilities and Services said.
