A cellar does not normally star in a home-beautiful tour, unless well stocked with Grange.
No fine wine was needed for the alcove under the McLaughlin family's Bodalla veranda to earn home-hero status.
It is where Duncan and his parents Sue and George sheltered when the heat and smoke became too much on January 23.
Their home survived the Bumbo Road bushfire, but most of their outbuildings and a vehicle were destroyed, along with wildlife.
The family emerged to find their herd of seven horses safe, standing on a patch of unburned grass.
Duncan shared the following videos and images from the fire and its aftermath.
The morning after the fire, birdsong had returned to the valley and the horses were processing both lucerne and the experience on a patch of green grass, as logs and stumps continued to smoke.
The series of videos below show the fire approaching and consuming outbuildings.
A good clearing around the header tank protected the family's water supply, but plastic covers over taps melted, preventing taps from working and causing multiple leaks.
It has been Australia's lost summer. Drought, hail, floods and, worst of all, bushfires have ravaged communities all over the nation. But the selfless actions of friends, family, neighbours, strangers, local groups and volunteer organisations have inspired us and strengthened the bonds of community. Please join us in saying thanks to the heroes of the home front by sharing your stories of gratitude. To salute a person or a group, please use the form below.
