The project was initiated by Tony Treble, who contacted Lion Neil Cuscott and wife Delice who live in the area.

“We went there to help with whatever they needed – clearing debris and burning rubbish, but mostly fencing,” Mr Treble said.

He had spent many happy times there 40 years ago, fishing and camping with the Scouts and found the area unrecognizable when they arrived.

“There were mountains of debris and twisted iron. They were just starting to re-build when we were there,” Mr Treble said.

The four spent a week helping out, particularly on the Cuscott property and for a woman called “Kath”, on whose property a sign was hung commemorating the donation by KI Lions volunteers. They also had a day operating the Lions food van.

Lions has set up a tool library in the town, for volunteers and residents to borrow the tools they needed to clear and rebuild.

The group took four quilts donated by Margaret Loader, of Kingscote, and local quilters, to a specific family.

Mr Treble said Western KI Lions volunteers Alan Childs and Kevin Pratt had volunteered at Kyneton about the same time.

He thanked Sealink for its passenger sponsorship, KI Fuel Services for its generous voucher and David Clifford who donated boxes of honey for fire-affected families.