Local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo has paid tribute to the “resilience and compassion” of people living in the rural communities affected by the Pinery fires that scorched through the area on 25 November 2015. On the eve of the second anniversary, Mr Piccolo said the fires were particularly devastating due to the deaths of Janet Hughes and Allan Tiller, and the serious injuries suffered by a number of other people. “On top of those losses, many people lost their homes, outbuildings, stock, equipment and livelihoods,” Mr Piccolo said. “We also saw the resilience and compassion of the local communities. “While after the fire, the South Australian Government moved quickly to appoint a Local Recovery Coordinator, initially Vince Monterola and then Alex Zimmermann, it was the response by these communities that shone light through the dark days that were to follow. “Pinery is the story about how the communities in my electorate banded together and helped each other through the recovery process. “They have been the champions of self-help, in the true spirit of community. “While a number of government agencies and charities worked hard to support the local communities, it was their own actions which made a huge contribution to the personal recovery process. “It is important to acknowledge that people recover at their own pace and in their own way,” he said. A number of local individuals worked with different people in the community to help them come to terms with their loss and help them through their recovery process. Some examples included: Kathy Marriner’s Creative Chatter group for quilters, sewers, mosaics, artists and knitters provided an opportunity for women to get together and get to know each other and their experiences from the fires while sharing creative activities. Felicity Hams and Fiona Heaslip started “Grow it Back” a program to grow plants from donated cuttings, pots and soil, which were then given away free to help rebuild gardens in Wasleys. Mrs Lynette Worden has held a number of get-together sessions with around 12 women attending for a meet and sharing of their experiences, including those who lost everything. Wasleys resident Mr Allan Lange held a number of BBQs for Blokes in the area. Allan’s BBQs were complemented by a series of barbecue run by the Wasleys Community Group in conjunction with the Light Electorate office and supported by the Willo’s Men’s Shed. The Wasley’s Community Group have been very active with a range of activities including a Family Fun Day. Local CFS Brigades and individuals to support families who were experiencing financial difficulties held a number of fundraising events. The Wasley’s Community Group on the first anniversary of the fire held a thanksgiving service. Mr Piccolo said the re-opening of local post office and the bowling club were like new shoots symbolising the recovery of the community.“People living in the area have journeyed through the recovery process in their own way and time, and this has been made possible by the great compassion and support provided by their families, neighbours and friends in their communities,” he said.