Summary

Audio and video interview with Ray and Bev Hicks by Liza Dale-Hallett at their farm at Mudgegonga, North East Victoria on 12 May 2010. Ray and Bev Hicks are an elderly, retired farming couple who have survived two major bushfires on their property - 1968 and 2009. The Black Saturday bushfire destroyed their hayshed, shearing shed, a rented house, and 7 kms of fencing.

This interview forms part of the Victorian Bushfires Collection.

Description of Content

This interview provides background to the 2009 bushfire. It includes reference to the purchase this property by Ray's father in 1938, Ray and Bev's marriage in 1957, building a home on the property to raise their four children, the gradual increase in Ray's share of the property, major changes that have occurred since the 1950s, the down turn in farming in the late 1960s and early 1970s, changes in farm production and commodities, deer farming, impact of the drought, water supply, and their involvement in local community organisations. The Hicks recall the 1968 bushfire which was ignited by a powerline on their property, and which caused major losses in stock, pasture, fodder and fencing, and ultimately caused a financial crisis resulting in their move into cattle. They recalled their participation in legal action against the SEC following the 1968 bushfire. The interview also includes their experience of the 2007 bushfire, the losses incurred, the media response, volunteer assistance and community support, the involvement of the CWA, and they compare their experiences with the 1968 bushfire.

Physical Description

3 digital files: 1 video MTS file and 2 audio WAV files.

Significance

Ray and Bev Hicks provide a valuable reflection on their experiences of the 1968 and 2009 bushfires, in particular the lack of financial or in-kind assistance offered in 1968.

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