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‘We’ve been down poo road for a while’: What’s next for the fire-ravaged town of Mallacoota?

‘We’ve been down poo road for a while’: What’s next for the fire-ravaged town of Mallacoota?

Updated

February 10, 2020 08: 25: 29

The apocalyptic images of Mallacoota during the New Year’s Eve bushfire were broadcast across the world.

Key points:

  • Mallacoota residents attend Waves of Wellness sessions to reclaim their beach
  • Students of Mallacoota P-12 return to school
  • Town is reconnected to the main power grid, and plans are being made to clear the debris

Thousands of people sheltered on the beach as the sky turned blazing red, watching as the town succumbed to the flames.

It has only been a month since that terrible day, but for the town’s permanent residents it is time to figure out what’s next.

Joel Pilgrim is the CEO of Waves of Wellness (WOW) which has been holding mental health surfing lessons in an effort for the town to “reclaim the beach”.

“What we’re trying to do is change the way people look at the beach,” he said.

“We’re saying ‘let’s reclaim our beach, let’s talk about it in a positive light and make sure it is that space where you can enjoy the ocean and be with your loved ones.'”

This is the first time WOW has worked with a fire

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