An interest in studying weather coupled with a love of photography landed Rachel Helmreich in the midst of a social media firestorm, albeit unintentionally.
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The Bemboka resident and her husband Michael became the go-to people for bushfire information - and images - during the Yankees Gap fire of winter 2018, and then again in the summer of 2019/20.
We caught up with Rachel over a coffee and a "bee sting" at Bemboka Pie Shop, incongruously under a pall of grey sky and drizzle.
But back in January it was Rachel's night-time images of orange flames licking the ridgelines above the Bemboka township that captured everyone's attention.
The Bemboka Notice Board on Facebook became the hub of information vital for the village at the foot of Brown Mountain. Set up by Suzy Whymark, Rachel offered to take it over for a time after Suzy's home burnt down.
Rachel said just keeping track and watching the weather was helping her cope - and the simple act of sharing in turn helped the community.
"We follow the weather so whatever we looked up for ourselves we shared," Rachel said.
"And we get a 360-degree view from our house so we can see everything, we see when there's a pillar of smoke."
In January though it wasn't just the wisps of smoke from a pile burn.
"On New Year's Eve we were watching it over by Cochrane Dam. There was just a bit of smoke.
"We knew the fire was here, we knew the winds were coming and all the guys were at the fire shed just waiting - it was just scary.
"To see the cloud get bigger and bigger - it was terrifying. And to know what they were going into was even worse.
"I grew up in New Zealand - I'd rather have an earthquake any day - we were taught how to deal with earthquakes."
Rachel is a council-employed lifeguard at Bemboka Pool and, as well as helping the council set up the Bemboka Bushfire Recovery Centre, when the power went out during the height of the fire emergency she raided the kiosk.
"We filled up our Engel freezers and went for a drive, to Morans Crossing, Polacks Flat Rd, Yankees Gap - we were driving around handing out ice-creams to everyone. Just stopping and talking to everyone.
"It was really great to see what was happening. Then we went to the fire shed and gave them to the firies."
The firies also scored some lolly bags to take with them for a sugar hit and to keep their mouths moist,
"We just picked up whatever needed doing."
The anxiety and trauma is still keenly felt by many in Rachel's community.
She said she even knows of people who haven't unpacked their car yet.
"Every time there's a pile burn it puts them back on edge - especially if there's smoke and no-one has put it up on Facebook what's going on.
"I know a lot don't want to leave their properties, to say 'hey I need help'.
"People are still trauma-affected, still have anxiety."
Thrill of the image
Rachel and Michael moved to Bemboka from Canberra and Queanbeyan 13 years ago.
Photography is a hobby and while on occasion they've been asked to do more with it "that would take the fun out of it".
"It's lovely time out alone, to go for a walk and watch things, learn things.
"And capturing that image, I don't know, it gives you a buzz.
Of the fires, Rachel said it was good to be able to get the information out and document it.
"It's extraordinarily pretty but so scary at the same time - but it's also so addictive, just to get that shot."
Ben Smyth
I have worked as a journalist since 2005 and am now Editor of Australian Community Media mastheads in Bega, Merimbula and Eden
I have worked as a journalist since 2005 and am now Editor of Australian Community Media mastheads in Bega, Merimbula and Eden
