Imagine a community plunged into darkness, not by choice, but by the relentless fury of nature. This is the stark reality for the residents of Yea, where a devastating bushfire has left them without power, forcing shoppers to navigate grocery aisles by torchlight. It’s a scene that feels almost surreal, yet it’s happening right now, as locals scramble to secure essentials in the wake of chaos. But here’s where it gets even more poignant: despite the devastation, the human spirit shines through in acts of resilience and solidarity.
On a Sunday morning in January 2026, the Yea FoodWorks supermarket became a beacon of hope, albeit dimly lit. A worker at the entrance calmly directed the crowd, announcing, ‘Next person. Cash only. You’ll need to be guided.’ Inside, staff armed with torches and clipboards led customers through the darkened aisles, helping them find staples like coffee, milk, tomatoes, bread, and Milo. It was a makeshift operation, but one that underscored the community’s determination to persevere.
Among the shoppers was Fiona Purvis, a resident of nearby Homewood, who was on a mission for milk and a large tub of water. ‘We’re keeping our eskies full with just the essentials—milk, bread, butter,’ she explained. Fiona and her family had made the brave decision to stay and defend their 800-acre property, located just a 10-minute drive from Yea along the Goulburn River. ‘We knew we could protect the farm,’ she said, her voice steady despite the challenges. ‘We’ve got about 200 head of cattle to look after.’
But the struggle wasn’t limited to shoppers. Adam Kupke, a supermarket worker, shared the grim reality of the situation. The store’s generator, their lifeline, had failed overnight. ‘We’re just trying to do what we can for the people who need help,’ he said, his tone both weary and determined. ‘It might get to a point where we have to close, but for now, we’re here.’ Kupke’s words carried the weight of the region’s trauma. ‘I grew up here. I know so many people,’ he reflected. ‘It’s devastating, mate.’
And this is the part most people miss: While the bushfire has destroyed hundreds of buildings and homes, miraculously, no lives have been lost. Yet, the stories of close calls are both harrowing and inspiring. Just north of Yea, on a remote property along Caveat-Dropmore Road, police executed a dramatic air rescue, evacuating two generations of a family—including a 92-year-old man and their beloved cat. The family had lost their home while attempting to defend it and had taken shelter in a shipping container as the fire raged around them.
According to Victoria Police, the family had called emergency services on Friday afternoon, desperate for help. ‘After trying to manage the conditions for two days, including the complete loss of their home by fire, the 59-year-old woman called for assistance, concerned for the health of her mother and uncle,’ the statement read. The trio had bunkered down in the shipping container on Wednesday, 7 January, and even slept in their vehicle on Friday night before the rescue.
This story raises a thought-provoking question: In the face of such devastation, what does it mean to truly be prepared? Is it about having a generator, stockpiling essentials, or simply the courage to stay and fight? And how do we balance the instinct to protect our homes with the need to ensure our safety? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation that deserves to be heard.
