For some time now the owners of Balhannah Nurseries have been looking for a practical way to help the families severely affected by the devastating bushfires which ravaged the Victorian countryside in January 2009.

In total 173 victims died and over 400 were injured as a result of around 400 fires, the worst of which hit on the 7th January – the day now known as Black Saturday.

Whilst the residents are extremely resilient and the countryside is covered with a spring flush of green grass the native plants and trees are re-shooting, the most difficult times are no doubt still ahead for many victims as they run down their reserves. So they still need help to carry them over whilst they re-establish their properties, livelihoods, and income stream.

It was with this predicament in mind that Kay, Mark, and Brett Joyce set about planning to send a semi-trailer load of Balhannah’s potted fruit trees into this fire ravaged area to help re-establish gardens and provide a long-term practical benefit when these trees bear fruit in years to come.



Over 1200 peach, nectarine, apple, plum, almond, and apricot trees were delivered in the Joyce’s own Joyson Orchards semi by driver Gary Ashford who stood out in his bright orange safety vest!
Bev Harris and Machelle Crichton from the CWA did a fantastic job in gathering a host of helpful volunteers to unload the truck at their Labertouche depot, from where the trees were distributed thoughout the shire northwards up to Marysville.





The Joyce family have been delighted to be able to help out in this practical way and to see that their trees have made a real difference. Best of luck to all the victims on the road ahead!

Bev, Victorian CWA:

‘The tree's have been received with such real and obvious delight that while being hard work, it has again been very rewarding and we can't thank you all enough….many have just noticed the blossom as they have driven past and this has bought them into the centre…the effect is uplifting because it is a real sign of new life, so again another aside to your wonderful gift to us. 
We have also offered to deliver to the local schools two Angel PeachTM trees each, this offer again has been taken up with real delight, we are going to deliver these ones later today.
Again Sam, on behalf of everyone here in Labertouche, victims and volunteers alike,  we can't thank you all enough for the wonderful donation to us from you all.’

Rosemary, Bushfire Victim, Labertouche:

‘We would like to thank you for the fruit trees as we were affected by the bushfires at near Labertouche, Vic. The kids and I are looking forward to getting some fruit off them for years to come! Once again thank you for your kind offer.’

Catherine, Bushfire Victim, Labertouche:

‘I just wanted to say thankyou for the fruit trees that we were able to get from Labertouche that you sent over. We lost all ours so the four we got are greatly appreciated. Again, many thanks. Kind regards Catherine and Family.’