Berry Street Web Docs Annual Report 2009 | Page 10

SUE’S STORY
Sue shared her property in the Cathedral Ranges with a dog, two cats,
chickens and sheep. She enjoyed tending her vegetable garden and ran
a small business from home. When the fires came through on Black
Saturday, she stayed and fought to save her home, but the intensity of
the fire was too great. She survived by sheltering in an old concrete
dairy. She lost her animals, her home, her garden and her business.
Like many people, Sue’s insurance was insufficient in the face of
complete devastation.
When Berry Street’s case manager first met Sue, she was staying in
a friend’s shed. Her relationship with her partner had recently broken
down and she was emotionally vulnerable. The case manager arranged
for Sue to attend counselling, provided material aid and began helping
her to access various grants. Initially Sue was assisted with food parcels,
linen, a sewing kit, kitchen and laundry appliances and wood. As the
weather got colder the case manager took her gloves, a beanie, blankets
and pre-cooked meals.
Sue decided to build a cabin on her property and, at times, she felt very
frustrated and angry about building delays. Her case manager talked
with her about strategies she could use in dealing with her situation.
She also helped Sue re-establish her garden and gain further financial
assistance.
Seven months on from Black Saturday, Sue is comfortably settled in her
cabin, she has recommenced her business, has successfully obtained all
the grants for which she applied and sees her counsellor as necessary.

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