Our Bushfire Story
On 19 December 2019, the Green Wattle Creek bushfire reached Earthkeepers at Buxton.
After decades spent creating a self-sufficient and sustainable home and lifestyle, Judith and Paul Collins lost their home and much of the property they had built their lives around. The original Earthkeepers account says they escaped approximately 50 metres ahead of the fire front and returned to find their property devastated. Earthkeepers
What followed was not simply the rebuilding of a home, but the rebuilding of a way of life.
Through these interviews, Judith and Paul share their experience of the bushfire, its aftermath and the long process of moving forward.
Living Library — Judith
Judith shares her experiences and reflections as part of the Living Library.
Bushfire Recovery Program
Judith and Paul speak about their experience following the fire and the process of recovery.
Judith & Paul — Losing Their Home to Bushfire
An interview exploring Judith and Paul's experience of losing their Buxton home to bushfire.
The Aftermath
The original page also features The Aftermath, documenting the experiences of bushfire survivors following the Black Summer fires.
More Than a Home
Before the fire, Earthkeepers had been developed over decades around the principles of self-sufficiency and sustainable living.
The property incorporated food production, fruit and berry growing, solar power, rainwater collection and buildings created using sustainable and recycled materials. It was also a place of education, where Judith and Paul shared their knowledge with students and visitors from Australia and around the world. Earthkeepers
The fire destroyed far more than buildings. It affected the home, gardens, animals and systems that had been developed over a lifetime.
Rebuilding Earthkeepers
Starting Again
In the aftermath of the fire, Judith and Paul began the enormous task of rebuilding.
The Earthkeepers account describes receiving support through donations, charities and grants as they gradually replaced necessities, restored growing areas and began producing food again. Despite the destruction, they were determined to return to both sustainable living and educating others. Earthkeepers
Their experience has since become another chapter in the Earthkeepers story — one that Judith also shares through her public speaking under the topic “A Bush Fire Refugee – Destruction of home and lifestyle.” Earthkeepers
Their Story Continues
Earthkeepers did not end with the 2019 bushfire.
The property, gardens and way of life have continued to evolve as Judith and Paul rebuild, adapt and continue sharing the knowledge accumulated over more than fifty years.
Their bushfire story now sits alongside their teachings about growing food, sustainable living and working with nature — documenting not only what was lost, but the experience of beginning again.
