Spare a thought for Carwoola bushfire victims

While the community has rallied around those affected by the 3500-hectare fire in February, the pain is still raw for those dealing with the loss.

It was incredibly fortunate there was no loss of life on February 17 when the fire tore through the region just near Queanbeyan - destroying 11 homes and damaging 12 more.

There were a further 45 outbuildings destroyed and another 40 damaged.

Also good news for the community was that firefighting efforts saved at least 56 homes.

But while most people in Canberra and the region have moved on in the two months following the blaze, the pain is still fresh for many directly involved and will be that way for a long time to come.

We should spare a thought for those across the border who are still dealing with the loss of their homes, property and all their possessions.

It will take time for them to rebuild and even longer for the Carwoola community to recover from the tragedy.

Those like the Lindleys, who have decided to share their story two months on from the devastating blaze.

The brave couple could only stay in the city for a few days and returned to live on their property in a borrowed caravan with a makeshift kitchen/dining area.

They are determined to see the positive in the situation and patiently wait for their insurance company to give them the green light to clear up and re-build their home.

Canberrans know all too well the loss and devastation that bushfires can bring and the 2003 tragedy will remain a scar on our city for a long time. Indeed it still affects many people to this day.

While on a larger scale it is no less traumatising for those directly affected by the loss of their family homes and everything they owned.

We should empathise with those still dealing with the immediate difficulties but also give them hope for the future that recovery is possible.