THE power is out at Uarbry’s iconic Tongy Station but the action hasn’t stopped.
It’s shearing time at the signature property and no bushfire, not even the Sir Ivan, will stand in the way.
The Baillieu family began shearing four days before the disastrous fire swept through on Sunday, February 12, and destroyed 50 per cent of the property, including its historic homestead, built in 1830. The shears began clicking again last Thursday with the help of a generator.
“In a twist of irony, everyone packed up and went home on Monday due to wet sheep from Friday’s rain,” said owner Marshall Baillieu.
Mr Baillieu bought the property from his extended family in November, 2015. It was the first time it had been sold in almost 100 years.
“It’s a disastrous loss not only for me but for my family, too. We saved all the records from the house including diaries, workbooks and maps dating back to 1923 but we lost all other contents including artwork and furniture.”
With more than 20 per cent of their Merino flock destroyed, Mr Baillieu and his new manager Roger Wood are now planning for the future.
“There will certainly be some low points but we’re trying to step forward and turn our minds to what opportunities might come of it. Right now, shearing is giving everyone something to concentrate on.”
They’re working toward a self-replacing composite flock and joining will continue as planned next week.
“We’re looking to lighten up cattle numbers immediately. They’re not quite ready to go to market but I’d rather keep the remaining pasture for our ewes and get our conception rates right up.”
The woolshed is now the custodian of all Tongy’s history.
- Marshall Baillieu
The fire, which started more than 40 kilometres away, struck Tongy on the Sunday afternoon. By Monday it had burnt roughly 5750 acres (2328ha). Fifty to 60 kilometres of fencing was destroyed, 30km of which had been erected since Mr Baillieu took ownership.
“At Uarbry the fire split. One fork went right over up onto the range and up the Talbragar River valley. The other fork came directly north through Tongy Station and Turee Creek.”
Wheat stubble lead the fire to the door step of the Victorian sandstone homestead. Sheds, outbuildings and stables were swallowed whole. Flames also licked the woolshed but water-bombing saved the historic structure.
“The woolshed is now the custodian of all Tongy’s history.”
Mr Baillieu, an investment banker based in Sydney, said the outpouring of support from the local community and beyond had been “exceptional”.
He frequently visits the property with his wife Michelle and children Sienna, nine, Henry, seven, and Finley, six.
