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We huddled inside the local shopping centre. In a matter of less than an hour a fire blown by strong westerly winds, had destroyed more than 200 homes and caused damage to as many properties again. The fire continued to burn and threaten our community for many days.
In the days and months following, our entire community had to come to terms with what had happened.
The outpouring of love, generosity, support and goodness was a huge step towards healing.
As a school community we re-established routines as quickly as possible. We wanted the children to be at school with their mates having a normal school day, be in the classroom with their teachers and be able to talk in a safe and supportive environment about what their own experiences on the day had been like.
Amy Hubbard (left) with her mother, Catherine and the ruins of their home in Buena Vista Road, Winmalee, that was destroyed in a bushfire fires in the Blue Mountains on October 18, 2013.
Photo: Dallas KilponenThe focus for our teachers was supporting the children and turning this awful experience into something that could build resilience. The children needed to know that when difficult and terrible things happen they can rely on trusted adults, that people can be kind and generous, and that it is possible to have hope that things will get better.
The last four and a half years has taught me that besides practical support the other significant support we can provide for each other is simply standing with and listening attentively to others and their story.
I am conscious that recovery for many, is not there yet. For many families at this point in the recovery phase fatigue, stress, emergent health concerns including emotional health continue, often they suffer in silence.
Ultimately, the most important resource for the community is the relationships within it. I like others, continue to gain strength from others.
This strength will, in time, allow us all to look to the future with the confidence that what has been rebuilt isn’t simply bricks, wood and mortar but is life within a community that supports and look out for its neighbours.
My hope is that the residents of Tathra will find in each other this same strength.
One of my musical heroes, Bruce Springsteen epitomises this through the lyrics of a song, which appeared on the 2002 album The Rising.
May your strength give us strength
May your faith give us faith
May your hope give us hope
May your love bring us love
Sergio Rosato is the principal of St Thomas Aquinas Primary School in Springwood.