RAY McAlary wants to do all he can to help CFA firefighters carry out their work.
That’s why the former Manor Lakes resident has compiled a book of poems which will be sold to benefit Point Cook CFA.
A Hot Country – The Seasons in Australia includes poems from writers from around Wyndham and Hobsons Bay.
There has been 500 copies printed with the help of Bendigo Community Bank and Wyndham Council.
Proceeds will go to the Point Cook CFA to increase training opportunities.
Mr McAlary said he first thought about writing a book of poems nine years ago when he was living in Brisbane.
At the time members of his family were living in Buxton, north of Marysville, and were on high alert for bushfires for seven weeks.
At the end of the ordeal, Mr McAlary wrote a poem called High Alert and considered writing a book of poems to raise money for rural fire brigades, but never got around to it.
Twelve months ago, after moving to Wyndham, Mr McAlary decided it was time to put pen to paper and approached Bendigo Community Bank for help.
The bank recommended proceeds be donated to Point Cook CFA.
Firefighter Andre Smith wrote a poem for inclusion and Mr McAlary also approached library groups, Victoria University and friends for poems. The youngest poet was aged eight.
“It’s amazing how it’s turned out,” he said. “The poems are about bushfires, drought, rain, the things we Aussies do and how our seasons affect that.”
The book is available from Bendigo Community Bank branches in Laverton, Altona and Point Cook for $11.
