30/01/2026
Dear friends,
Two weeks ago, the Longwood bushfire tore through northern Victoria, including our home in Yarck.
The fire burned through five of our orchards in Yarck. Most significantly, our Rothleigh orchard sustained extensive damage - a heartbreaking blow after years of nurturing and careful cultivation. Our other Yarck farms also sustained some damage, but it was limited to the fringes, whilst our Cobram, Strathbogie and Alexandra orchards had terrifyingly close calls, with flames reaching within metres in some cases. Our Yarck packing shed was directly threatened, but thankfully saved.
We’re incredibly grateful the overall damage wasn’t worse, but the impact on our business has been significant.
We are extremely grateful for the assistance we received from Cherryhill Orchards and Wandin Valley Farms, who stepped in immediately to help us pack harvested fruit whilst we were unable to gain access to our Packing Facility in the week following. Both these businesses, owned by the Riseborough and Sebire families, are generational friends.
Our team has been absolutely incredible - many personally affected themselves, yet showing up with such resilience and heart.
We’re deeply grateful to the CFA, Emergency Services and Fire Officials, State and Local Government, Regional Development Victoria and the Incident Control Centres in Seymour and Alexandra, and everyone who fought to protect our region.
On a day like that, ordinary people simply show up and do whatever they can to help. Many show remarkable courage — stepping in to protect a neighbour, a friend, or even a stranger who just needs a hand. There are too many heroes to name, but together they embody the very best of who we are — as people and as a nation. It’s been incredible to see selfless acts everywhere we look. A great example of the Australian spirit and helping a mate.The support from our community, neighbours, friends and family has meant the world to us.
So many people in the community were affected, and our thoughts, prayers and best wishes are with them in their recovery.
With gratitude,
❤️ The Koala Cherries family
