Isuzu Strengthens BlazeAid Partnership with New 4x4 Truck

Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) has strengthened its ongoing partnership with BlazeAid, donating a new Isuzu 4x4 NPS Crew cab model to support the organisation’s work with rural communities recovering from natural disasters.

Extending its current support which has been running for three years, Isuzu’s latest contribution adds to previous commitments including vehicles, equipment, servicing and employee volunteering.

The new NPS 75-155 4x4 Crew features a purpose-built body designed and manufactured by long-term Isuzu partner, Service Bodies Australia (SBA), and will help transport volunteer crews, tools and equipment to properties affected by bushfires, floods and cyclones nationwide.

The latest donation extends on a theme of practical assistance to BlazeAid, designed to support its community of volunteers in their work to assist property owners rebuild stock fences and farming infrastructure in the aftermath of the carnage wrought by natural disasters.

Supporting recovery

The NPS joins two Isuzu NNR 45-150 AMT Crew Traypacks already at work in the BlazeAid fleet, currently utilised as volunteer and equipment transport vehicles.

Isuzu Power Solutions (IPS) has also contributed a 37 kVA generator set, which is currently used to provide remote power at a Victorian basecamp established following bushfires in the state’s west last year.

IAL’s Business Support, Sustainability & Compliance Manager, David Kirsanovs, said the latest donation reflected a IAL’s intent to offer tangible support for the organisation’s recovery tasks.

“BlazeAid does extraordinary work following the often-devastating aftereffects of fire, flood and extreme weather events, and we wanted to back their good word with support that’s genuinely useful on the ground,” Mr Kirsanovs said.

“This new NPS 4x4 Crew Cab provides off-road capability, transport accommodation for up to seven crew and a body designed specifically for the work BlazeAid undertakes.

“It is a truck that can go anywhere it is needed and help carry the people, tools and equipment required to get recovery work moving.”

Purpose-built support

Service Bodies Australia worked closely with Isuzu and BlazeAid to develop a vehicle suited to the demanding workload their volunteers face and challenging conditions they operate in, bringing specialist body-building expertise to align with the charity’s needs.

“This relationship started with the donation of the first truck a few years ago,” Mr Kirsanovs said.

“Today it has grown into a true partnership, and we’re pleased to have worked to develop a better understanding of how the BlazeAid teams operate and brought in the expertise of our supplier partners such as SBA to deliver the right solution.

“This latest truck will serve BlazeAid and the communities it supports for many years to come.”

Employee involvement

The truck handover took place during Isuzu’s recent annual tree-planting day, bringing together the company’s support for community recovery and environmental responsibility.

IAL employees have also participated in volunteer drives assisting BlazeAid and other community organisations, contributing their time and gaining firsthand insight into the demands of disaster recovery.

“The tree-planting day was an appropriate setting for the handover because both activities are ultimately about taking practical action and investing in the future,” Mr Kirsanovs said.

“Our people are proud to collaborate with BlazeAid, by giving their time and seeing the organisation’s work firsthand. That personal connection is an important part of this partnership.”

Rebuilding communities

Founded by Victorian farmers Kevin and Rhonda Butler following the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, BlazeAid grew from volunteers helping restore approximately three kilometres of fencing on the couple’s property.

Work expected to take several months was completed in about a week, inspiring the Butlers to extend the same assistance to their neighbours.

Today, BlazeAid operates from temporary basecamps, with volunteers working alongside property owners to clear debris, rebuild fences and restore infrastructure.

This helps families secure livestock and resume farming work, while providing personal support throughout a recovery that can continue for months.

BlazeAid Founder, Kevin Butler, said the new truck would help volunteers reach more affected properties.

“We’ve got a pool of about 40,000 volunteers. We set up base camps in the epicentres of where the fires, floods or cyclones were, and we work until the job is done,” Mr Butler said.

“Being a four-wheel-drive, this new vehicle is going to help our volunteer crews access sites that have previously been difficult to reach – it really is a game changer.

“I am just gobsmacked with the people that makeup BlazeAid and Isuzu’s generous support - we really do thank you.”

Donating to BlazeAid

To support BlazeAid’s work helping rural families and communities recover from natural disasters, visit blazeaid.com.au/donate. The page provides online donation options and details for donating by direct deposit, cheque or money order. Information about volunteering and current recovery camps is available at blazeaid.com.au.

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