Couple touched by Rocky's heart

Ian Poulton and Kellie McGuiness made a heartbreaking return to the smouldering ruins of their Koongal home yesterday.

Chris Ison

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Rockhampton bushfire

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Aerial photos of Rockhampton fires

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IN their time of need Kellie McGuiness and Iain Poulton have been touched by the giving nature of Rockhampton people.

The young couple, who have three children, lost their Poinciana Street home on Saturday night during the wild bushfires that swept through the Berserkers on the weekend.

Yesterday as they started the process of rebuilding their lives, Kellie said people had come forward after her aunt put a message online requesting support for the family.

Apart from their computer and some photos, the couple lost pretty much all their belongings in Saturday's blaze.

Yesterday afternoon the couple met a representative from their insurance agency.

“There have been some really generous people who gave us a cot and cupboards and other things,” Kellie said.

“We'd like to thank everyone, including the Salvation Army who've done so much for us.”

Presently Kellie and Iain are staying at Kellie's aunt's house with their youngest Zachary, two-and-a-half months.

Their other two children Hannah and Shaeleigh are staying with family.

Anyone who can help the family should drop items to 262 Ford Street, North Rockhampton.

Meanwhile, Bunnings Warehouse administration co-ordinator Kym McQuarters yesterday said the company was hoping to help people in Rockhampton who needed help recovering from the fire.

Mr McQuarters said Bunnings had donated compost bins and worms to Lakes Creek School, which had its worm farm burnt down in a bushfire on Saturday.

She said Bunnings crews could sometimes assist in cleaning up areas destroyed by fire or rebuilding some structures.

Collection tins have been set up throughout the Yaamba Road warehouse and a sausage sizzle will be held on Friday to raise money for the rural fire brigade.

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