In a tragic incident amidst devastating bushfires in regional Victoria, a local cattle farmer was identified as the victim.
The remains of Maxwell Hobson, who was in his early 80s, were found approximately 100 meters from his charred vehicle along a fire-ravaged road in central Victoria on Sunday.
Mr. Hobson and his wife, who is in her late 70s, managed a 101-hectare farm in Terip Terip, located south of Euroa.
Despite receiving evacuation warnings from the Country Fire Authority on Thursday, Mr. Hobson decided to remain and protect his cattle farm as conditions deteriorated on Friday.
Meanwhile, his wife was successfully evacuated to the nearby town of Alexandra.
The passing of Mr. Hobson has deeply affected the local farming community, where many others have also seen their properties succumb to the relentless fires.
‘Just a great Australian guy,’ close friend Andrew Embling said.
‘When you’ve got true blue farmers coming in and crying on your shoulder, that’s hard.’
The body of Maxwell Hobson (pictured) was found near his burnt-out car on Sunday
Mr Hobson’s vehicle (pictured) was found several kilometres from his cattle farm
Premier Jacinta Allan sent condolences to Hobson’s family and friends.
‘It’s a devastating impact, and it’s a devastating reminder of the tragedy that fire can bring to any community, to any household, to any doorstep, particularly on those difficult, catastrophic and extreme weather days,’ she said on Monday.
‘My thoughts and condolences are with that person’s family, their loved ones, the broader community too.’
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also paid tribute.
‘Our thoughts go out to the family, the friends and the community who are impacted by this,’ he said.
Mr Hobson’s remains were discovered on Yarck Road, in Gobur, in the Longwood fire area.
His vehicle had been abandoned off the side of the road, just several kilometres from his farm.
Locals said the couple’s cattle were seen scattered along the road after the fire tore through.
As of midday Monday, more than 350 structures had been destroyed by the ongoing bushfires
Conditions were more favourable on Monday, allowing firefighters a better opportunity to fight the ongoing bushfires
Some cattle had to be euthanised, while others are being cared for by locals.
Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Weibusch said conditions had eased on Monday, allowing firefighters better access to the 12 ongoing bushfires in Victoria.
He urged locals to continue listening to warnings and thanked firefighters for containing the blazes in Streatham, Mount Mercer and Natimuk.
‘I want to give a big shout out to David, the local captain, Steve, the local group officer, for their leadership over the many resources that came from far and wide,’ Mr Weibusch said.
‘(They) have done an amazing job, particularly in and around the nursing home and also other homes.’
As of midday Monday, more than 350 structures had been ruined by the bushfires.
Of those, 47 homes and three businesses were destroyed in Ravenswood and Harcourt.
Fire in the Otways claimed one home and multiple other structures, including sheds.
Firefighters have managed to contain fires in Streatham, Mount Mercer and Natimuk (picturedm NSW Rural Fire service crews in Victoria on Monday)
Several farms and properties have been harmed in the fires
The Natimuk fire destroyed at least another 30 structures, 154 were burnt in Longwood, 59 in Streatham and at least four in Walwa.
Yarroweyah’s fire destroyed 10 structures, Mount Mercer lost one house and 12 sheds, and one property was destroyed in Dargo.
