Cobargo kids say ‘thank you’ to Narrabri toymaker

“If you could pass this on to whoever is responsible – thank you from these Cobargo kids.”

That was the heartfelt message The Courier received from Cobargo resident Kristy Pearcey.

Attached to her message was a photo of two Cobargo kids, Luther Pearcey and Isla Foster, playing with the toys which Narrabri’s Reverend Terry Sadler had made for the victims of the catastrophic bushfires.

The town of Cobargo sits about 45km north of Bega and about 865km south of Narrabri but that did not stop Terry’s toys making the 10-hour trip to lighten up some young faces during the darkest time the town had ever faced.

The fires caused the town people, including Ms Pearcey, Isla and Luther, to evacuate Cobargo and leave their homes on New Year’s Eve.

Sadly, Ms Pearcey’s mother – who is Luther’s and Isla’s grandmother – lost her house in the blaze.

“The fires have been quite traumatic for a lot of the kids,” said Ms Pearcey.

“We’ve had counsellors coming into the schools and pre-schools because people are aware that it is all going to take a toll on the kids.

“Kids can sometimes be forgotten in a time like that, in a way that we think they’re not going to comprehend things.

“But they are feeling it, and they are picking up on things that are going on.

Ms Pearcey said it was a wonderful experience for everyone who witnessed the children picking their own toys.

“It was just a nice gesture that people are thinking about them.

“It was great to see their little faces all light up when they heard something was happening for them.

“They’re beautiful, there are so many plastic, terrible toys and it’s just nice that they will be able to have them forever.

“Even though it’s a memento of a hard time it’s a memento that people are kind and thoughtful.

“Coming from so far away people might not know anyone who was affected but just to reach out and do something for the kids is just beautiful.”

Reverend Sadler was touched by the news of Ms Pearcey’s story and her many thanks.

“They needed something and I could make them,” he said.

“I don’t have money to give away but I had the time to make the toys and send them to those who have lost things.

“I’m just so appreciative that I could help them.”

Almost two months on from the devastating bushfire, the residents of Cobargo are mid-way through rebuilding their town.