Maru Koala and Animal Park is a popular tourist attraction that has been operating in Grantville for over twenty years. In early January this year, tragedy struck in the form of a fire that burnt the main building to the ground. The damage bill is horrendous and not completely covered by insurance. One unexpected expense that incurred as a result of the fire was the tipping fees for the burnt-out remains which came to approximately $8,000.

However, it seems that whenever darkness and tragedy occur, a ray of light still shines through. The local community have rallied behind the owners of Maru and have organised various fund-raising events in support of the Heffer family. On Saturday evening, January 17th, members of the Grantville and district community, councillors from Bass Coast Shire Council, the Mayor and the Member for Flinders, Greg Hunt, gathered at The Gurdies Winery for an evening they will remember for a long time. The Mayor, Cr John Duscher, observed, “It is wonderful to see the response of the community and how they have rallied around to help each other. This is true community spirit.” Greg Hunt was equally impressed. “This is great support for Maru and the work they do for local tourism and wildlife. Maru is a great symbol of support for the whole community of Grantville, Pioneer Bay and The Gurdies.”

Cr Veronica Dowman said the evening was completely community driven. “Everything has been donated by the local community. It's just the community's way of saying 'thank you' to the Maru Park owners for supporting them in the past.” The high point of the night was the arrival of Ruth and Neroli Heffer, two of the park's owners. Both ladies spoke at length about the tragedy and of the future for Maru Koala and Animal Park. Neroli told those assembled, “The most important thing is that no person or animal was harmed. The rest is just bricks and mortar. We can rebuild.”

Ruth, the matriarch of the Heffer family, received a loud cheer when she announced it was her birthday. She added that she'd never received so many kisses and hugs as she had since the fire and suggested there was definitely a positive side to the dramatic events of the previous month.

Neroli told how touched she was by the way the community had stood behind them. “The kind words we have received are so reassuring. It means so much to us. The community spirit in this area is fantastic. Anything else we receive is just extra.” The owners of the Maru Koala and Animal Park, themselves, have shown this kind of community spirit in the way they have consistently supported local events, causes and charities. Maru was nominated and won the Bass Coast, Australia Day Community Event of The Year Award for their annual ‘Dream Night At The Zoo’. On these occasions, the park is opened for special needs children and everything on the night is free. Staff also volunteer their time.

The dynamic facilitator of the fund-raising event was Helen Zervopoulos. Together with her partner, Chris Nagle and the team of volunteers, they showed what teamwork can achieve. Helen was pleased not only with the night's financial outcome but the great sense of community togetherness evident in the generosity of those who contributed to the night and in the camaraderie between those present at the winery.

Helen said, “I intend to facilitate more such community events, because it is this coming together that empowers communities. A minor part of every community is the negative attitude toward organising events like these. I feel this is rather self-defeating and divisive. I look forward to the time when this attitude is replaced by a spirit of cooperation which drives communities forward.”

The community managed to raise over $3,500 on the night. Helen said there would be more to come when the takings from a raffle had been finalised.