Thoughts and prayers for close community

Geraldton's Natasha Blakey - formerly from Esperance and close to the Curnow family - reflects with heavy heart on the bushfire tragedy.

Along with a lot of people, I’ve been paying close attention to the fires near Esperance, because I appreciate a close community and grew up there.

The town hall in Scaddan was where I had my primary school concerts, community fundraisers and Christmas tree celebrations.

My home was about 10km south of the fire zone. My best friend was 15km north of the school. I doubt it is still there.

The Curnow family were our closest friends.

Barbecues, Christmas and Easter camping, and birthdays were always spent with them.

Ten years of many, many fun memories.

RELATED CONTENT: Mates pay tribute to Kym Curnow - a hero and real character.

Mother Nature has a horrid way of making us remember what we’ve forgotten.

You never forget the feeling of community.

I think most of us want that for our kids - to belong, to feel safe, have people you can rely on so close by, is not something a lot of kids feel.

Esperance is half the size of Geraldton but with its smaller towns on its outskirts, I’m sure people here feel connected too.

If ever faced with anything similar, we would do the same.

Heavy hearts and prayers to all.