Funds to transport the 80 tarps to Victoria were donated by Cliffs Natural Resources, while Esperance Freight Lines provided infrastructure and free transport of pallets from Perth to Esperance.

Cliffs Natural Resources Community Relations Officer Ali Winters said the Tarp Derby held on April 18 was a huge success.

“The tarps that were sent to Kinglake and surrounding communities after Black Saturday have been gratefully received.

“Cliffs would like to thank everyone in the community who was involved for their contributions and for keeping the Aussie sprit alive.”

Recipients of one of the tarps Narelle Gibbs and her partner Mark Strubing, who survived the fires by taking shelter in a pipe, said they would like to extend a huge thank-you to the community of Esperance and especially the local football teams who gave up their time to help fold and get the tarps ready for transport.

“We cannot thank you all enough,” they said.

“We have used the tarps to cover equipment and more importantly our caravan, which we are now living in after losing our home.

“It has provided a huge outdoor space and also allows us to collect water.

“It is people and communities like yours that have kept us going and staying positive.”