Imagine losing everything you hold dear in a matter of hours. That's the devastating reality facing Troy "Catman" West, a beloved local figure in Ravenswood, after a ferocious bushfire ripped through his property. This isn't just about property damage; it's about the loss of memories, peace, and a sanctuary.
Just 26 minutes ago, on Saturday, January 10th, 2026, at 4:11 AM, the news broke: Troy West's Mount Alexander property had been ravaged. Initially, there was a glimmer of hope. "Catman," a well-known Geelong Cats supporter, watched in agonizing suspense as the Ravenswood fire skirted his land, seemingly heading south towards Melbourne, as he recounted to the ABC. He dared to believe he might be spared. But here's where it gets controversial... the wind shifted.
The change in wind direction proved catastrophic, turning the fire's fury directly towards his home. Forced to evacuate, Mr. West sought refuge with his family in Bendigo, leaving behind everything he knew and loved. Thankfully, a watering system on the roof – heroically maintained by friends who risked their safety overnight – managed to save the house itself, creating what he describes as "the only pocket that isn't burned."
However, the surrounding devastation is immense. Gone are his gym, a place of physical and mental strength, and his cherished "CatCave," a treasure trove of Geelong memorabilia. And this is the part most people miss... it wasn't just possessions; irreplaceable family videos, saved for his nieces, vanished in the flames, along with numerous large sheds that once housed his tools and passions. "It's been horrendous, I've been in tears," he confessed, his voice heavy with grief.
"There's my peace palace," he explained, describing the space where he found solace and managed his anxiety through workouts, tinkering, and painting. "It's just rubble, tin." The fire has not only destroyed structures but also his emotional anchor. According to emergency services, approximately 50 structures have been destroyed in the Ravenswood and Harcourt fire, a stark reminder of the widespread impact of this disaster. Many residents from Harcourt and Mount Alexander evacuated to nearby Kyneton, anxiously awaiting news, their lives hanging in the balance.
Mr. West, driven by necessity, returned to his property to retrieve essential medication this morning. Speaking to the ABC from a precarious location higher up the mountain – the only spot with phone service – he painted a harrowing picture. "I'm surrounded by smouldering trees that are falling down," he said. "I can hear them cracking every five minutes and smashing to the ground. I'm in a little bit of an open area, so I'm okay, but I shouldn't be up here." It’s a dangerous situation, but the need to communicate is paramount.
The lack of basic amenities compounds the tragedy. "There's no power, no water… because the power lines were burnt down. So we've got no heat, no nothing, no power, Wi-Fi [or] running water, TV, electricity, phone chargers." He's completely cut off, left to grapple with the enormity of the loss. "I'm just completely devastated. I can't stop crying." This raises a crucial question: how can we better support communities in the aftermath of such devastating events, ensuring they have access to essential resources and mental health support? What more can be done to prepare for and mitigate the impact of increasingly frequent and intense bushfires? Do you think more resources should be allocated to preventative measures like controlled burns, or to post-disaster relief efforts? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
