Troy West, better known as “Catman” West, arrived back at his Mount Alexander residence early Saturday morning. He just wanted to pick up a prescription for some necessary meds. Instead, he found the destructive results of a fire that roared across his land late Friday night. The fire not only burned down his house but incinerated possessions and buildings that had deep personal meaning to him and his family.
The fire destroyed eight buildings on West’s property. It wiped out his beloved specialty fitness center and the “CatCave,” which contained a huge private collection of Geelong AFL team memorabilia. Personal family videos digitized for his niece, as well as some massive implement sheds, were consumed by the fire. Emergency services estimated about half of the structures in the Ravenswood and Harcourt areas have been destroyed by fires.
A Desperate Return
West thought at first that the geography of his property would protect it from the fire’s unprecedented intensity. They arrived to find a complete obliteration of that mile. “I heard structures cracking every five minutes and smashing to the ground,” he recounted while speaking to ABC from a vantage point further up the mountain. It became the only place that he could get any phone service with the world falling down around him.
The journey was traumatic for West, who was confronted with the harsh reality of everything that he had lost. The charred brick and timber frame served as a mute reminder of the intensity of the fire’s wrath. Now—in his words—there’s only a sad circular pit of ash, where his most valued possessions used to be.
Community Impact
The devastation experienced by West is not an isolated incident. It reflects a broader tragedy affecting many residents in the area. The fire’s effects have been deeply felt. Emergency services have confirmed that at least 50 structures were lost in the Ravenswood and Harcourt fires. Community members have rallied together to support those affected, offering assistance and resources as they begin to navigate the recovery process.
The psychological effects For Peleg, losing his property and the memories he closely associates with it has an emotional impact. He dreams of finding peace and comfort with his family in Bendigo.
The Road Ahead
As West considers a plan to rebuild, he is confronted by the hard truth that any rebuilding will need to start from almost scratch. The weight of that burden—not only losing entire physical inceptions but their irreplaceable memories—has left a heavy mark on his future. And though still intent on rising from the ashes, the journey back will surely be a hot one.
