A gesture by entrepreneur Dick Smith has brought great joy to the Ruprecht family of Rainbow Flat.
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The family lost their home during the horrific bushfire crisis in the Mid Coast last November. Precious possessions perished in the blaze, among them a beloved painting by Dick's mum Joan.
Through the Mid Coast bushfire relief appeal, Taree Rotary Club contacted Dick and his wife Pip to see if a replacement could be found.
Without hesitation, the Smiths took one of Joan's paintings, 'Oyster Leases', off the wall of their home and sent it to Taree Rotary Club's projects manager Maurie Stack.
The painting was presented to Rosemary, Peter and Strathmore Ruprecht by Maurie and fellow Mid Coast bushfire recovery committee members Laurie Easter and Julie-Ann Booth on Friday, March 6.
Holding back tears, Rosemary said she purchased the former painting 35 years ago.
"That was one of the most valuable things we had so I feel like there was a bit of home coming back with this painting being given to us," Rosemary said.
Her husband Peter was overwhelmed by the gift and the support the community has shown four months on from the fires.
"It was a very thoughtful and generous offer," Peter said.
"For us it's the power of community, unexpected gifts and thoughts to give us confidence to rebuild and stay part of the community."
Through Rotary's response to the crisis, Laurie was tasked with being the first port of call for Rainbow Flat residents in need.
He hoped the painting will help the Ruprecht family in the recovery process.
"It was one of their most treasured possessions," Laurie said.
"For me, it's reinforcing what we do as Rotarians and that is helping members of our community.
That was one of the most valuable things we had so I feel like there was a bit of home coming back with this painting being given to us.
- Rosemary Ruprecht
"Helping people recovery in small ways such as this embodies what Rotary is all about."
Rosemary was thrilled the painting bares Joan signature, just like the former painting.
Dick selected the painting as it holds strong significance to the Mid Coast area.
During the fires in November, the Ruprechts escaped with just their lives and an overnight bag.
There was no thought of leaving the area as they intend to rebuild their Rainbow Flat home.
"I was born here and we intend to remain here," Rosemary said.
