Brian and Kay Robinson are still struggling to deal with the destruction of their 20-hectare Jamberoo property. Picture: GREG TOTMAN
It took only a few seconds for Jamberoo couple Brian and Kay Robinson's 32 years of hard work to be destroyed.
Three weeks after the couple became the victims of a tornado that ripped through Jamberoo, they still face a daunting clean-up of their 20-hectare property.
"If anyone wants some free firewood, bring a chainsaw and come and visit," Mr Robinson said.
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The Robinsons are now living in rented premises in Jamberoo as their insurance company determines the fate of their severely damaged 150-year-old homestead.
Buildings and fences are covered by insurance, but fallen trees in gardens are not.
The Robinsons estimate that 70 to 80 trees were uprooted or snapped at the base. The tornado twisted off limbs and sent trees crashing to the ground, leaving large holes on the property.
The random nature of the storms - some homes were destroyed and others were untouched - is no more evident than in Minnamurra Lane, Jamberoo.
"A bit further south or a bit further north it would have missed us," Mr Robinson said.
"You read about events like this in the papers, but you've got to be in it to believe it. We are lucky to be alive.
"We've lost everything. We've got our lives but everything else is gone."
Nearby neighbours recorded wind gusts that were probably just a fraction of those that hit the Robinsons' property.
In the days after the storm the Robinsons received a lot of help, especially from neighbours, for which they are very grateful.
However, three weeks later the work is only about 20 per cent complete, Mrs Robinson estimates. And there is no manual for dealing with the aftermath of such a destructive event.
Each day the couple return to the property and do what they can, though they are hardly making a dent in it.
"We just don't know where we are going and what we can do," Mrs Robinson said.
"We come here in the morning, stay all day and really, at the end of the day you can't even see what you have done.
"It is daunting - you just don't know where to start.
"We just need people to cut the trees. We've been hiring a mulcher, which has been great, but this clean-up could continue for months."
Anyone able to help can contact the Robinsons' daughter, Jacqui Zeidler, on 4226 5100 during business hours.