By MARC MCGOWAN
ONE hug said it all.
Sassafras partners Ross Skiffington and Gordon Arney faced going into serious debt before Emerald business owner Matt Slockwitch intervened two weeks ago.
Mr Arney bought his Sassafras property more than 40 years ago, and it is surrounded by enormous pine trees, three of which Yarra Ranges Council ordered be removed by the start of July.
Quotes for removal costs ranged from $7150 to $15,000-plus, which would be difficult for anyone to come up with in a short period of time – let alone in Mr Arney’s and Mr Skiffington’s situation.
Mr Arney, 72, suffered a stroke four years ago that left him with dysphasia, a condition that severely affects speech and comprehension.
Mr Skiffington is his partner’s full-time carer and power of attorney and they earn a combined $800 a week on a carer’s allowance and disability pension.
Council granted an extension to this month due to their circumstances, but they were no closer to figuring out how to pay.
A public plea for help through the Mail reached Mr Slockwitch, who runs Cut and Catch Tree Service, and began several extraordinary acts of generosity from him and fellow local business owners.
Mr Slockwitch and co cut all three pine trees down on Friday and returned today (Tuesday) to complete the job – without Mr Arney or Mr Slockwitch having to pay a cent.
“I’m extremely grateful to Matt and his team,” Mr Skiffington said.
“I’m gobsmacked by the generosity of these guys, offering their equipment, time and expertise.
“They were all very happy to come and do it and Matt organised it all. He was really the livewire and so generous in spirit.”
Mr Skiffington, an internationally-renowned magician before Mr Arney’s stroke, gathered everyone together after more than eight hours of work to thank them and offer to do a magic show in return.
Mr Slockwitch was similarly overwhelmed at the response to his request for help in the past two weeks.
“I’m pretty proud of the team, especially Troy (Johnson) from Downright Tree Solutions,” Mr Slockwitch said.
“The team’s put in a massive effort and they’ve done a fantastic job and it feels good to walk away and know the place is finally safe.
“I couldn’t have done it without the tea, and it’s a great feeling to know I have a lot of friends in the industry who were willing to help out.”
Other businesses involved were BOOM Sherrin Hire, McDougall Brothers Tree Lopping Service, Cheaper Bin Hire, Crane Truck Hire Emerald, Remo’s Hedging and CJ Performance Building.
SP Ausnet also assisted with the process.
Mr Skiffington said he had not heard from council in recent weeks despite multiple efforts to make contact.
“The council hasn’t been of any assistance. They’ve just been badgering me,” he said.
“They’re probably grateful these chaps have pulled together and saved them some work, because they would have charged top dollar and put it against our rates.
“That’s the only way we would have afforded it, so that when Gordon died it would then be paid off.”
Mr Arney was in respite care this week and last while the work was completed.
