'Deserved Recognition': Bells Carnival celebrated for bushfire support

In a ceremony on December 31, members of Surf Beach RFB presented Mr Bell with a certificate of appreciation and a framed softball jersey that had been intended to be worn at the now postponed 2021 Emergency Services Funday event.

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Captain of the Surf Beach RFB Station Ashely Blackman said the award recognised a selfless act for the community in a time of great need.

During the bushfires, Bells Carnival kept their food stalls running, even while the carnival itself was closed, and allowed the community - particularly the RFB - to use their generators.

"It kept things going when everything was dire," Mr Blackman said.

"They opened the carnival as soon as they could after the fires. It helped restore normality to people after the fires."

Members of the community poured out support for Mr Bell on a Facebook post announcing the presentation.

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"Deserved recognition for the many ways the Bells Family put their hands up to help us during that dreadful fire. [They] Worked tirelessly and made a huge difference to many of us," one commenter said.

"Well deserved; you came to the community's aid when we needed you," one local resident commented.

"Thank you for what you did for the local community during those scary days," commented another.

The Bell Carnival runs every night from 7pm to 10pm at Corrigans Beach, Batehaven, until January 26.