A FIERCE housefire near Tamworth has destroyed everything in country singer Lizzie Steadman's home.
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The single mother to 10-year-old son Billy returned home on Monday afternoon to find her Kootingal rental property and belongings had been engulfed in fire.
Two days have passed since the blaze on Gill Street, and now the community has raised nearly $6000 to help her rebuild.
Thankfully, Lizzie and her son Billy are safe, but without home and contents insurance there's a long road ahead to regain their belongings.
Lizzie is well-known in the Tamworth country music industry, after she placed in the grand finals for the 2019 Toyota Star Maker competition.
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As a musician, Lizzie has lost all of her prized guitars, recording equipment and microphones.
"Music is her life, her heart, her soul," sister Angela Steadman wrote on the GoFundMe fundraiser setup in the wake of the fire. "I know how devastated she must be feeling losing all of this stuff, and she has asked if anyone has a guitar as she feels a song coming on.
"This is what she does, she writes songs when most people would want to cry. It's her outlet, her sanity and she's pretty damn good at it too."
Lizzie's little boy turned 10 years old last week and has lost all of his birthday presents, clothes, school clothes and much-loved Xbox.
The town of Kootingal has rallied behind the family with offers to donate household items, clothes and money, Angela said.
"Thank you to everyone for your kindness at this devastating time," she said.
"Anything you can spare for Lizzie and Billy will be greatly appreciated with the utmost thanks."
The Gill Street house was destroyed after a fierce fire erupted about 2.30pm on Monday.
An electrical fault is believed to have started the fire and luckily neither Lizzie or her son were home at the time.
The fire took hold quickly of the two-level weatherboard home, with flames leaping from the windows when firefighters arrived on site.
Fire and Rescue NSW sent crews from Tamworth while the RFS - the lead agency for the fire - deployed crews from Tamworth, Moore Creek and Kootingal. Two of the brigades were stood down en route, when firefighters got the upper hand on the blaze.
Crews remained on site for much of the afternoon, dousing the blaze and extinguishing hot spots.
Fire and Rescue NSW received an emergency call from a neighbour about 2:45pm, who reported flames were visible at the Gill Street home.
The emergency caller reported smoke and flames were coming from the front of the home, and when firefighters arrived the house was fully engulfed.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
