Norman Lends Helping Hand To Bushfire Victims

Courtesy of The Daily Telegraph

The group has helped raise more than $1.3 million for a re-development project.
(David Caird / The Daily Telegraph)

MARYSVILLE, Victoria - Greg Norman and Russell Crowe teamed up to add a touch of celebrity to a community scarred by Australia's worst bushfire.

Along with mining magnate Andrew Forrest, Crowe and Norman visited Marysville, Victoria, to check on the rebuilding effort as the area tries to get back on its feet after the 2009 inferno.

Andrew Fox said it was Norman's idea to have a direct meeting with the community.

The group has helped raise more than $1.3 million for a re-development project, but have been frustrated by the slow progress. Fox said he couldn't reveal any details of the projects that were being considered, but said things were now "moving along".

"It's a matter of getting something that's an economic benefit for the community," he said. "We're still doing all [the feasibility studies] ... we feel it could be a catalyst for the rebuilding of Marysville."

And locals such as Wayne Bisset were overjoyed to have the celebrities in town yesterday and chatted with Crowe as the group toured the golf course, the memorial park and the local shops.

Fox said the Oscar winner was "devastated" by the effects of the fires and asked to be involved directly.

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