The 12-year-old Buninyong girl and her brother Lucas, 10, were whisked away during the Scotsburn fire on December 19 last year to check on their grandmother at Elaine.

The family was then caught at Elaine, sheltering at the town hall while Amy and Lucas’ dad helped fight the blaze.

When they returned to their grandmother’s house, they were amazed to find Ashley safe and well.

That reunion sparked something for Amy and Lucas – a desire to understand the event by documenting it through photography.

Amy and Lucas won first and second places respectively in the under 13-section at a Scotsburn Art Exhibition launched on Sunday at Buninyong.

The exhibition draws on the region’s talents to depict the aftermath of the fire and recovery of the land through photography, charcoal, pastel, sculpture and relics.

One photo shows Amy reuniting with Ashley.

“I’ve had her since she was a baby,” Amy said.

“We had no idea what was happening, but luckily she was safe.”

Moorabool Shire Council fire recovery coordinator Michelle Richards said the exhibition showcased 45 artists and 300 pieces. She said many of the pieces were created by residents participating in art recovery workshops during the past year.

The exhibition is open until Friday at the Village Place, Learmonth Street.