The cold mornings have certainly arrived across the South East region and one Millicent businessman could not be happier.

We are approaching the first month of winter and wood merchant Paul Hogan is pleased the mercury has been steadily dropping in recent weeks.

This is the tenth year that Mr Hogan has been selling and delivering redgum to customers as far south as Port MacDonnell and as far north as Kingston.

His busiest months are the official winter season of June, July and August.

“Demand for firewood began this year at around the same time as a year ago,” Mr Hogan said.

“It had been relatively mild until the last few weeks and now the demand is stepping up.

“Redgum remains the king of firewood and the one everyone seems to want.

“Prices have crept up slightly this year.

“We have lifted the price of redgum by around$10 per cubic metre.

“This is around 3-4% more than 2022.

“My weekly supermarket bill has gone up far more than this.”

Being a wood merchant is not a 12-month exercise and so Mr Hogan also has another business which is cleaning.

Both businesses allow him to spend time in the ‘Great Outdoors’.

“There is plenty of fresh air and exercises to keep healthy and there is no need for the gym to be used,” Paul said.

“There is that comforting glow of the flames.

Retired Millicent educator John Shelton called at the Rendelsham Road wood depot whilst The SE Voice was present.

Mr Shelton lives at the historic “Lossie House” and it has been warmed by fires for over 140 years.

“I love redgum because it burns so well,” Mr Shelton said.

“It fits my fuel box perfectly.”

Demand for winter warming has also recently seen various sporting and community groups undertaking wood-cutting and sales as a money-spinner as well as offering split wood as raffle prizes.

Trailer loads of cut firewood have also been placed by private sellers for sale in front yards and major roads around Millicent and district.