Victorian Bushfires

Having just watched the channel 9 news report of the devastation caused by the bush fires in rural Victoria, I would like to pass on my thoughts and condolences to all who have been effected by the fires. No words can make things right, or lessen the consequences. As Bruce Woodley and Dobe Newton once said, "I am, you are, we are Australian."

See what daylight saving does?

My heart and prayers go out to those effected. Absolutely heart breaking.

Hello Everyone Having just returned from a performance of "The Phantom Of the Opera" I was very touched by the cast announcing at the end that they wanted to help the victims of the bushfire. They had the cast come straight out in their costumes and they asked the audience to donate what they could on their way out. A really lovely gesture . I was wondering if it might be possible to be done by our community theatres who have shows on at this time. A touch of solidarity from all of us possibly? Just a thought. Thank you to the Phantom cast for leading the way. Kerri

Donations to the Victorian Bushfire Relief Fund can be made at any NAB branch or via internet banking. BSB: 082-001. Account number: 860 046 797.

Just want to add to the thoughts and prayers. Some family friends have lost their house; lucky all my family are in Melbourne.

thank you for disgracing this post. *note the sarcasm* *and the embarrassment at sharing our position within the humam race* my thoughts to all those affected.

A "Walter" saying something worthwile. If you haven't already, please feel free to become a verified user.

I lived in Melb for 18 years - worked in the then PMG's Dept and Telstra and latter day Gas & Fuel Corp. I saw the devastation that the fires bring in the course of my rural work. Ash Wednesday, Dandenongs. I am mortified with this disaster. Only 2x weeks back did I drive through the Yarra Valley from Brisbane and back. It’s hard to imagine that Marysville has gone. My dear people, words cannot express the shock and horror of it all. Let’s hope justice will prevail in catching the bastards that lit theses fires...... Peter

At our committee meeting last night, (Feb 9) the Dalby Players Little Theatre Inc (on the Darling Downs in Queensland) voted to donate all of the profit from our annual St Patrick's Day Concert to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal. The concert will be held at the Dalby Civic Theatre at 107 Drayton St Dalby on March 15 at 2pm. Tickets will be $10 for all adults (no pensioner concessions this year) and $5 for children. We challenge other community theatre groups around Australia to donate all or part of the profits from just one performance to the appeal.

1800 811 700 is the Red Cross’ phone number for cash donations to the ‘Victoria 2009 Bushfire Appeal’ or go online at http://www.redcross.org.au/vic/services_emergencyservices_victorian-bushfires-appeal-2009.htm. The Salvation Army are taking donations for its ‘Disaster Relief fund’ and people can contribute by calling 13 Salvos (137258) or by going online to www.salvos.org.au. ABC Radio Melbourne has issued a summary of ways to help and they can be found here: http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2009/02/06/2484632.htm. Cash donations to assist injured or homeless wildlife is welcomed by Wildlife Victoria http://www.wildlifevictoria.org.au/cms/index.php but they ask people DO NOT contact them except if they have injured wildlife. Should people wish to donate their time and services they should visit Go Volunteer on 1300 366 356 or register on their website www.govolunteer.com. Unfortunately we here in WA are limited as to what support we can provide - we can’t offer too much in the way of offering our homes and beds to people and animals. If people are unable to assist with cash donations but would like to donate goods we are warned that “there are a number of problems associated with donating goods. If people wish to donate goods these should be offered to a registered charity. There is no certainty that donated goods will be used” (http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/emergency/current-events/bushfire/advice-for-people-wanting-to-help). This reinforces the need and preference for cash donations! We mustn’t forget about the devastating floods in North Queensland either! The same resources can be accessed to provide relief for these communities also.

We at Garrick will be putting something together in the next few days. We will keep you posted.

if you'd like to read the truth about the devastation in Victoria click on the link: http://wsws.org/articles/2009/feb2009/vicf-f13.shtml

"Truth" is an absolute. A report such as this is one person's slant on the story, and needs to be read with regard to the bias of the website on which it is published.

You can't take anything like that seriously when they can't even get the names of the key players correct. If they can't get the basics right, it casts doubts on the accuracy of the rest of the reporting.

Actually, I'm pretty sure I saw Rudd and Brumby playing with matches a few days before the fires occured. What's more it was an expensive brand, too. AND they were playing with them in front of homeless people who had no matches of their own. freddie the rocking jedi badger

Sensibility. Loss of life is sad and these people need our help. Our financial help, no less. But let's remember that a lot of these people moved to these communities to get away from the city. To get away from people like you and me. They had the money to do so and certainly their bank balances havn't burnt down. $100 million is plenty for them.