HELP AUSTRALIAN FIRE VICTIMS
| OUR AUSTRALIAN FRIENDS ARE IN NEED OF OUR ASSISTANCE SO MANY OF YOU HAVE ASKED "HOW CAN I HELP" ALL OF THE MODERATORS ON THIS SITE HAVE CONTRIBUTED | |
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| AUTHORITIES fear two of the state's major fire fronts could unite to create a monster inferno, amid predictions the death toll could reach 300.
More than 400,000 hectres have so far been razed in fires across the state, destroying more than 1033 properties and killing at least 181 people. Fears remain the death toll could reach 300. Just 18km of almost inaccessible forest now separates the Kinglake fire complex and the major fire front still burning out of control in Bunyip National Park. Northerly gusts are all that is needed to create the scenario that fire officers in the area dread most. CFA deputy chief fire officer Steve Warrington said there were genuine concerns that warmer weather conditions could bring the two blazes together. "If the humidity drops with a dry wind it will create the conditions we are seriously concerned about,'' Mr Warrington said. "The concern is quite obvious particularly when we go round to a northerly wind that the two fires could potentially join. I say potentially, we are doing a lot of work to ensure this does not occur. Marysville was being identified as a potential "Ground Zero" for the firestorm, with authorities fearing up to 100 of its population of 519 had died. The force of the fires was likened to that of 500 atomic bombs. . | |
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| Australian Red Cross Victoria : Red Cross Victorian Bushfires 2009 Appeal The 2009 Victorian bushfire Fund to assist individuals and communities affected by devastating bushfires in Victoria has been launched by the Premier John Brumby in partnership with Red Cross and the Federal Government. An independent panel made up of community leaders will oversee the appeal Fund's operation. Criteria for assistance will include the extent of the hardship covered and the extent to which a person's livelihood has been impacted. . . | |
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| The Salvation Army : Salvos Bushfire Relief Program The Salvation Army has launched an appeal to assist the victims of the bushfires which have been raging across Victoria and to help fund the Salvos' emergency response to this disaster. With hundreds of families impacted severely by the loss of lives and homes, the needs for immediate support, counselling and practical assistance will be enormous. The Salvation Army is also at the front line at bushfire locations across the state helping the enormous number of men and women who are fighting the fires. | |
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| St Vincent De Paul Society National Council of Australia Inc : Victorian Disaster Appeal Victoria is facing an unprecedented disaster due to the devastating Bushfires which have razed entire communities to the ground. The St Vincent de Paul Society has mounted an appeal to provide assistance to help the many families who have lost their homes, family members, friends and livelihoods. We will be driving an effort to assist the long-term recovery of the communities affected by this tragedy and to help them to rebuild their homes and eventually their lives. A disaster such as this will affect the communities involved for many years. Without your support we cannot provide assistance to all those who have nothing left and nowhere to go. . . | |
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| Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund Inc. : Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund Appeal To provide financial support (grants) to members of the Gippsland community who suffer injury, loss or damage due to the occurence of a bushfire, flood or other incidence adversely impacting on the community. We are currently focussing on helping the victims of the disastrous Victorian bushfires. . . | |
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| SecondBite : Bushfire Emergency Food Relief SecondBite is providing emergency food relief to bushfire affected areas. . . | |
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| The Alfred Hospital - The Victorian Adult Burns Service (VABS) : The Alfred's Bushfire Tragedy Response The Alfred, as the state-wide provider of burns care for all adults with complex major burn injuries, received 21 patients from Victoria's devastating fires on the weekend. Nine of these patients are being cared for in the hospital's Intensive Care Unit and 11 are being treated in the burns unit. While one patient was discharged, many will require ongoing treatment over the coming weeks and months. It is unclear whether the hospital will be receiving further patients from the bushfires, but we are advised that 25 fires remain active across the state. . . | |
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| Kindergarten Parents Victoria Inc - Early Childhood Education Foundation : Rebuilding Kindergarten's affected by Bushfire Many early childhood services across Victoria have been affected by the recent bushfires. Some kindergartens and child care centres have burnt to the ground while others have been severely damaged and are unable to operate. Kindergarten Parents Victoria, ourcommunity.com.au and the Municipal Association of Victoria are co-ordinating an appeal to help these centres rebuild and provide vital resources so that they can continue to provide services for their children and local communities. This kindergarten year is vital in providing the best outcomes for children. Kindergarten provides activities based on play with opportunities to develop intellectual, emotional, physical emotional, language and social skills - all at a time when children are actively developing and learning. . . | |
| Please keep our brave Firefighters in your thoughts and hearts. | |
 St John Ambulance Australia (Victoria) : Bushfire Appeal to support St John first aid volunteers Funds are being collected to help provided first aid to frontline fire fighters & Victorian's at relief and refuge centres who require first aid. . . |
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Make a donation
To the Red Cross State Government Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund:
- Calling Freecall 1800 811 700
- Making a secure online donation at www.redcross.org.au
- Visit any Bunnings store
- Visit any NAB, Commonwealth, ANZ or Westpac bank
- Direct deposit to:
The Victorian Bushfire Relief Fund
BSB: 082-001
Account number: 860046797 - Send a cheque/money order to:
Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund
GPO Box 2957
Melbourne VIC 8060
To the Salvation Army Bushfire Relief Appeal:
- Making a secure online donation at www.salvos.org.au
- Visiting any Victorian Myer store
OTHER WAYS TO HELP
Donate blood
The Red Cross urgently needs blood donations to help burns victims in hospitals all over Victoria. To make an appointment or to find out more, visit donateblood.com.au or simply call 13 14 95.
Donate clothing, blankets and household items
To the Salvation Army or ask your local charity store about their involvement.
Thank you all for this article as well, know that any assistance given will be truly appreciated by all here in Australia. So much danger still lies ahead for so many here and we can only pray that the hot weather does not come back like last weekend. All Aussies Thank You for your wishes and prayers.
dear aussies; our thoughts are with you. and my heart goes out to all the lost of people lives;what a terrible thing to happen we need to help them all we can. from elaine burch.
I have made a donation to the Salvation Army of Australia. It is something humble but I hope with all the other people world wide who make donations, we can make a difference.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Australia as they fight the fires and recover.
I AM SO SORRY FOR THIS TERRIBLE TRAGEDY IN AUSTRALIA, WE HAVE SOME IDEA, HAVING WILD FIRES HERE IN THE STATES ALSO, BUT THIS IS MUCH MORE THAN THAT. MY HEART GOING OUT TO ALL OF YOU AND YOU LOVED ONES. MY CHARITY IS THE RED CROSS, HOPING, BEING INTERNATIONAL, MY HELP WILL GET THERE TO HELP PEOPLE AND ANIMALS ALIKE. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU, AND JUST SO YOU KNOW, HOW MUCH WE CARE ABOUT OUR AUSTRALIAN FRIENDS.
Whatever we do, we must do something. There are plenty of places here to make donations, however large or small, each bit will help. We can't help but be touched by all the stories we've read and watched on the news, the sadness of it all is almost overwhelming, and if that's true for us, think what it must be for the people who live there. I really have no words left.
I feel so bad about the fires and devastation in Australia. My heart goes out to all of you who are directly or indirectly affected.
So many lives and so many animals are lost. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers constantly.
This is so sad.
I only wish that I could go there and help but I will make a donation for sure.
It is just past midnight Thursday in Australia and the Nine Network Television in Australia has just concluded the first Telethon Appeal to help the victims of the fires in Victoria. The telethon was anchored from the Nine studio in Melbourne which was filled with just about every known celebrity and sports star in Australia manning the phones. A concert stage was set up out at Wittlesea Evacuation Centre and a live concert was held there with some of our biggest stars performing. The audience were the men, women and children survivors of the fires who are camped there.
The outpouring of support for these people from the entire nation was truly amazing. Never have I seen such huge donations flow so quickly to a cause. Donations from our corporate sector ranged from $2 Million down to dozens of donation worth $100,000 or more. Donations of $50,000-$20,000 and $10,000 were common from ordinary citizens whilst there were thousands of gifts of $100 or more. Our Holden car company donated 300 new cars to be given to those who had lost theirs in the fire. Caravans were donated as tempory acommodation. Just so much was given so freely. Many of our Ex-Pats overseas and other stars sent messages of support and donations. Ellen De Generes and Michael Buble sent wishes and $50,000 donations. Olivia Newton-John, Mel Gibson, Cameron Daddo and many others chipped in. They crossed to Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban in Nashville Tennessee and after messages of support Nicole and Keith gave Half a Million Dollars. Several US Corps gave large donation, Caterpillar Corp being one I remember giving US$200,000.
All this money goes into the Red Cross appeal for distribution.
In 3 hours tonight, the Nine Appeal collected $20 Million and the phones were still ringing as they ended the telecast. This took the Red Cross appeal total up over $75 Million. A lot of money, but the need is great. Insurance will cover much of the rebuilding of homes and replacement of vehicles, but there is so much else that is needed to be done. The power, water and waste services have all been destroyed. Community Centres, Sporting Fields and equipment and just about any other thing you can think of in a community will have to be replaced,and there are several communities badly affected. Tonight was the first time we have all come together as a nation since the fires, the message to those in need was loud and clear. We are here for you, we are all in this together, our sleeves are rolled up. It was very uplifting and wonderful to see so many of the victims having just a little respite from from their plight.
I don't mind admitting, my Aussie Pride boiled over a few time tonight.
Some time back - but within the last 12 months, I think it may have been Sally who circulated it. There was a Powerpoint presentation that many of us received about "Bruno's Wood Sculture Garden". A beautiful bush garden filled with hand carved wood carvings and it was beautiful. I remember at the time discussion by some and a desire to see it. Sadly, Bruno's Garden was at Marysville, the worst hit town in Victoria. Marie has just informed me that the garden has been completely destroyed. I saw clips on TV of this week about the man with his wood carvings and it showed complete destruction of the area, but I did not connect it with Bruno. I still have the Powerpoint clip on my computer if anyone would like to see it. This is a real shame.
Oh Grayeme, what a shame. I feel so bad about all this destruction. Yes, I would like to see it sometme when you get around to it. I know you are busy right now trying to keep up with all of this. Thanks for all your information. I was amazed at all the help coming in from around the world. I am giving through Salvation Army for both the people and for the animals. I feel so bad for everyone and everything. I can hardly believe that everyone was so happy several months ago seeing Andre and now all this tragedy. I know that God will bring your country back to it's beauty again (the devestated areas). Hugs to you and all
Oh that is so sad. A thing of beauty enjoy by so many around the world.
People in my office were speaking about this today..how they had to help and do something. I hope that is a good sign word is getting out to come together and help one another. I know the Aussies are all pitching in for friends and strangers. We all need to do that.
Thank you all on Australia's behalf. It is so heartwarming to read your comments of support.
Like all other Australians I am finding it hard to get my head around what is happening. I keep thinking about a news interview the first morning with a man waiting for a bus to come down off the mountain, hoping against all the odds that his wife and three children were on it. The bus was late and no-one knew what had happened to it. I can't get him out of my mind. The people in charge couldn't let anyone go up the mountain of course and he was just beside himself with anguish. Poor man.
He's the face of all this to me.
To the many wonderful Andre Friends, thank you, your thoughts and prayers for the people and animals involved in the dreadful bushfires are much appreciated by the Aussies. Love & hugs to you all.
Andre Rieu to help Bushfire victims -
Andre is preparing a CD to release with all proceeds being donated to the bushfire appeal. Details are sketchy at the moment, but it could be ready as early as next week. I believe the CD will sell for only $5 to ensure a large take-up. Andre will bear all production costs so the entire proceeds get to the victims. Will keep all informed as I learn more.
Thank You Andre.!!!
Grayeme this is such a nice thing for Andre to do. I figured he would do something special but I thought a donation or something. This is special. I for one will get several to give to my family and friends - anything to help the Aussies get back on their feet. Thanks Grayeme and keep us informed. Hugs to you and yours
I am going to purchase one for myself and a few more for gifts. I can not only give to friends this way, but I can also give to Bushfire Aid. win-win
I just find it hard to even express what I feel. It's hard to put into words our thoughts and feelings for the Australian people. Every day I read your Herald Sun, and the pictures, the stories are just overwhelming.This morning as I was reading a part of the list of those who died, I had to quit, too many children & young people, too many people! One 82 yr old Marysville man, had lived there for 8 decades, refused to leave his home and set in a rocking chair on his front porch as the flames engulfed him. Too many stories, too much heartbreak. But knowing that through all this, you aussies will band together, roll up your sleeves, and do what you have to do. A lot of us can only send a little money to help, but with all our hearts we pray and send postitive thoughts to your country. You are a strong lot for sure. I've found that people seem to be at their best in the worst of times. Oh there are a few unscrupulous ones that seem to crop up anywhere, anytime, but they will be dealt with. Our special thanks would go to the firefighters, the animal rescue workers, all those who will help rebuild. All this will not be an overnight fix for sure, and lives have been changed forever, you will be stronger for it.
It is no surprise that Andre has chosen to put together a cd, it will be special for sure & I'm sure that many people will purchase more than one so he better be prepared! And from now on, when We watch Live In Australia, it will have taken on a whole new meaning.
And Happy Valentines Day to koalas Sam & Bob. You are now a national icon and I think you represent the Australian people so well.
I am writing to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers and especially to thank Andre for his kind contribution to the bush fire appeal.....we are in the midst of the fires here in Victoria and appreciate all that is being done for us ...the relentless work of the firefighters ...3 of which are our family members..who are doing a tremendous job and to all the volunteers etc etc.
We are on ember attack alert at all times.. the nearest fires to us being Boollarra ..Churchill... Traralgon and Tyers...21 people were killed in Churchill and the police have caught the arsonist for that one....it is truly horrific..the devastation well spread with whole towns gone in the fires wake....and whole families in the houses wiped out too such a sad thing...the fire balls were so quick that no one stood a chance.
The weather is forecast is that it is getting warmer today and the rest of the week... there is a slight wind already
Please keep everyone here in Victoria in your thoughts and prayers it would be appreciated
Joy & Bernard McKenzie
Australia: A fire like no other
Now residents must try to learn the lessons of this year's inferno.
By Gerard Wright
February 13, 2009
To understand what last Saturday was like in the rolling foothills of the Great Dividing Range, northeast of Melbourne, Australia, imagine a scorching September day in Los Angeles, one with fierce Santa Ana winds and humidity in the single digits.
Now imagine those winds shifting direction almost instantly, so what was blowing at 60 mph in one direction is suddenly blowing in the opposite direction.
In Melbourne and southern Victoria, that kind of shift is known as the "cool change," because it usually brings a sharp drop in temperature -- as much as 20 degrees in half an hour. It is the climate's relief switch.
But on Saturday, the winds changed without the "cool." The mercury touched 115 degrees that day, and the soil had gotten so hot, it warmed the air, keeping temperatures high for hours after the shift.
Instead of helping firefighters, this "cool change" sent fire fronts racing toward two towns that were thought to be out of harm's way, Kinglake and Marysville. Both sit adjacent to forests of eucalyptus trees, with their explosive oil-sap and fire-ready bark.
The people who lived in the towns had two choices: fleeing by car into a maelstrom of dense smoke, fallen trees and other vehicles, or staying behind to make a stand against the ferocious flames.
In rural areas of southern Victoria, homeowners are trained in fire defense through a program developed by the Country Fire Authority called "Leave Early or Stay and Defend." The program teaches residents that it is no great act of courage to stay and defend a home, nor is it an act of cowardice to leave -- but the decision to leave or stay should be made early and then stuck to.
Those opting to stay behind are taught to extinguish the embers that come in advance of an approaching fire, to dress appropriately, to maintain working pumps and reliable water storage tanks. They are taught that a bush fire cannot be outrun and just barely fought, but that in most cases, it will pass over a structure in a matter of minutes and that cool heads and quick work can save a house.
My friend Jim is a volunteer with the Fire Authority, and on Sunday, it was his melancholy task to conduct "welfare checks" on the south side of the small town near his farm. Twenty-six houses had been lost. His job was to go to see if anyone had died.
We talked that evening. This fire was different, he said. People who stayed to defend their properties found themselves confronting 130-foot-high walls of flame, driven by 60 mph winds, far beyond anything they had prepared for.
Across the region, many tried to flee too late. And many died. Deadly blazes aren't unusual in Victoria and southern Australia. On Black Friday, in January 1939, 71 people died in raging fires. On Ash Wednesday in February 1983, 83 people died. But this firestorm was the deadliest of all, with at least 181 deaths.
Now Australians must try to learn the lessons of this year's infernos. In doing so, they will consider whether the "Leave Early or Stay and Defend" program needs to be modified.
They will examine how a decade of prosperity encouraged suburban families to build dream houses in more rural areas, and how many of those families never learned the self-sufficiency and community spirit that is part of the Australian rural ethos.
And they will contemplate how to plan for a future in which climate change is likely to increase the ferocity and intensity of fires. Scientists are already analyzing the extent to which the 12-year drought, the ferocious winds, the record-breaking heat -- not just in temperature, but duration -- were not simply the price of living in Australia, but the result of a warming planet. For me, the enduring symbol of this fire will be a photograph that ran in newspapers around the world this week. In it, a firefighter holds a bottle of water while a thirsty koala drinks. Koalas spend most of their lives in eucalyptus trees, where they perch in the forks, half asleep, and chew leaves. They avoid humans.
To be Australian, and perhaps more especially, to have grown up in southern Victoria and see this image, is to know that this familiar place has lurched on its axis and headed off in another new and unpredictable direction.
Gerard Wright is an Australian journalist living in Los Angeles.
Well written article Gerald Wright.
National Day of Mourning
BELLS will ring across Victoria on Sunday as the nation stops to remember the victims of the state's deadly bushfires, with the toll now at 209.
A ringing of the Federation Bells at Birrarung Marr at 11am will signal the start of the National Day of Mourning service at Rod Laver Arena.
Premier John Brumby today encouraged churches, town halls and other facilities to ring their bells at the same time.
After a traditional welcome to country ceremony Mr Brumby will deliver the welcoming address at the mourning service.
Speeches from Federal and State Opposition Leaders Malcolm Turnbull and Ted Baillieu, Governor-General Quentin Bryce, Victorian Governor David De Kretser and Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne Denis Hart will follow.
Murrindindi Shire Mayor Lyn Gunter and Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon will both deliver expressions of compassion.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will then close proceedings after a minute's silence to remember the bushfire victims.
The service will include a procession with representatives from affected communities, emergency service personnel, support services, youth and faith communities
Mr Brumby said the service would allow all Australians express their sadness for those who lost their lives and show their support for survivors and those that fought the fires.
"The National Day of Mourning this Sunday will give us all the opportunity to reflect on what is the worst natural disaster in the history of Australia,” Mr Brumby said.
"It will give us the opportunity to pay our respects to those who have been tragically lost. It will give us the opportunity to recognise the emergency service personnel who have done so much.
"And it will give us the opportunity to show our support for bushfire-affected communities as we begin the process of rebuilding
Australians have banded together in the wake of the bushfire disaster with more that $139 million donated to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal.
The National Day of Mourning - Together for Victoria service will start at 11am. Doors at Rod Laver Arena will open from 8.30am and free travel is available to people from fire affected areas.
It will broadcast live on television as well as at live sites across the city including Federation Square, Docklands and the Myer Music Bowl.
Australia, our hearts are with you on this day.
Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be made strong.
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you on that day and always.
My Heart is with All of Australia today. I will offer a special prayer for each person and creature. May they heal.
What a shocking day in our history,to think someone would want to destroy it all,SHAME ON THEM..Thankyou to the Great Andre Rieu for his help,such a generous offer ,God Bless victims ,Survivors & all the volunteers who gave up their time to help fight these Fires ....
Dear Australian friends, we are with you today in prayer and spirit on your day of mourning. Just know that you have friends who care and are helping you in every way we can. Thanks to André for his beautiful song, through him we are connected to you forever. Hugs to all
I have a question??????? All of you who want to donate DVDs to Diana Height, are they all in PAL??? mine are in NTSC, but if she has an uncoded player, it works, let me please know, before I send the 2 DVDs.
Hi Inge, I will email Diana and find out. I will get back to you. Thanks
Andre Rieu: 'My song to save the bush' Monday, February 23, 2009
By Lucy Chesterton
The virtuoso is using his music to ease the sorrow of our bushfire victims.
Dutch music master André Rieu is helping Australians rebuild their shattered lives in the wake of Black Saturday by donating all proceeds from his new song Yours Forever to the Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Fund.
"When you are on the other side of the world and you see people suffering in Australia, a country you love, it gives you the feeling that you cannot do anything to help," André tells Woman's Day.
"When I learned of the bushfires in Australia, I wanted to jump in a plane and come to your side and fight.
"But all I can do is make music, and so I hope that the music I give you now will help the people who are suffering."
Like so many others around the world, André was overcome with emotion at the thought of the tragic deaths that have devastated Australian families over the past two weeks.
Never before had stories of heartbreak and heroism moved the musician so deeply as when the first reports of Black Saturday emerged in his homeland of Holland.
And in the great Aussie tradition of helping your mates when the chips are down, the big-hearted star was moved to write a song in support of the bushfire victims who are now struggling to rebuild their lives in the land he considers his "second home".
"This is the first time I have ever donated my music to a relief fund like this," he says.
"I hope people will follow my example and do whatever they are able to do to help.
"If something happens to me, or you, I am sure we would like to be helped also."
All proceeds from André's "uplifting" instrumental track will be donated to the Red Cross, which will also provide support to victims of the recent Queensland floods.
Given André's enormous popularity in Australia, it's hoped his generous decision to donate all proceeds from Yours Forever will mean relief for large numbers of Aussie families.
But donations aside, André is a believer in the healing powers of music itself, having relied on songs to help him through times of trouble.
"I myself took a lot of comfort from music when I was sad or when something went wrong," André says.
Happily married for more than 30 years to Marjorie, and devoted to his two sons, André also knows the importance of family and can understand the devastation of losing a loved one.
"My heart goes out to you all," he says. "All of my feelings are with you who are suffering, all of my thoughts are with you, and all of my heart is with you.
"Have all of the courage you can."
The André Rieu CD single Yours Forever will be available from participating music outlets from February 23. All proceeds from sales of the single will go to the Red Cross to assist the victims of the 2009 bushfires. For more info, visit www.getmusic.com.au or andrerieuaustralia.com