What a terrible time it is at the moment, I can't believe that towns have just been completely destroyed. It was so hard watching the news and seeing the cars that had crashed trying to escape. It made me feel sick to the stomach
Will be thinking of you, your family, friends and your community during this time, I don't think ti will ever be the same
I cant get the thought of these people outmy mind! its just so sad, i wish i knew what to do,we will donate, i cant give blood (they dont take english blood!!) just want to hug all those that have lost so much!
I heard a very true thing on the radio this arvo, "anyone who woke up in thier own bed, with thier family around them, a roof over thier head, electricity on and food in the fridge needs to do something to help these people" ! I couldnt agree more!
hugs MT
Thanks for all the hugs and thoughts everyone, I will let you know if I find out anyone needs anything. There are still fires burning out there, including Kinglake still so no one is out of the woods yet. The wind has picked up too which is not good, but looking at the CFA site everything seems to either be on the small side or non threatening in this local area. It is worrying when you see big plumes of smoke on the top of the surrounding hills though. There is another big fire burning up near Beechworth which is the one they are concentrating on today.
They have asked people to stop donating goods, they can't cope... they would prefer money so that people can go and buy their own clothes, to enable them to feel some sort of sense of control over their lives. I believe there is going to be a telethon on Thursday night... It's just so tragic...
Bec - none of us can donate blood anyway, not until our babies are at least 9 months old. I looked in to it because I have a rare blood type, but they won't accept your blood until babies are 9 months old and they are mostly weaned off you, so if you are b/f they don't want you to donate either. But yeah, they are scared of the English blood because of the mad cows disease.
MM - I'm local, but thankfully was never under threat. It just makes it extra hard when you know the places so well, and you know people living there, and they aren't ok but you are IYKWIM. I feel guilty in a completely irrational way. And I guess because Kinglake is in a bushfire overlay (so are we mind you in Diamond Creek) people are prepared and we all tend to be a bit blase about the whole thing. There is usually some sort of fire every few years up there and it is always an emergency, but lives and houses are usually saved, not counted. But this just took EVERYONE by surprise that people just didn't stand a chance. And I think that is what is most tragic about it. It wasn't people being stupid, it wasn't people that couldn't help themselves, it was literally everyone who was there.
Yeah Squidipa, no donations until your babies are at least 9 months regardless, and after that if you are breastfeeding you have to wait until your baby gets most of their nourishment through solids i.e only doing one or two feeds a day.
Well today is chilly. And windy. And a major fire threat is for Healesville. Healesville is just to the east of us, and mostly bushland between here and there. There is a native animal zoo there - Healesville Sanctuary, and it would be devastating if the fire goes through there. Thankfully all the animals were evacuated on the weekend, so they are safe, but if they had nowhere to go back to it would just be a real shame.
Oh they've just said that they've downgraded the threat. Small sigh of relief. It is just so sobering all this.
Im sure you all know how to donate already but just incase the official donations appeal line is 1800 811 700. or at any ANZ, NAB or Commonwealth bank.
the affects of this are going to be felt for years to come! All these displaced families! i dreamed about it all last night!
On another topic, Grace had her immunisations yesterday and has had a temp of 38 since, has never had a reaction to them before but she is ok, just abit grumpy. Hasnt put on an ounce of wieght since the 23rd Jan, but im not too worried, with the heat and extra activity.
Wow, just saw that they have raised over $14 million!!! Isnt that increddible!!!!
Last edited by beckoes; February 10th, 2009 at 09:33 AM.
MT... Wow, how scary for you and your loved ones. It is normal to feel what they call "suriver guilt" when you come so close to having it effect you- but you are ok. Be grateful, and glad that you are safe, and continue to be there to support your friends who were not so lucky. Huge
We are also close, but not too close the fires, the closest one is about 50ks away and is under control. We are keeping vigilant though, as stories like these warn us that circumstances can change in an instant.
MT i hope those fires dont come anywhere near u !!!!!
you are right becka it will last for years and year plus i am sure that in years to come many cases of PTSD will be coming out of those area where ppl where. Look i cant even begin to truly understand or even imagine what they all must be going through so i wont even try but i do know what it feels like to have no home and be homeless sleeping in parks or random places i have been there when i was growing up I also suffer from PTSD. I pray that the ppl whom deliberately lit these fires get caught!!!!!!! I am SOOOO proud of everyone with all their donations and pulling together the way we all have to support these ppl.
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Amanda
Amanda. My thoughts are with you, your family friends and community. It is so tragic. I had no idea that you were so close to it all
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