To our Australian members

[Andrew]

Ok, its been some time since the reports of the fires…I thought perhaps an update was warranted, seeing how these things fall off the map.
At any rate, the fires whilst much out of danger still have a 1000 KLM front and are approaching the outskirts of Melbourne, more so its outlying towns. Firefighters are being flown in from everywhere to combat what simply refuses to be put out (the bushland is simply too dry after years of drought).

We have had telephones and appeals which all Australians have seemed to contribute to those affected by the fires, and amounted to as far as I know about $80 million, may be small potatoes to people overseas with large populations but to us that is a huge amount. We had a national day of mourning the other day, and although there are still people to be found the services proceeded …


As with many things of this nature, there seems only so much people can take…so the situation has passed for many but on this day many of the people affected chose to spend the time on local ovals (not sure what the equivalent is, but perhaps paddocks or fields for overseas people) princess Anne attended, which is a big deal for us. The official ceremonies. and made her way to speak to ordianary people….a lovely gesture I think.

Apparently the queen as far as I know asked for constant updates from the Premiers office after initially asking about the dire situation that it has is gone on for some time. But from what they say, the premiers office neglected to update the royals after what appeared to be the worst over. Its said that the queen promptly asked for the reports to continue. We are not that pro-royal here but it is a very nice thought, and actions on part of the royal family .

I noticed bold letters saying about politics, I didn’t see what was said to constitute such a reaction,,,but if this is thought to political, then gladly ban me, I wont bother a moment more. I am not pro Royal but in instances like this I think the gestures are wonderful, makes you feel like a family……ever so far away

[John Parry]

I don't see a political statement there Andrew. The Queen is our Head of State, and has no political affiliations. Of course she wants to know how things are going there, as do we all. Thanks for the update.

Regards - John

[nikonbob]

Andrew

Thanks for the up date. Our news has not carried the fire situation in OZ for a while now and I was wondering what was happening. I don't see much in the way of political comment in your posts.

Bob

[Andrew]

I was probably just tired and cranky from working some long hours lately, so i wasnt sure if mentioning the Royals is polictal...its a topic that gets mentioned here from time to time in relation to whether Australia should become a republic with a president instead of a prime minister and having a new flag etc etc.

the fire isnt on our news as much now either, but as i mentioned it is still going (not on the large scale it was) and not under control yet, . yesterday a fire crew had a narrow escape with their lives (some got burns but nothing to keep them in hospital)when the wind changed, but lost their fire truck (burnt completely out).

so far the reported deaths total about 210, some residents are not permitted back to their homes until the authorites can complete searches for remains--because some people recently did return to their homes and found ...human remains (not sure if there is a better way to say it).

of course not the towns that have been burnt down, to the last building, but some of the other affected towns are trying to return to normal, supermarkets and other buisneses are slowly restocking thier shelfs and trading again

[Reiska]

Contrary to what Bob wrote the media here has reported almost daily about the fires in Australia. Sad news altogether.

I don’t think mentioning the Royal Family in this context to be political. I understand, that it is rather distant matter to me but what it comes to talking points in my country, world news and local- or world politics or… almost whatever, the discussion is unconcealed and indisputable.
That “almost” means following exceptions, women’s ordination, entering NATO or not, building two or three new nuclear power plants, which is better, beer or vodka, does the mallard swim better than fly etc. and etc...

[Andrew]

there were ..so many..fires in Victoria at the time it is hard to keep track of the individual areas and developments...they are still looking for the culprits that caused some of them (some were err natural)

surprisingly in South Australia we Jailed a lady the other day (not a lady obviously) for lighting 26 fires, yes that right 26 fires!!!!it was pretty much the exact same time the victorian fires were happening but the victorian fires were on our news and we didnt (me at least) even know what was going on here......whats worse is the fires she lit were about a 10 minute drive from where i sit now and i didnt even know, i was so focused on elswhere.i remember i said to my kids i could smell fire but they think i am an old bugger that imagines things--they havnt seen fire---so they dont know---hope they never do--and i thought i was smelling the fires from victoria--when you get these bad ones the smell does travel that far

i forget the exact figure but the property she burnt was apparently in the tens of thousands of hectares, no loss of life, lucky for her and the people! Obviously the local firefighters did a briliant job.

they showed pictures and though the fires burnt large areas its simply amazing how quickly and smartly they got them under control, we were having a horrible heat wave at the time.

the judge was scathing of her and his discription on how the situation could of turned into the same horror that victoria suffered (she lit these fires in populated areas!) , we actually had worse weather and conditions at the time. we all have to praise the fire blokes here for doing a great job

the women was sentenced to 9 years, she was unremuorsful , clearly enduring some sort internal pain of some sort that caused her to do such a thing...she mentioned something about doing it because she was angry at her husband.....there was some outrage over the short sentance among the community,

i hope they dont let her have matches in 9 years time!