Currently the number of people confirmed to have perished when hell swept through the Victorian countryside stands at 181. That figure will almost certainly rise to 200 and possibly 300. Stark as they are, numbers do not convey the full horror or the devastating effect on communities.
Families and communities have had their hearts ripped out by each and every one of those deaths. Everyone will know someone who perished and for many, many survivors it will be someone they loved, someone they had spent their life with, someone they had raised from birth, someone who had cared for them, someone who had given them love and support during their vulnerable years - someone who they thought would alway be there. Then there are those who lost more than one family member. Their pain and heartache impossible to describe with mere words.
Homes have been destroyed, homes that had been built from scratch with blood, sweat and tears, homes that had been in the family for generations. Treasured possessions have been lost, the little things that can never replaced.
These townships and communities need to be rebuilt. The lives of the survivors need to be rebuilt. The future of their children needs to be rebuilt.
It will be done - it has to be done. Things will never be the same but a new beginning can and will be achieved. Even though their hearts will be weighed down by the burden of sorrow, they will pick themselves up, dust themselves down and start all over again. It's the way we do things.
But everyone needs help in the same way we have helped others whose lives have been devastated by tragedy. That is why I am reposting the details of the Appeal Fund that was launched to help those whose lives, in a short moment of time, were turned inside out forever.
Victoria's Premier John Brumby has launched the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund in partnership with the Australian Government and Red Cross to support communities impacted by these cruel, devastating fires
Those wishing to donate to the appeal can do so by visiting the Australian Red Cross. An independent panel made up of community leaders will oversee the appeal Fund's operation.
To make a donation please visit Victorian bushfires 2009 - Appeal
Although many lives have been tragically lost, many more have been saved by the brave men and women of the Country Fire Authority - Volunteers who unselfishly put their lives on the line to save others. Please take a look at what they do and how you can offer support. CFA
International callers inquiring about family and friends
should call 0011 61 3 5332 5015 or 0011 61 3 8327 7814
Many thanks,
