Devastation

This is a very sad and moving time for many of us here in Victoria. The absolute destruction of the bushfires is so painful to comprehend. There is not one Melbournite I have spoken to that doesn't feel the horror and sadness of the fires.

I liken it to a tsunami of fire - once people realised what was happening it was too late to escape. So many people were caught trying to drive though thick smoke and flames. The small country communities, on the outskirts of Melbourne, that were well known, idyllic places to escape and unwind from the city pressures, have been wiped out, together with many of their residents and enormous numbers of local houses and farms.

One place in particular is the township of Marysville with it picturesque, tree lined streets, the history of 100 year old buildings and very old trees and the beautiful bush arts. It now no longer exists!

Here is a picture of one of the streets in Marysville before the fire -


And this is what it looks like now -


But there are good stories coming out as well - this picture sums it all up -

Saturday 7th February, 2009, with record temperatures and 100kpm winds, will remain in Victoria's history forever now as one of the most devastating days our state has ever experienced.

I hope that everyone of you will support the Bushfire Appeal Fund in one of the following ways -

• Phone 1800 811 700
• Any NAB, ANZ, Westpac or Commonwealth Bank branch
• Any Bunnings store
• By direct deposit to the Victorian Bushfire Relief Fund - BSB 082-001, Account number 860-046-797
• Myer Bushfire Appeal - All proceeds to the Salvation Army. Donate at any Victorian Myer store
• Baptcare or to make an offline donation, please call 03 9831 7222