Victoria’s Bushfires: Update Feb 10th
By theprofessionalhobo ~ February 10th, 2009. Filed under: Australia, Victorian bush fires.
Things have been crazy in Victoria, among the raging bushfires that seem to be everywhere. We are still safe, but have not yet returned home and don’t know when we will or what we’ll return to.
We are now stationed in Alexandra, where we are coordinating clothing, toiletries, linens, bedding, and whatever else we can for the hundreds of homeless refugees who have come here with nothing more than their clothes and whose homes have been ravaged such that there is nothing left.
Alexandra is a relatively safe place to be, as fire breaks have been set up all around the town. It is a place of refuge for all the surrounding towns, some of which are even bigger than Alexandra. Although fires are burning mere kilometres away, we are not in direct danger.
Alexandra is holding well, but is like a war zone. Thankfully, we have power, and it is amazing how Australians come together to aid in these times of tragedy. Although Kelly & I have almost nothing right now, we have not gone wanting for a place to sleep, or food to eat.
I will still be posting pictures and video at a later date, but as you can imagine, my services are muchly needed in other areas right now. It feels good to be doing something constructive, even if I am in the same boat as those I am helping.
Oh yeah, and I met the prime minister of Australia (Kevin Rudd) yesterday. Life is never dull for The Professional Hobo!
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February 10th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Hi Nora, good to hear you’re OK, and just like in Thailand you’re back in the thick of things helping out, that’s so fantastic! And I can’t believe you met Kevin Rudd. How cool. It’s nice to “know” someone who is helping out because from over here all we can do is send money, really. Look forward to hearing more about your experiences when it’s all over.
February 12th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Hi Nora, I hope you two are as good as can be. I have been flying on the fires in Victoria. We are one of 4 Skycranes from Erickson working here. South Australia has loaned us out to Victoria and we are naturally glad to help.
Thank You, is no doubt a word you hear a lot lately but let me also add my word of thanks for you’re help. I have seen a lot of fires in my 34 years of flying helicopters on fires but never so great a loss of life.
This many people should not have died. I have seen fires worse than this. This many people dead is a clear indication that people were not prepared to defend themselves.
It is so sad and it need not have been this catastrophic .
February 13th, 2009 at 11:59 am
@Amanda – thanks for your support! The diary I’m writing about this continues to get longer and longer, but none of it is on the computer – yet. Soon.
@Keith – the real thanks goes to the incredible work of the volunteer fire fighters from all over the country, the people who have lost their houses and loved ones and yet turn up to help us sort through donations at the warehouse, and the generous residents of Alexandra who are billeting refugees and friends alike (ourselves included). But thanks for the “thank you” anyway! (smiles). Be safe….I’m sure I’ve seen you flying overhead. Keep up the amazing work – you are one of our heroes.
November 30th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Hey this is a chill looking blog, I was just looking for this last night. Pleased I finally discovered what I needed.