Cooler weather!

Thursday 12th February 2009

The weather has cooled off a bit, to the extent it's cold at night! The variable temperature within a few days has been extreme! It was almost 47 degrees centigrade last weekend and this week we are seeing temperatures of around 17. It feels like Winter in the evening! In Yea and surrounding fire alert districts the wind is still!

For the fire fighters it is a huge relief, it has given them a window to rest a little whilst some of the fires have subsided "a little". Temperatures may rise again this coming week and everyone is still on edge! The fires are still on our doorstep.

The human cost still sits at 181 but the loss of homes has increased considerably to 1049.
The decimation of land is 1000's and 1000's of hectares........

The Australian Red Cross Bush Fire appeal is almost at 50 million. The Red Cross have stated that EVERY cent will go to bushfire victims. No money will be taken out for administration!

Anyone wishing to donate is welcome to do so! Every cent is appreciated! People have lost EVERYTHING. Online is probably the easiest especially if you are overseas! Channel 9 is having a telethon tonight to raise more! In the light of this suffering, incredible stories are coming through!

Some families suffering from the devastating flood in northern Queensland have received “flood relief” money cheques to help them from the government and RETURNED those cheques to donate to the fire victims. What incredible generosity!

The animal stories continue to touch us!

The media keep showing a scene of a fireman with a koala. The koala searched out help and ran up the fireman along the ground with its little hands out stretched, he was thirsty. The scene is of the koala next to the fireman holding a bottle of water for it whilst the koala drank and drank OUT OF THE BOTTLE. The fireman is smiling stating that this was the 2^ND bottle the koala drank. He must have been so thirsty. Koala’s are not that tame and can be quite vicious, but this one knew where to get help. VERY CUTE! It turned out to be a "she", now named Sam. She then had her burnt paws bandaged!

The stories continue to touch your heart...............