Sad times
Victoria has experienced it's worst bushfires ever.
To describe the weather on the day of the fires, was like standing next to a blast oven.
The land was already brown and dry from weeks of hot weather.
46 degrees, and 100kph scorching winds made for the worst conditions possible.
Nearly 100 people have lost their lives, and that number is expected to double.
The worst area affected was Kinglake.
The same place I go riding most days.
The same place I grew up in.
The same place I broke my neck.
The same kinglake that is a mere 27km from my home.
The same place the end of year ride stopped at for a coffee.
Friends have been affected and some people who didn't lose their lives, have lost everything.
Unbelievably, it seems that many of the fires were deliberately lit.
Hard to believe.
Be thankful for what you have.
If you can give, give to the appeal.
Survivors Stories
Bushfire appeal launched
- February 9, 2009 - 12:19PM
Rob Hallet stands amoung his shed that contained a rare collection of BSA motorbikes and antique guns, after the Narbethong fires. Photo: Justin McManus
A 2009 Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund has been launched in response to the weekend's devastating, deadly fires.
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Premier John Brumby launched the appeal today and said people could donate to the fund through the Red Cross.
The death toll from the fires, which raged through several regions across the state, so far stands at 66 and hundreds of homes and community facilities have been burnt to the ground.
The state and federal governments donated $2 million apiece to the fund, in addition to the $10 million Community Recover Fund announced by the federal government.
Banks including National Australia Bank, ANZ, Commonwealth Bank and Westpac have already donated $1 million each and Wesfarmers has pledged $500,000.
Mr Brumby said an independent panel of community leaders would set criteria for directing funds raised to people, organisations and communities.
The criteria will include the degree of hardship people have experienced and the degree to which a person's livelihood and infrastructure have been affected.
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