Bendigo Says Thanks

A few weeks ago we went along to the 'Bendigo Says Thanks' concert. It was organised by local musician Kate DeAraugo. Kate organised for some fabulous local bands, and excellent visitors to play for free - amazing. Anyway, Kate's performance was excellent, and so was Emily Williams, Paulini and Venette Fields - I have to say the she is a real favourite of mine. Apparently, Angry Anderson was still singing at 10.30 - I was tucked up in bed by then.
The idea of the concert was for people in the community to say 'thanks' to the Emergency Services volunteers and staff who have done such a magnificent job in managing the Bushfire Emergency in Bendigo.

Jim and I went along with the Woodvale Slip-on Unit and we were really humbled by the support and thanks from the community. There was a special area for Volunteers to watch the concert, with great viewing, food and drinks. One really memorable moment for me was when a little boy, aged around 5 or 6, came up to shake Jim's hand (he was wearing the CFA yellow overalls) and he said to Jim, ' thank you Mr Fireman, thanks for saving my house'. It was a really special moment and one that will stay with us for a long time. It was a great day and here are some photos.

Helen

Bushfires in Bendigo

Last weekend we experienced the worst bushfires we have ever seen in Bendigo. The bush was tinder dry and there was a huge fire storm that raced across the bush and into the residential fringe of town.

The speed of the fire was amazing and the wind was ferocious, leaving a deadly trail of destruction. Here are a few photos of the weekend. There is a smell in the area, of ash and soot, and devastation - it's an unusual smell and once it gets up your nose it's hard to clear it away.

Jim was a hero and travelled to Redesdale to help protect the town, then came back to help out in Bendigo - what an amazing effort. Helen was helping out with Firefighter welfare and making sure everyone had enough food and drink. Here is a photo of Jim on Sunday - he took the media on a bus tour of the fire damage and one of them took his photo at this burnt out property.

There were ferocious fires all around the state and it was hard to imagine what it would be like to face up to a fire front like this. Would you have the courage to stay and fight?

The heat of the fire is so intense that it melts the metal in the cars and it runs along the ground like water over oil. It's hard to believe the intensity of the heat.

This photo below is of Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, and Victorian Premier John Brumby. A picture tells a thousand words and I wonder what John Brumby was saying. You can see the pressure and concern on the PMs face - there is much bad news to come.


Please give generously to the Bushfire appeals and if you meet a CFA firefighter, give him or her a pat on the back and let them know how proud you are of what they do.

Helen