we are all here for you.i have cried many a tear for you all. i have given all that i can give. i want you all to know that we the average aussie, the struggler like yourselves are thinking of you. you will rebuild, but you won't forget and neither will we. Don't be proud ask and we will help. for those that have lost family ,friends,and strangers mourn together share the load,because only those who have seen the ferocity and devastation can understand what you are feeling. to all the firefighters, many volunteers and the generous people who are working tirelessly to assist our thoughts and thanks go to you. PLEASE REMEMBER, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.XXXX

I can't believe the tragady that has occured over in Victoria it saddens me very much thinking about all the lives that have been lost, the children without parents or vice versa. I hope we can all do our part to help the families who have lost everything but hope. My heart goes out to all

I lived in Flowerdale for about 12 years, moving to Whittlesea. A beautiful town burnt to the ground. I have Flowerdalian staying with me who had no insurance. I am also looking after a goat and pony for another family from Kinglake. My heart aches to all of those who have lost loved ones, being 4 legged and 2 legged. I know that they're all a tough lot and will rebuild and reconstruct their lives.

I am so very sorry for all you have had to endure. My heart is heavy with your loss, and my tears run freely. Know that you are not alone. What makes this country so fantastic, is the Aussie way of pulling together, and helping in any way we can. You are all always in my thoughts and prayers, may you find peace in all this madness. Lily.

The children of the Sutherland Shire were so touched by what they saw and felt that they have got together from the various dance schools to raise money to help many victims from this tragedy some of these children are as young as 5. Everyone helps in some way each day. Everyone gives praise to the people who were able to ease the pain and help people continue to gain strength each day.

I'm so sorry to hear of such a terrible tragedy touching the lives of so many people. Know that Jehovah's heartfelt plan for the near future is to protect people worldwide from all hurt. Especially can these poor ones see That unforeseen events befall us all. Wanting to believe only good happens to good Now they may hear doubt’s persistent call. As well, think of the experiences of David Who ran for his life from King Saul. Remember Job, Jeremiah, and Jesus himself? No one denies their godliness, one and all. Yet badness happened to them, so it can to us But they were protected from spiritual harm. Thus even when we’re under calamitous straits Feel God’s loving embrace, safe and warm. Soon our Father will award to the faithful Full life without stress, pain, or decline In homes we built, eating food we grew Free from floods, drought, pollution, or crime. So don’t blame him, or give in to despair But find ways to fully obey our Grand Savior. Dwell on restoration of earth and resurrection to life While He grieves with you, pray for his favor.

Ashleigh

15 years ago

Hi Anita, I was just browsing through the comments left and came across yours. I am very much too looking forward to the resurrection, when all this pain and suffering that we see around us will be gone. These Victorian Fires are proof that time and unforseen occurences befall each and everyone of us. I don't know whether you'll respond or not but felt i had to reply.

Hello my name is christina. i am a firefighter in baddaginnie victoira. This is the firemans prayer. when i am called to duty, god whatever flames may rage give me strength to save some life whatever be it's age help me embrace a little child before it is too late or an older person from the borror of that fire. This is for all the fireman and the ones that have lost there love ones. My thoughts today and always as a firefighter i see the pain on everyone's faces love to and good luck and my prayers are with you all.

We Are Aussies And We Care Raymond J Warren Brisbane Qld February 9th 2009 Did you see that fireball rolling, down the valley fair, And the timber smoke arising, from the beauty that was there? Did you hear the birds a'calling, in fear as they flew, And house dogs barking loudly, at the fright that they felt too? Did you hear the wind a’roaring, like a jet plane overhead, Did you see the roadway littered with the dying and the dead? Did you hear the crackling bushland, see the volunteers fight, Did you watch orange horizon in the darkness of the night? Can you hear the men a’yelling, as they run this way and that, Can you hear the horses screaming as they gallop on the flat? And can you hear the child calling as she stands now safe alone, “Where’s my daddy have you seen him, I want my daddy home!” Do you know that sinking feeling of the loss and loneliness, As you stand before your once proud home and feel the emptiness. Do you know the heartache, as you sift through ashes bare? Does a tear come to your reddened eyes, for the memories stolen there? Now please don’t worry strongly, there is something you should know, We can’t bring back your loved ones, or the tokens for to show. But we can share your pain, for our shoulders we lay bare. So lay your head upon our breast, we are Aussies and we care. THE SILENCE OF TWO HUNDRED February 2009 Raymond J Warren Lone bird flying o’er the land, not knowing whence or where, Her mate is gone midst flame and wind that she could not share. Their nesting tree where was it now? It surely has not tumbled, Only blackened sticks below and the silence of two hundred. It seems like many years ago, when voices laughed and spoke, Before the heat, the fierce wind and that cloudy choking smoke. Where Goanna ran up trees of green and Koalas without number But now all is quiet in the bush, with the silence of two hundred. Once they lived together all, in bush land so serene, When normal rain kept it there, growing evergreen. But then the savagery of drought, of bush too little lumbered The terror witnessed only by, the silence of two hundred The orange glow has gone now all the birds have gone to rest, A haze is on horizon and black silhouettes ride each crest. The air still and cooling and the earth is ere encumbered, For nothing now will ever change, the silence of two hundred. Lone bird flying o’er the land not knowing whence or where Her mate is gone midst flame and wind, that she did not share. No more there will she nest again, as from the air she tumbled, To sleep there in the blackened ash, with the silence of two hundred. On this tribute Sunday, I have tried to pen a few words that will be a continued everlasting tribute to our greatest bushfire loss ever. Raymond J Warren Brisbane Queensland

We can't even begin to imagine the anguish, pain and suffering that has and still is being suffered by all of the families, animals and wildlife. Our hearts go out to you all. We are thinking of you everyday and we want you to know that the whole of Australia and many countries around the world send you their love and compasion. I am so proud to be Australian and of the Australian people for putting their hand into the pockets to help raise so much needed funds. Don't stop there Australia help will still be needed in months and years to come. My deapest love felt thoughts are with you all. Jacky Queensland

i don't really know how to explain the emotion. all i know is that i've cried, and cried and felt absolutely miserable with each passing minute of your experiences. i think of you all, all the time, donated all that i can, they're nocking me back at the blood bank - too many visits. i just want to give everything - i have. i am so sorry for your losses.. admire those you've lost, it will keep their spirits close to you. god bless.

craig macek

15 years ago

As a resident of Kinglake I am continualy brought to tears by your prayers and generosity. My 9 months pregnant partner and I both escaped on the afternoon of the fires and were blessed to find our house ok. We have since had a beautiful baby boy named Phoenix (seemed appropriate!). We can never thank you all enough for what you have done, the sense of community spirit both locally and nationaly is incredible. Your kind words as simple as they may seem mean the world to us. Forever thankful Craig.

i don't really know what to say.. buti guess all i can hope for you all is that you one day find happiness again and stay hopeful, and that one day you will stop crying. my thoughts and prayers are with you know and always. xox

My name is Maria Smith,im an Australian but living in USA, my thod and prayers are with all the families of the victims, may the Lord give you all stregthto walk forward and gives you peace. Dont forget that God is the only one that can give you joy and peace in your hearts his the only one who can give you stregth to go on in life,dont forget that if you see a light infront of you is God calling you to ask him for help....I'll will keep my prayers for all the families and victims. God Bless You All...

Wrestling with a tragedy that's ripped lives wide apart, And soaring way above the killer flames, The Aussie spirit cradles in its vast, communal heart The souls attached to all those precious names. And in those blackened hamlets where a haunting silence reigns, Where every trace of forest life has gone We know a future beauty will be carved from charred remains. That fighting Aussie spirit soldiers on!

I lived in Kinglake for 12years, granted it was some years ago but part of me has always been there. To see such utter devastation and heartbreak is beyond my imagination. My sincere hope is that everyone who is left will find a point that they can rebuild their lives into a livable future with some hope and dreams slowly filtering into through. Small steps and you will win through. I cant get my head around the animal deaths, beloved pets, ladies jumpimg out of helicopter to safe her darling best friend Poncho. Horses being led through tunnel of flames....................................... My prayers are with you all. valerie doherty, ex Gordons Bridge rd.

To all thoses who lost loved ones, including your pets and livestock, the whole world is thinking of you, may time ease your pain.

when you need 2 talk im here wnen you need 2 cry my shoulder is free for you xoxoxo

When i think of all that lived and had nowhere to go but perish in pain i feel the heat in my heart. Is this God's accident? Then He has to help us heal.

hello my name is Gemma i am 15 years of age my family live's in victoria and was about 10-15 mins away from the fire i was scared for them and i am sad for all those who have lost a love one,animal,,homes and evan your most loved toys i know how it feels to loose a loved one i have lost my aunty on the 18th january 2009 it broke my heart just remember they will always be with you your not alone in this xo

My caring sympathy goes out to all the thousands of innocent animals and plant life that lost their lives in the bush fires. A huge positive thank-you to all the vets, vet staff and others who are helping injured animals and putting out the fires destroying plant life. Without animals and plant life, humanity would struggle to survive... LET US NOT FORGET THE ANIMALS AND PLANT LIFE IN THIS TRAGEDY TO THE ENVIRONMENT... THEY ARE IMPORTANT TOO! :>

to everyone that have lost loved ones, pets, theirs homes and precious items, my thoughts are with you.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Hope you can come through this knowing we are all thinking of you

For the survivors of the bushfires, may you close your eyes without tears, may you close your eyes without fear, may you know your lost ones are looking down on you and giving you strength.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to all those people who have lost loved ones, animals and property in the bushfies. My thoughts and prayers go out to each and everyone. To the emergency service people and volunteers you are wonderful people and truly demonstrate the Australian Spirit.

Victoria’s Fire of Darkness The flame of fires are spreading As we can hear them loud and clear The heat that has come upon us now Is worse than what we feared We are searching for some safety We are praying to stay alive Watching with broken hearts As our homes vanish Right before our eyes This blackness that came upon us So quick and fierce It was unreal Leaving us with nothing Except our lives And how we feel We headed for the roads We all thought we knew so well Only to come across This path that really looked like HELL The vehicles were burning The smell and sight was dark As we looked around in horror We had numbness In our HEARTS So many of our people and animals all around Perished in this fire That swept through our towns Who could imagine that someone would do this? With just a light to a tree Leaving Lives with sadness And no homes to comfort thee Is it madness that a human did this? Or is it just his way To show us He’s a coward in each and every day If attention is what he was seeking? And he wanted to have a say Then common sense is what is needed And his voice should come out and say “I have this problem lighting fires And need your help today, To stop myself from doing A selfish Fire For display.” Let all arsonists realize That this is not the way To get the right attention If they want help in their ways For fires bring only Destruction For all of life on Earth Leaving only ashes And memories of what a life is worth By Angel with No-Wings

Today we say goodbye to all our loved ones, family, friends, neighbours, australians whom have been lost to these tragic fires. God be with you all. To those left behind to mourn and rebuild, know in your hearts that there will always be a shoulder to cry on,and hands to pick you up when you think that you cannot go on.

Know that we are all thinking of you and the loved ones that you lost. My heart cries out loud with sadness and pain. Be strong and find the strenghth to carry on and know that us aussies are all behind you through this terrible time of loss. Ren- Gold Coast australia

MICHELLE

15 years ago

im so sorry this has happned to you and your family you are beuatiful bright soul that will shine for ever in my heart Words can not begin to express my feelings of sadness that I feel for all the people affected by the bushfires, lives lost and ruined, homes and animals destroyed!!!! The fires have not affected me personally so i can not begin to imagine the pain and suffering being experienced by those it has. I wish all those people who it has effected support, love, kindness and that your faith what ever that might be has not been lost. In times like this you need faith, because what ever happens you need to know inside yourself that what you trust, love and put your faith in will not let you down. I wish all those lost a peaceful afterlife, peoples whose homes and life’s that have been taken away from them support and love. In times like this you see how wonderful Australia is to join together despite everyone’s differences and united in a time of need

i hope you all can recover from this terrible thing well if any one is up for a chat my name is Taylee tazzie _ deavil @ hot mail . com add me

Our hearts are full of sadness for all who have lost their family, homes and their animals. Our hopes for you all, is that through all of this terrible and devastating disaster you will remember that all Australians and others in other Countries are united and supportive in your grief and send you their blessing and hopes for the future. Our love and support to you all. Meg and Ivan. (Yarra Glen)

Our hearts are full of sadness for all who have lost their family, homes and their animals. Our hopes for you all, is that through all of this terrible and devastating disaster you will remember that all Australians and others in other Countries are united and supportive in your grief and send you their blessing and hopes for the future. Our love and support to you all. Meg and Ivan. (Yarra Glen)

Words can not begin to express my feelings of sadness that I feel for all the people affected by the bushfires, lives lost and ruined, homes and animals destroyed!!!! The fires have not affected me personally so i can not begin to imagine the pain and suffering being experienced by those it has. I wish all those people who it has effected support, love, kindness and that your faith what ever that might be has not been lost. In times like this you need faith, because what ever happens you need to know inside yourself that what you trust, love and put your faith in will not let you down. I wish all those lost a peaceful afterlife, peoples whose homes and life’s that have been taken away from them support and love. In times like this you see how wonderful Australia is to join together despite everyone’s differences and united in a time of need.

Words can not begin to express my feelings of sadness that I feel for all the people affected by the bushfires, lives lost and ruined, homes and animals destroyed!!!! The fires have not affected me personally so i can not begin to imagine the pain and suffering being experienced by those it has. I wish all those people who it has effected support, love, kindness and that your faith what ever that might be has not been lost. In times like this you need faith, because what ever happens you need to know inside yourself that what you trust, love and put your faith in will not let you down. I wish all those lost a peaceful afterlife, peoples whose homes and life’s that have been taken away from them support and love. In times like this you see how wonderful Australia is to join together despite everyone’s differences and united in a time of need.

For all the wonderful people who lost their lives in these horrendous fires, To the families that lost love ones my heart bleeds for you ,there really are no words, I hope knowing that this whole wonderful country is behind you and will help you to rebuild your houses and your lives is some sort of comfort. god bless every single one of you x.

my thouhgts & prayers r with u all.XXOO.

I could never imagine the pain you are going through. Your strength and sense of community spirit is absolutely amazing, and I am so proud that I too am Australian and that your courage and strength to help your neighbours is so typically Aussie. For most of us, we will never experience the pain and suffering that you have gone through, but the whole of Australia, and in fact the world are thinking of you. Keep strong and know we are here to lean on.

I am sorry to hear what cruel fate has given you. I know that none of you deserve what you have suffered. I particularly wish well to the souls of the youngest victims. Your families pine for you, and I wish you could come back to comfort them. The famalies, too, have suffered enough to last their entire lives. I wish them all the best for a magnificent future filled with joy, happiness and new arrivals. May the souls of victims rest in peace for eternity.

To all those who lost their friends and family in the fires and to those who are still here to tell the tale take care of eachother and stay well you will get through this together xoxoxox

hope all your homes come back and the fires stop and all your familys re happy from owen

I hope everything works out with you and you are in my prayers. xo

im so sorry to hear about this traderty that has occured. i cant imagine what terrifiing and grief you all must had gone through. you will all be in my prays xx

Sorry for those who didnt make it, and for those who lost family in the fire. my heart is with you <3

The residents of Georges Manor in Sydney wish to convey sympathy to all the victims of the recent bushfires. Even though we are so far away, our hearts and thoughts are with you. Yours in friendship, The residents and staff of Georges Manor

I am so sorry for all of your suffering. I pray that you will be able to heal, and that your grief will dim each day to enable you to rebuild your lives.

i have to do an essay, on this exact event. in our school, he have to look at it as a 'natural hazzard' but its hard to believe that t cou ld be called that after someone started it. i know the weather didnt help it, but it wasnt started naturally. i see into peoples stories of how they 've lost everything. it makes me feel lucky in a way, that i live in sydney. but then i think of how selfish i am being to see myself as lucky. people who have lost everything will find hope. everything will take time, but they will find the hope and guidance they have been searching for.

My thoughts and sympathy goes out to all the victims, their familes and their firends that have been affected by this terrible tragedy. Difficult times bring communities together and I'm sure that will bring some comfort and support when you need it.. Your loved ones are still with you no matter what. God Bless you all

And it just hurts to watch the land and people I love get devastated because of this one act of human idiocy, which was escalated through unfortunate weather conditions. The sheer closeness of the fires (hitting a town 10 minutes away, another town where my father works, and my friends' suburbs) just drives home how easily I could have lost these other people I hold dear. I pray that those who were more affected than I will find peace and another beautiful place to rebuild their lost homes.

taylor ballard

15 years ago

its ok to but austrailia is in the ring of fire. when i heard about the fire i almost cryed.and i dont even live in austrailia. please people in austrailia care for your country thank you H2o actors if you read this carbine you are my favorite be careful all of you cast members please

There are no words to describe such a horrific tragedy as this. My heart cries for all the victims, not only losing their homes, their pets, their lifelong dreams, but some even lost their lives trying to escape in their cars. Whoever did this, should have No Trial...The Australian communtiy should come together and DEMAND the ones that did it, like one Brendan Sokaluk which they showed a picture of his house; burn it down with him watching and do the same to him. Mr. BS should not be allowed an attorney, nor hide him for his safety. Are you kidding? What did SAFETY mean to him? He destroyed many lives and KILLED almost 200 people not including millions of animals. Shame on any attorney that would take this case. It wouldn't surprise me if death threats didn't occur to both. There are no words, on how to express my sorrow in looking at all the pictures. I can't imagine living through this. To ride in a bus to see my community destroyed. It looks like a War zone. There are no words, accept, please understand that a lot of Americans are crying and hurting over watching these scenes unfold each day. I pray, those that are left will be well taken cared of. Nobody should go through a tragedy such as this. There are no words to express how much gratitude, love, support, prayer given by all the firefighters, police, FBI, forensic team, strangers, community pulling together to help one another. I see you are doing an awesome job in keeping a sane mind while handling all the sadness brought on by selfish and evil acts. Thanks too, for all the ones helping out with food, water, clothing, blankets, etc. You are appreciated more than you know. May Peace be with You during this terrible event. May God bless you all...