With the support of the owners of the Byron Bay Beach Houses, this Blog is dedicated to our fellow Australians who have been devastated by the ravages of the recent fires and the efforts of our mighty volunteer and other firefighters who once again, starred down mother nature’s vengeance against the odds.
With some of the fires hitting very close to home, I doubt there is anyone in and around Byron Bay who has not been emotionally affected by the profound grief of those who have lost loved ones, their homes, possessions and businesses, yet equally, impressed by their resilience and fortitude to rebound and rebuild.
I can’t even begin to imagine what it would be like to be in their shoes and although we can’t turn back time, we can however, help them in every way possible as Aussies do so well, now, and vitally, long into the future as none of us know when we maybe in similar circumstances.
And of course, we can’t forget the incalculable loss of fauna, livestock and beloved pets. In New South Wales alone, it’s estimated that 350 koalas have already perished and countless injured. Thank goodness for the wildlife rescuers who go beyond the call of duty to nurse our native animals back to health.
We are all aware that Australia is a land prone to bushfires, yet what you may not know, is how, for sixty years, research by the CSIRO has given our firefighters greater and more reliable tools to combat this ever-present danger.
Today, using sophisticated data analysis techniques and computer modelling, our renowned scientific agency is advancing fire spread prediction and bushfire suppression systems that ultimately help save lives and limit damage.
CSIRO’s findings significantly influence the response to bushfire threats through weather warnings, fire location information, firefighter training and informing fire safety policy.
Given that we are only at the start of the fire season and with the never-ending drought looming large like a nefarious shadow, we all need to maintain our community cohesiveness, look out for one another and lend a hand where we can whether it’s through donating money or volunteering, as every little bit counts.
Although this is a sober moment in time, I do want to take this opportunity to wish my readers a very happy and safe Christmas and New Year, a sentiment I know is wholeheartedly shared by the owners of the Beach Houses.
For the latest information about the fires, official organisations receiving donations, how you can volunteer and available financial assistance, click onto the following links:
NSW Bush Fires – How you can help – NSW Rural Fire Service
https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/general-news/how-you-can-help
Fundraising and sponsorship – NSW Rural Fire Service
https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/about-us/fundraising
Bush Fire Update – Friday 15 November | Facebook
https://m.facebook.com/notes/byron-shire-council/bush-fire-update-friday-15-november/2439672946162405/
http://www.humanservices.gov.au/
https://www.koalahospital.org.au/
