Last year I wrote about two different situations where the VA community grouped together to help one of its own. One was when a VA shared on her challenges and others rallied round to help her. The other was when I, myself, was going through a family tragedy and so many once again, rallied round to support me and let me know they were there in my time of need.
Well, another need has been highlighted by one of my team today and it relates to the Victorian bushfires that most of the world now knows about by now. There have been so many stories of those directly affected – lost homes, lives, pets, livestock, businesses, crops and so on. It has been devastating and has swept our nation with grief and shock. And we’ve had firemen flown over from New Zealand and the US (and possibly other areas) to come help fight the biggest natural disaster Australia has ever known.
There is a massive fund raising effort being held currently and many people are donating clothing, food, goods, household items, places to stay and so on to assist those directly affected.
But it wasn’t till today that I’d given thought to those indirectly affected and this is also something that needs to be highlighted. The businesses and communities that will suffer loss – extreme loss, if nothing is done – due to the drop in tourism because people are either scared or incorrectly assumed other towns have been wiped out. One of those is Beechworth and because a member of my VA team lives and works there, it is something I want to highlight here. I have blogged and twittered about this situation but I want to encourage you too, to write about it. Perhaps even adopt a town you know of in Victoria, that needs that kind of attention and support. And if you do, why not leave a comment here with a direct link to the post you’ve made and the town you are supporting.
Thank you for your help on behalf of all in Victoria who have a need of this kind.
Victorian bushfires, fires in Victoria, Beechworth, Australia, tourism
Beverly Mahone says
Kathie,
I saw a report on the news this morning. Apparently, one town has been totally wiped out. I was listening to interviews with people who lost everything. But the one message I got out of it was the lost “material things” which can be replaced but their lives were spared and they were counting their blessings for that. I don’t think the town was Beechworth. Please keep us posted on things we can do from the USA in addition to adopting a town.
Kathie Thomas says
No, the town wasn’t Beechworth, which is the point. Many are thinking Beechworth has been affected too, because the fire has that name.
The town you mention is either Kinglake or Marysville – both have been wiped out with many lives lost and almost every single building.
Charly Leetham says
Hi Kathie, I’m glad to hear that you and you’re family are safe but very sad about the devastation that has wracked Victoria. I have blogged about this and shared my family’s experiences of the Canberra bushfires in 2003.
Amy Wagner says
I have been seeing the devastation on the news here in South Africa, that these fires have been causing Down Under, and it saddens me terribly and to hear that were set by arsons. All I can do is send prayers to all of you and hope that things get better and that these people who have done this get what they deserve, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.