Many of you might have seen the tragic bushfires that have killed over 180 people in Australia and left over 750 families homeless. A lot has been said about the families but not much has been said about the courageous fireman that themselves have lost homes, friends and family members. Despite this they keep going and fighting the fires trying to make sure others are safe. They do not get paid for what they do their actions are completely selfless.

I spent the better part of two years in Melbourne and the areas where the fires are burning were a stones throw away from where I lived and my old stomping grounds. I have wonderful memories of spending Saturdays at the St Andrews Markets and having a beer at the pub before heading home. St Andrews was one of the areas that was hard hit and this beautiful little town was nearly wiped off the map. The area that this bush fire covers is huge, it was gorgeous rolling hills, paddocks with horses grazing and beautiful forest. The pictures that are being shown on the news are difficult to look at. I spent a lot of time on the back roads exploring these little country towns the suffering they are experiencing is heartbreaking.

I received an email from an old friend who is a volunteer fireman and has been out fighting the fires since Saturday. He is a strong man who has been doing this for many years and just by his email I could tell that he is suffering emotionally. I can not imagine the strength that these men and women possess to be able to keep going under the circumstances.

There is a wonderful picture currently in circulation via email and even on news websites of a Country Fire Association Volunteer Firefighter giving a Koala injured in the bushfires water. I love this picture, out of all this tradgedy the true blue Aussie spirit came shining through. An Australian Newspaper is now offering this picture for sale for $18USD; the proceeds will benefit the Country Fire Association. If you can please support this great cause. I purchased mine tonight and it will be given a special place in our home when it arrives.

Fireman Gives Koala a drink – PURSCHASE THIS PHOTO

Picture by Mark Pardew-AP Photo