Friday, February 13, 2009

A week of mourning

This week Australia has been saddened by the tragic loss of lives and property in Victoria and Queensland. On the one hand we have had the devastation of the worst bushfires in the history of this rugged land and on the other the widespread and catastrophic floods in the north. We are certainly a land of wild contrasts.

Our hearts go out to all those whose lives have been affected by flood and fire - loss of loved ones, pets and livestock, property and possessions. It will take a long time to recover from the events of the past week.

The one bright light in this tragedy is the way Australians have rallied to support and care for those whose lives have been so devastated. So many people has provided comfort, time, labour, goods, services and funding. It makes me proud to be an Australian.