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Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2019 20:57:23 GMT -5
Aussie Jingle Bells Bucko & Champs Dashing Through the bush In a rusty Holden Ute Kicking up the dust Esky (A food cooler) in the boot (the Trunk) Kelpie (cattle dog) by my side Singing Christmas songs It's summer time and I am in my singlet, shorts and thongs! Oh, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells Jingle all the way Christmas in Australia On a Scorching summer's day Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells Christmas time is beaut Oh what fun it is to ride In a rusty Holden Ute! Engine's getting hot Dodge the Kangaroos Swaggie climbs aboard He is welcome too All the fam-I-Iy is there Sitting by the pool Christmas day, the Aussie way By the barbecue! Oh, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells Jingle all the way Christmas in Australia On a Scorching summer's day Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells Christmas time is beaut Oh what fun it is to ride In a rusty Holden Ute! Come the afternoon, Grandpa has a doze, The kids and Uncle Bruce, are swimming in their clothes . The time comes 'round to go, we take the family snap, Pack the car and all shoot through, before the washing up. Oh, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells Jingle all the way Christmas in Australia On a Scorching summer's day Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells Christmas time is beaut Oh what fun it is to ride In a rusty Holden Ute! youtu.be/OnJ8jsw4BSo
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Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2019 21:29:54 GMT -5
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Post by Roselyn T on Dec 12, 2019 22:00:18 GMT -5
Thanks @redback the Firies sure have done a great job, so sad for those who have effected by the fires. It is so dry, thankfully we had 35mls the night before last to water the trees.
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Post by howitis on Dec 13, 2019 0:21:08 GMT -5
Thank you @redback and Roselyn T , today I attended a community function and a prominent community member came up and said to me "it's nice to see you not in RFS uniform", it's been 3 1/2 long months of ongoing fires, some days we do not get a break, some of us have worked the fireground for 26 or more hours straight, this is my second day off and one doesn't realise how totally exhausted we have become, we have worked long, long days and nights, mostly in danger, we have met some terrific people, those who lost all, those who had much to lose, we have laughed and cried together, I have witnessed a very highly qualified fire fighter and leader totally break down in fear one night as his crews became totally surrounded by fire and then in tears on a different fire as he was ordered to abandon fighting for a man's residence because it was deemed unsafe to continue by higher up. From the lady that handed me a $20 note to buy drinking water when she knew mine was undrinkable to the one who left their own 2 way radio in their mailbox for me to use and even those that have just squeezed my hand or given me a hug, I am so, so humbled and truly believe most people are truly wonderful. Yes we are volunteers, yes we haven't earned a cent for months, yes we are exhausted, but we have gained so much and have worked in some truly amazing places with equally amazing people and I have been so privileged and love them all.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2019 0:39:20 GMT -5
Howitis, what can we say, we salute you. You truly are heroes in the real sense of the word. The little inconvenience that we have to suffer is nothing to the hard yards that you Firies put in day after day. You also put your own lives on the line, that would have to be the most compassion that you can show toward your fellow man.
Thank you so much for making that post, it brought a tear to this old fellows eye. We wish you well, keep safe, and we should all pray that lots of rain comes soon, to put out these dreadful fires, and break the drought.
The death toll has been low, I think it remains at four. It would be a lot higher without the dedicated work of Firies. May God bless all of them, and keep them safe.
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Post by Roselyn T on Dec 13, 2019 1:24:31 GMT -5
Thank you @redback and Roselyn T , today I attended a community function and a prominent community member came up and said to me "it's nice to see you not in RFS uniform", it's been 3 1/2 long months of ongoing fires, some days we do not get a break, some of us have worked the fireground for 26 or more hours straight, this is my second day off and one doesn't realise how totally exhausted we have become, we have worked long, long days and nights, mostly in danger, we have met some terrific people, those who lost all, those who had much to lose, we have laughed and cried together, I have witnessed a very highly qualified fire fighter and leader totally break down in fear one night as his crews became totally surrounded by fire and then in tears on a different fire as he was ordered to abandon fighting for a man's residence because it was deemed unsafe to continue by higher up. From the lady that handed me a $20 note to buy drinking water when she knew mine was undrinkable to the one who left their own 2 way radio in their mailbox for me to use and even those that have just squeezed my hand or given me a hug, I am so, so humbled and truly believe most people are truly wonderful. Yes we are volunteers, yes we haven't earned a cent for months, yes we are exhausted, but we have gained so much and have worked in some truly amazing places with equally amazing people and I have been so privileged and love them all. Thank you howitis for all you have done for those in need. It truely has been a bad start to the season. Hope we get some more rain soon. Stay safe x
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Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2019 1:38:24 GMT -5
Acknowledging The Unsung Heroes MAG By Unknown, Unknown, Unknown
In this age where our heroes are sports stars, leading men, and rock idols, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the true unsung heroes: the firemen, the nurses, the sanitation and maintenance people, without whom our lives wouldn't run very smoothly, and wouldn't keep us protected and safe.
How many times have you asked yourself, "Why are they doing that?" Hardly glamorous, hardly good-paying, hardly noticed, they quietly never let us down, and ask for nothing. Their hearts are in the right place, and their sense of humility and humanity should be a lesson to us all.
The risk are immense - be it the coal miner risking his health, the fireman risking his or her life, the AIDS nurse putting her compassion before her caution. God bless them and protect them.
May the years to come bring out more people whose priorities add up to more than the almighty dollar. ?
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Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2019 2:10:20 GMT -5
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Post by howitis on Dec 13, 2019 2:15:34 GMT -5
Hi again @redback, yes it is pretty amazing I often say who would you miss the most the Prime Minister if he went overseas for 3 weeks or the garbage collector if he was absent for 3 weeks...then there are CEO's of big organisations who have pay cheques bigger than they ever really need, and often we don't even know what they do or that they even exist!!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2019 2:39:48 GMT -5
Yes Howitis the unsung heroes like yourself. Whilst you are totally exhausted, you would also feel exhilaration that you have done your best, and your contribution has been worthwhile. That satisfaction brings reward back to you that is good for your health. That is a far better reward than loads of money. There is so much to be gained by giving your life in service to your fellow humans..
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Post by howitis on Dec 13, 2019 4:59:03 GMT -5
I'm no hero @redback, just someone doing a job, at that yes it's rewarding and I urge anyone reading this from Australia to get involved with your State volunteer fire fighting body, even if you can't or don't want to fight fires there are many, many things you can assist with, from holding an office position, like Secretary or Treasurer, to helping operate radios or changing fire danger signs, these are all jobs that need to be done and can free up active fire fighters. You may even be a nominated person people could call on to help evacuate them in a time of need, because fire fighters often don't have time to do that.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2019 5:57:53 GMT -5
Howitis you are too modest. You Firies are unsung heroes. Because of your efforts the death toll is 4, and of course that is tragic. However without Firies it would have been far higher. I do agree people should be active in community activities. My Wife who is not much younger than me, not allowed to tell, is still most active in service to the community. She is involved with Red Cross, Hospital Auxiliary, Teaching at Craft Groups without charge, Presbyterian Op Shop, to name a few. And there are so many other things you can do to help others. Donate blood, volunteer for community working bees, meals on wheels.
Helping others is not only good for them and a good thing to do, it also makes us happier and healthier too. Giving also connects us to others, creating stronger communities and helping to build a happier society for everyone. And it's not all about money - we can also give our time, ideas and energy.
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Post by Roselyn T on Dec 13, 2019 7:37:23 GMT -5
Howitis you are too modest. You Firies are unsung heroes. Because of your efforts the death toll is 4, and of course that is tragic. However without Fires it would have been far higher. I do agree people should be active in community activities. My Wife who is not much younger than me, not allowed to tell, is still most active in service to the community. She is involved with Red Cross, Hospital Auxiliary, Teaching at Craft Groups without charge, Presbyterian Op Shop, to name a few. And there are so many other things you can do to help others. Donate blood, volunteer for community working bees, meals on wheels. Helping others is not only good for them and a good thing to do, it also makes us happier and healthier too. Giving also connects us to others, creating stronger communities and helping to build a happier society for everyone. And it's not all about money - we can also give our time, ideas and energy. Agree 100% @redback !
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Post by Deleted on Dec 18, 2019 1:10:57 GMT -5
News is not good tonight, the whole of the Great Divide is on fire, right from Queensland down to Victoria. More than 100 seperate fires burning, 60 out of control. Temperature in the next 4 days is expected to break the highest temperature record. Also strong winds predicted. We need rain and lots of it, but it does not look likely in the near future
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Post by snow on Dec 18, 2019 13:12:20 GMT -5
News is not good tonight, the whole of the Great Divide is on fire, right from Queensland down to Victoria. More than 100 seperate fires burning, 60 out of control. Temperature in the next 4 days is expected to break the highest temperature record. Also strong winds predicted. We need rain and lots of it, but it does not look likely in the near future So sad for all it impacts.
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Post by sharingtheriches on Dec 18, 2019 16:08:35 GMT -5
Thank you @redback and Roselyn T , today I attended a community function and a prominent community member came up and said to me "it's nice to see you not in RFS uniform", it's been 3 1/2 long months of ongoing fires, some days we do not get a break, some of us have worked the fireground for 26 or more hours straight, this is my second day off and one doesn't realise how totally exhausted we have become, we have worked long, long days and nights, mostly in danger, we have met some terrific people, those who lost all, those who had much to lose, we have laughed and cried together, I have witnessed a very highly qualified fire fighter and leader totally break down in fear one night as his crews became totally surrounded by fire and then in tears on a different fire as he was ordered to abandon fighting for a man's residence because it was deemed unsafe to continue by higher up. From the lady that handed me a $20 note to buy drinking water when she knew mine was undrinkable to the one who left their own 2 way radio in their mailbox for me to use and even those that have just squeezed my hand or given me a hug, I am so, so humbled and truly believe most people are truly wonderful. Yes we are volunteers, yes we haven't earned a cent for months, yes we are exhausted, but we have gained so much and have worked in some truly amazing places with equally amazing people and I have been so privileged and love them all. Thanks to the volunteers and the professionals who work in extreme conditions and extremely long hours. May your health hold up and be strong!
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Post by sharingtheriches on Dec 18, 2019 16:09:31 GMT -5
News is not good tonight, the whole of the Great Divide is on fire, right from Queensland down to Victoria. More than 100 seperate fires burning, 60 out of control. Temperature in the next 4 days is expected to break the highest temperature record. Also strong winds predicted. We need rain and lots of it, but it does not look likely in the near future This is so sad and hardship on dear people.
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Post by sharingtheriches on Dec 18, 2019 16:15:15 GMT -5
Acknowledging The Unsung Heroes MAG By Unknown, Unknown, Unknown In this age where our heroes are sports stars, leading men, and rock idols, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the true unsung heroes: the firemen, the nurses, the sanitation and maintenance people, without whom our lives wouldn't run very smoothly, and wouldn't keep us protected and safe. How many times have you asked yourself, "Why are they doing that?" Hardly glamorous, hardly good-paying, hardly noticed, they quietly never let us down, and ask for nothing. Their hearts are in the right place, and their sense of humility and humanity should be a lesson to us all. The risk are immense - be it the coal miner risking his health, the fireman risking his or her life, the AIDS nurse putting her compassion before her caution. God bless them and protect them. May the years to come bring out more people whose priorities add up to more than the almighty dollar. ? When the crunch is on people, I still find myself wishing I had it to be able to withstand hour upon hour of hard work in order to just help others, but I know I’d just be in the way and add to other people’s problems! To me that’s heartbreaking after having spent ones whole life doing the their best to saves lives.
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Post by Pragmatic on Dec 18, 2019 17:09:06 GMT -5
News is not good tonight, the whole of the Great Divide is on fire, right from Queensland down to Victoria. More than 100 seperate fires burning, 60 out of control. Temperature in the next 4 days is expected to break the highest temperature record. Also strong winds predicted. We need rain and lots of it, but it does not look likely in the near future Just saw that heat wave records could be broken......
Not sure who all are Aussies on this board, but thinking of you all, and especially if you're NSW or Queensland based. I saw the bush fire haze recently while in Sydney, and believe it is even worse now. I talked to someone two days ago from Sydney at a meeting in Auckland, and he showed me his jacket which had stains from what seemed to be ash that rained on him. He said that air pollution levels were now very high as well.
At times we get the haze drifting over to us, making for some spectacular sunsets.
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Post by sharingtheriches on Dec 18, 2019 17:53:20 GMT -5
My heart feels for those with respiratory problems! Bless their hearts!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 18, 2019 17:53:26 GMT -5
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Post by howitis on Dec 19, 2019 2:45:32 GMT -5
More homes lost!!! More fires that cannot be contained!! More days of heat!! May those that seek refuge be able to find it, at the end of the day houses can be rebuilt....lives matter, fire fighting in extreme heat is no walk in the park, may there be those able to help when exhaustion sets in and may the loss of life be nil to both residents and firies.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 19, 2019 2:46:52 GMT -5
More homes lost!!! More fires that cannot be contained!! More days of heat!! May those that seek refuge be able to find it, at the end of the day houses can be rebuilt....lives matter, fire fighting in extreme heat is no walk in the park, may there be those able to help when exhaustion sets in and may the loss of life be nil to both residents and firies. sorry to hear that.....
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Post by dmmichgood on Dec 19, 2019 3:08:18 GMT -5
More homes lost!!! More fires that cannot be contained!! More days of heat!! May those that seek refuge be able to find it, at the end of the day houses can be rebuilt....lives matter, fire fighting in extreme heat is no walk in the park, may there be those able to help when exhaustion sets in and may the loss of life be nil to both residents and firies. I was just hearing on world news just how terrible the heat & fires are there now.
I do hope you will have some relief soon.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 19, 2019 3:40:19 GMT -5
More homes lost!!! More fires that cannot be contained!! More days of heat!! May those that seek refuge be able to find it, at the end of the day houses can be rebuilt....lives matter, fire fighting in extreme heat is no walk in the park, may there be those able to help when exhaustion sets in and may the loss of life be nil to both residents and firies. We are thinking of you here in N.Z. It’s terribly stressful for everyone concerned in Australia. Your days are so hot! We will continue to watch for updates. Take care.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 19, 2019 5:02:25 GMT -5
More homes lost!!! More fires that cannot be contained!! More days of heat!! May those that seek refuge be able to find it, at the end of the day houses can be rebuilt....lives matter, fire fighting in extreme heat is no walk in the park, may there be those able to help when exhaustion sets in and may the loss of life be nil to both residents and firies. Howitis, you firies are sure doing it tough, when will it end. More extreme weather expected on Saturday. You keep safe, we love you, and need you, and indeed all firies. We feel for Five firefighters who were injured today, with three taken to hospital suffering serious burn injuries after their crew was "enveloped by fire" near the Bargo area, south west of Sydney. Do hope they have a good recovery. Bargo is getting down your way isn't it. Since the start of the season the ongoing bushfires have destroyed 684 homes as well as 48 facilities and more than 2000 outbuildings in New South Wales. Almost 250 homes have been damaged.
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Post by howitis on Dec 19, 2019 5:08:13 GMT -5
More homes lost!!! More fires that cannot be contained!! More days of heat!! May those that seek refuge be able to find it, at the end of the day houses can be rebuilt....lives matter, fire fighting in extreme heat is no walk in the park, may there be those able to help when exhaustion sets in and may the loss of life be nil to both residents and firies. Howitis, you firies are sure doing it tough, when will it end. More extreme weather expected on Saturday. You keep safe, we love you, and need you, and indeed all firies. We feel for Five firefighters who were injured today, with three taken to hospital suffering serious burn injuries after their crew was "enveloped by fire" near the Bargo area, south west of Sydney. Do hope they have a good recovery. Bargo is getting down your way isn't it. Since the start of the season the ongoing bushfires have destroyed 684 homes as well as 48 facilities and more than 2000 outbuildings in New South Wales. Almost 250 homes have been damaged. Thanks @redback, yes its ongoing and relentless today was terrible, and I'm really not looking forward to Saturday. It's a bad one that one south west of Sydney....lots of homes in the firing line
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Post by Deleted on Dec 19, 2019 5:29:10 GMT -5
The death toll from the fires still remains at four. Let us hope and pray that no more precious lives are lost. The low toll is due to the Herculean effort of the Firies.
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