The good, the sad and the ugly

Emotions and reactions revealed through Victoria’s wildfires

By Ramon Williams
Special for ASSIST News Service

Friday, February 13, 2009

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA (ANS) -- As reports continue to flood in, surprising acts of generosity, people’s raw feelings and unworthy behaviour have all come to the fore. It has taken Australia’s worst natural disaster to expose what a wide range of people we have in this community.

THE GOOD

International support has flooded in, showing that others care. US President Barack Obama has telephoned Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to offer his prayers for the people of Victoria, and the nation, suffering from the deadliest bushfire on record.

"President Obama said that we should know in Australia that the prayers of himself, his wife Michelle, their family and of the American people are with the people of Victoria, people of Australia," Mr Rudd told parliament.

Prayer services throughout the nation have shown support and concern for the victims, their families, the survivors, the emergency workers and even the arsonists!

Her Excellency, Governor Marie Bashir photo Ramon Williams

St Philip’s Anglican Church, York Street, held a Special Service on Thursday at 1.00pm, led by the new Rector even before he was inducted into the position! The Rev Justin Moffatt arrived from New York to take up the position at St Philip’s, Church Hill, but his first priority was to lead a prayer service for the victims of the fires. Twenty people came in during their lunch break, to think of others Natasha Percy of the Anglican Media Sydney writes that the parish of Whittlesea, which includes the Kinglake church building burnt to the ground last Saturday, has reportedly been overwhelmed with donations, which first filled their op shop, and then their church building and hall.

“This community spirit doesn’t really surprise me. Everyone has been touched by this tragedy in some way but here in Whittlesea everyone knew someone who has either lost their life or their property, or who had miraculously escaped the flames,” Whittlesea vicar, the Rev Stephen Holmes said.

“What we are trying to do here is provide not just a short term focus but a longer term assistance program. We want to ensure that survivors and their families are not forgotten. One idea is an educational fund to provide ongoing financial support for the children. The media will move on from this story but we will be around as a supportive and caring Anglican Community well into the future.”

St John’s Diamond Creek has become the third depot in the area for receiving clothing and food, and is also arranging teams of volunteers to help at the relief centre as they are needed.

A convoy of 12 semi-trailers is on its way to the areas, filled with clothing, bedding and household items, to help the new homeless start again.

Many appeals are requesting money instead of such items, but as people have said, “we have no money to give but we do have household items we can do without.” Good has certainly come through this situation.

THE SAD

While the death toll still officially remains at 181, warnings have been issued, telling the public to prepare for a rise in the number of dead. Christine Nixon, Victoria’s police commissioner, cautioned “I’m not prepared to say 300 [victims] but the people from the coroner’s office have prepared for that many,” she said.

Known memorial services are being planned for Bian Tan of Betel Australia, Marysville and David Stokes, a committee member of OAC (Open Air Campaigners) Ministries.

Betel UK Director Kebt Martin writes: Bian Tan served faithfully and sacrificially with Betel for many
years in Spain and Australia. We know she is safely with the Lord. Please remember her family, and the team in their courageous efforts to rebuild.

Betel assistant director, Lindsay McKenzie writes: Bian's family have chosen to hold a private memorial service for her family and close friends. Lindsay McKenzie, daughter Rebeca and the Betel Australia survivors will attend.

David Stokes courtesy OAC Ministries

David Stokes was a regular at the Wallan Gateway Church and taught religious education at the Whittlesea Primary School for more than 20 years. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday February 17, 10.00 am at the Diamond Valley Baptist Church. David is survived by his wife Jenice and their children Stephen, Julie, Anthony and Matthew and four grandchildren.

More than 1800 homes have been lost and more are at risk as authorities warn Victorians to prepare for another two weeks of bushfire threats. Emergency Services Commissioner Bruce Esplin confirmed that 1831 homes have been lost in Victoria's devastating blazes - almost double the 1069 counted previously. Truly a sad situation.

THE UGLY

Police Commissioner Christine Nixon has confirmed that several people have been charged with looting offences in the wake of Victoria's bushfires.
Police have charged two people with stealing money raised for Victorian bushfire victims. A 36-year-old man is accused of breaking in to Ferny Creek Primary School, east of Melbourne, and stealing cash and checks worth several thousand dollars that had been collected for bushfire victims.

Meanwhile, a 16-year-old has been charged over the theft of a bushfire appeal charity tin from a McDonald's restaurant on Wednesday.

The disaster has resulted in the exposure of people’s innermost character. Some for good – some for bad. Meanwhile, churches are pressing on, giving encouragement, love and concern – living out the love of the Lord.

Ramon Williams is an Australian photographer and journalist living in Sydney, Australia. His aim is "To tell others what others are doing for the Lord". His ministry is known as Worldwide Photos - The Religious Media Agency, PO Box 494, Padstow NSW 2211, Australia; rlgmedia@ozemail.com.au