*DONATE NOW* to the Stampboards AUSTRALIAN BUSHFIRES APPEAL

Global Administrator · Post by **Global Administrator** » 06 Jan 2020 02:47

Flyboxfan wrote:Sorry, not manage to do proper introduction yet. But I will eventually.

Donations made via Paypal.

What a first post.

Got both of Flyboxfans generous donations during the week.

PMK-GVnut · Post by **PMK-GVnut** » 06 Jan 2020 23:15

Donation sent via PayPal.

My wife and I have been watching the devastation on the BBC and really feel for you guys.

Our thoughts are with you all.

Ubobo.R.O. · Post by **Ubobo.R.O.** » 07 Jan 2020 10:53

MATTHEW ABBOTT PHOTO.

Global Administrator · Post by **Global Administrator** » 07 Jan 2020 12:59

Another $500 donated by members via PayPal submissions up to today. We are well over $5,000 when the donated Auction goods are added in.

Can't log-in to my bank account to check on any new bank donations as due to the cr*p Internet in Nepal that keeps dropping out, as I ''exceeded my log-in attempts'' they say! And I now need to phone bank from Australia, to re-set it.

Glen

MargoZ · Post by **MargoZ** » 07 Jan 2020 21:41

This week this map was published to indicate the relative size of Australia landmass to that of the lower 48 USA.

The fire icons indicate all the fires in Australia in 2019 - the icons are rather large so it is a bit misleading but is does indicate the pattern of fire.

Australia — 7 692 024 Km²
USA — 7 653 174 Km² (without Alaska)

Allanswood · Post by **Allanswood** » 07 Jan 2020 23:19

Yes, whatever was green and forrested is on fire or near a fire.

The combined area burnt out Aus wide now about the size of the UK.

I would like to think the 2 cyclones forming (the first 2 for this season!) will then break down and send a cloud of streaming rain down through the centre and sweep across NSW and upper Vic around next Sunday/Monday, thus ending the current events with about 40-50mm of rain.

norvic · Post by **norvic** » 08 Jan 2020 00:41

Fingers crossed, Greg.

bazza4338 · Post by **bazza4338** » 08 Jan 2020 04:42

https://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/?ref=ftr

eharper · Post by **eharper** » 08 Jan 2020 14:40

Donation sent. --- Edward

Allanswood · Post by **Allanswood** » 08 Jan 2020 23:38

Superheroes don't always wear capes.

Global Administrator · Post by **Global Administrator** » 10 Jan 2020 01:48

The Philatelic Traders Society (PTS) in London, of which I have been a member for decades, kindly emailed members today, drawing their attention to this fundraiser.

Stamp dealers globally strongly supported the Burma Cyclone Appeal, and I am sure many will follow suit here - a very generous bunch. 8)

ALL readers are reminded of the mouth watering array of VERY generously donated material to this Charity by members here - most of them closing for bids in a day or two - DO take a look and bid generously -

https://www.stampboards.com/viewforum.php?f=27

Members have donated valuable stamps with 100% of proceeds going to the Bushire Effort - a superb four margin 1d Black, VFU Australia 1932 5/- Harbour Bridge, stunning Margin Mint Tasmania 10/- BLOCK 4 of QV, KGV 1d Harrison imprint block etc, etc. Stamps everyone can use, and by buying them, ALL the funds go to the appeal.

My aim is to raise over $10,000 from the Stamp Community and pass that as it comes in direct to the Salvation Army division offering NATIONAL support to those affected.

Sadly, this crisis is not even remotely over - indeed January 10 is tipped to be possibly the worst day yet nationally, with searing 40C+/105F+ Temps in many states, and strong winds, in key Bushfire locations -

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jan/09/austr ... s-to-merge

Glen

gmoney · Post by **gmoney** » 10 Jan 2020 02:11

Just a note to say that I have donated $50 to the Salvation Army Appeal.

Global Administrator · Post by **Global Administrator** » 11 Jan 2020 14:27

Another $500 donated 5 minutes ago.

The first of our donated stamps Auctions just ended courtesy Lakatoi4 raising a terrific top bid of $420 - many thanks to all generous bidders.

Many more auctions ending this weekend - please bid generously and get some lovely stamps, knowing every cent goes to the Salvation Army Bushfire Appeal!

https://www.stampboards.com/viewforum.php?f=27

Brusden-White have generously donated several copies of the KGV, KGVI and Kangaroos Specialist catalogues to auction - I'll list those up later this afternoon.

Glen

Waffle · Post by **Waffle** » 11 Jan 2020 15:21

Glen, a marvellous effort from you and everyone who has donated money, goods etc for the benefit of those who have lost everything and those trying to prevent more, from following suit. As a Lion, involved in many types of fund raising for charity, I am constantly amazed at the generosity of people and especially the Australian public.

I had donated directly to The Salvation Army before I became aware of your efforts. I have just received my superannuation pension and another donation has gone as well. My wife and I grow plants and trees. Currently all proceeds from their sale goes to the bushfire appeal. Puffin and I have sent a load of material to a local arts& crafts group to be made into joey pouches/bags for injured animals.

We are all getting together to help AMAP.

Global Administrator · Post by **Global Administrator** » 12 Jan 2020 23:32

The donations continue to roll in. 8)

One large donor politely asked if his contribution could go to Red Cross as that is his preferred charity, and I could see no reason not to - they also do a superb job, and have a dedicated Bushire support team, and I requested this go donation to them - so his wish is done.

Many thanks to all - lets keep it rolling. Very many $1000s raised so far.

Glen

norvic · Post by **norvic** » 13 Jan 2020 03:44

Global Administrator wrote:
One large donor politely asked if his contribution could go to Red Cross as that is his preferred charity, and I could see no reason not to - they also do a superb job, and have a dedicated Bushire support team, and I requested this go donation to them - so his wish is done.

Glen

I keep typing that when I mean bushfire - isn't that one of the famous uglies that the drum keeps being banged for?

Global Administrator · Post by **Global Administrator** » 13 Jan 2020 14:25

OK, the Fundraiser rolls on.

Up to here we had $4,750 donated - as per the receipts above.

We had a group of generously donated stamp auctions complete in recent days so the funds received from them, has allowed this following $2,000 donation -

And there is close on $1000 in funds from there, still to show in my bank account, or be cleared by PayPal etc, or paid by buyers in any way, that I'll post the donation for tomorrow, taking us to $7,750 when that occurs.

All this has chewed up 20 or more hours of time over 2 weeks with emails chasing funds, updating and creating listings, dealing with 100 queries, etc, etc, but good to see our generous members have stepped forward once again for a superb cause.

My mental target from the onset was at least $10,000 to made a real contribution, and we are nearing that fast at $7,750, when the accumulating $1000 owed, is passed on to Salvation Army tomorrow. 8)

Many thanks to the donors and buyers from recent donated goods auctions being - CMJ, RobRoyH, AndrewWalker, emason, Satsuma, Norvic, Lakatoi4, Anichat, Browny, W5LDY, Towradji, AMark, librarianc, Makielb, Asmodeous, ausman1000, Kennethsequeira, Gavin-H, MrSamoa, Big Saint, John6625, DanYeung, Chzug1291, Agondocz, pampstamp - hope I forgot no-one - please let me know if I have. 8)

Glen

Global Administrator · Post by **Global Administrator** » 13 Jan 2020 14:43

These bushfires are still raging. There massive one have joined up in Victoria. There will be help needed for ages yet, as the Bushfire season has JUST started.

I hoped we would get to $10,000 and even $15,000 is VERY possible with a team effort.

And taking a lead from the generous members above, please donate something to the appeal via auctions here, or bid on the material that has been donated and is yet to complete.

Brusden-White kindly mailed me today a carton of 16 x new ACSC Catalogues retail $1300 - we need at least 16 bids, and I am shipping them domestically FREE - so ALL readers can use one of these -

https://www.stampboards.com/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=89152

Glen

Allanswood · Post by **Allanswood** » 13 Jan 2020 15:22

Opera House lights up with a thank you to the Firies.

Allanswood · Post by **Allanswood** » 13 Jan 2020 15:42

Allanswood wrote:Yes, whatever was green and forrested is on fire or near a fire.

The combined area burnt out Aus wide now about the size of the UK.

I would like to think the 2 cyclones forming (the first 2 for this season!) will then break down and send a cloud of streaming rain down through the centre and sweep across NSW and upper Vic around next Sunday/Monday, thus ending the current events with about 40-50mm of rain.

My naked rain dance is a little late, the cyclone wont make up its mind but it has grown larger, which could mean more rain headed our way. I think their saying Thu/Fri. Must go wash the car and make sure...

BOM predicted rain after Cyclone disperses this week

Uppercanadian · Post by **Uppercanadian** » 14 Jan 2020 11:56

Hi Glen,

This is a great idea - thank you for all of your work!

My 11-year old daughter Sophia, is a huge fan of the Koala. It is her very favourite animal, which say a lot for someone who wants to be a zoologist one day! Her dream is to move to Australia, but she is pressuring us to at least take a trip there very soon, so she can go Sydney Zoo and hold a Koala.

Anyway, she is heartbroken over the fires in Australia, and is donating all of the money she has. We have sent it via Paypal.

Sophia thanks you for your generosity and time in doing this for Australia (and the Koalas)!

Allanswood · Post by **Allanswood** » 14 Jan 2020 12:56

For some reason, certain states, including NSW, don't allow you to hold or touch a Koala. Other states do. So it would be a good idea to check around as a quick look pointed me to Steve Irwins Australia Zoo in QLD which does allow a "Koala Cuddle".

Taronga Zoo in Sydney, has "encounters" with Koala's and photo ops, (also has a meet a baby Koala and help the zookeepers experience), but you can't hold or touch them.

MargoZ · Post by **MargoZ** » 14 Jan 2020 20:45

'What a lovely, lovely contribution from Sophie. You must be very proud of her, Upper Canadian.
Best wishes with her zoology ambitions and big hugs from Australia!

Global Administrator · Post by **Global Administrator** » 14 Jan 2020 21:54

Yoo Hoo ... another $1000 donated to Salvation Army today.

Enormous thanks to all those who assisted. 8)

We will easily get to that $10,000 target I am sure.

Glen

bazza4338 · Post by **bazza4338** » 15 Jan 2020 04:34

Allanswood wrote:For some reason, certain states, including NSW, don't allow you to hold or touch a Koala. Other states do. So it would be a good idea to check around as a quick look pointed me to Steve Irwins Australia Zoo in QLD which does allow a "Koala Cuddle".

Taronga Zoo in Sydney, has "encounters" with Koala's and photo ops, (also has a meet a baby Koala and help the zookeepers experience), but you can't hold or touch them.

Allanswood is correct.....

https://www.walkaboutpark.com.au/animals/faq/koala-questions

If you plan to visit Port Douglas, Northern Queensland, you can get a cuddle - north of Cairns - call in on Rod Perry whilst you're there

(Maybe he'll give you a cuddle!)

https://www.wildlifehabitat.com.au/koala-facts-koala-cuddle/

Global Administrator · Post by **Global Administrator** » 15 Jan 2020 18:35

Uppercanadian wrote:Hi Glen,

This is a great idea - thank you for all of your work!

My 11-year old daughter Sophia, is a huge fan of the Koala. It is her very favourite animal, which say a lot for someone who wants to be a zoologist one day! Her dream is to move to Australia, but she is pressuring us to at least take a trip there very soon, so she can go Sydney Zoo and hold a Koala.

Anyway, she is heartbroken over the fires in Australia, and is donating all of the money she has. We have sent it via Paypal.

Sophia thanks you for your generosity and time in doing this for Australia (and the Koalas)!

Wonderful generosity folks.

Sophia's support with her life savings (it was quite a lot - Sophia must be a real keen saver, or Dad topped it up!) has seen the fund grow further, as it led directly to this donation below, signed and numbered by the Designer, that is already bid up to $100 on day #1. 8)

https://www.stampboards.com/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=89184

At lunchtime I mailed off 11 year old Sophia her hand signed hand numbered $6 Koala sheet I donated, and added in BOTH the 1995 Australia Koala sheets too, the normal and the one overprinted by Australia Post for the China Exhibition 1995.

As Sophia is aiming to be a zoologist, I added a range of Zoo based stamps as franking, that were laying about my junk yard of a "desk" - a couple of KOALA stamps, a Kangaroo, Blue Mountains Tree Frog, Barking Owl, Kookaburras, Leadbeater's Possum, and a gorgeous Dull OakBlue Butterfly.

We might start up another new stamp collector here! Anyone with other Koala or ozzie animal stamps spare, might like to mail them over too - her full address on my cover below.

Added the same sized Panda mini sheet too, which I always thought was cute! (And I spy a Panda toy on the shelf behind Sophie!) We were in Chengdu China last week actually, and the Panda Research Station there is quite astounding.

DOZENS of Pandas running about, climbing trees, rolling about playing, and chowing down on baskets of Bamboo shoots, only yards away from you. It opens out onto the high western mountains, and wild Pandas come down too.

Glen

Global Administrator · Post by **Global Administrator** » 15 Jan 2020 20:09

Added this $250 below, that arrived today as a separate donation. as it neatly takes us up to $8,000 round figure donated!

WELL on the way to the $10,000 I always thought was a bare minimum.

Back-story is, it is from a buddy of Norvic in the UK, whose excellent blog gave this appeal a plug. Donor prefers to stay anonymous - indeed he was a member here, was a bit miffed at being reminded of some rule or other at the onset, and did not post further.

He now promises he will grow a thicker skin, and give it another go.

Hope so, and many thanks for his great generosity. 8)

Norvic is up to over 18,000 posts, and we have banged heads many times here over 13 years but amazingly both have survived it perfectly intact. 8) 8)

stampboards is a true global COMMUNITY. Like any family of 21,000 individuals, a few disagreements will always occur. C'est la vie.

Glen

Waffle · Post by **Waffle** » 16 Jan 2020 09:27

Heartiest congratulations to Glen and Debbie, not forgetting the many generous donors (TOO numerous to mention individually).

A superb job and very well done! Credit where credit is due.

amfhf1 · Post by **amfhf1** » 16 Jan 2020 10:57

Just sent a small donation can not believe the devastation I have seen on the news.

gmoney · Post by **gmoney** » 18 Jan 2020 02:04

Another $50 donated a few days ago, haven't had time to post here before now.

gmoney · Post by **gmoney** » 18 Jan 2020 02:09

From an internal Salvation Army communication I received earlier this week:

To date, we have delivered relief and support aid of more than $5 million to affected communities across Australia.

Our National Disaster Appeal, launched in November 2019, has raised in excess of $40 million which will be used to serve communities in hardship over the weeks and years to come. Further significant pledges have also been made.

Since our Salvation Army Emergency Services were activated in September 2019, we have provided services and support at more than 165 evacuation centres across the country. More than 225,000 meals have been prepared and served and over 115,000 light refreshments provided to first responders and evacuees.

Our Community Engagement and Emergency Services teams are now working with federal, state and local partners in disaster response and recovery plans to map out the steps ahead. The vast majority of funds raised by The Salvation Army will support the long term recovery needs of individuals and communities impacted by the bushfires.

YellowBelly · Post by **YellowBelly** » 18 Jan 2020 20:46

Pleased to have made a contribution.

This is going to be the crunch time for many of our ozzy friends. Some rain arrives and some relief is experienced. However, this is when the global media go to news elsewhere and communities and families are left alone and start to come to terms with what they've experienced and lost.

So this is the time to make sure the worst affected victims and incredible volunteers are made to feel supported in my opinion.

Keep up the good work Sheriff.

doug2222usa · Post by **doug2222usa** » 19 Jan 2020 15:42

A third donation on its way in a moment, a chance to banish all the Euros

out of my PayPal account. Glen, you should get 3 old covers (for auction or sale, as you see fit) this week, retain 100% of proceeds.

norvic · Post by **norvic** » 20 Jan 2020 03:20

Dealers at today's Arun Stamps Fair in Norwich contributed £25 which I shall pay over soon. I think the PayPal account is a bit dry at the moment.

Global Administrator · Post by **Global Administrator** » 20 Jan 2020 14:05

Thanks for the ongoing fundraising folks. Doug's and Norvic's multiple donations keep the tally ticking along!

All members hopefully will add to the Fundraising Auctions running here -

Glen

DarrenK · Post by **DarrenK** » 22 Jan 2020 14:41

I was asked to add these comments on Black Saturday that I had posted in an auction thread here:

It is a great thing to be in a position to help others and it has its own rewards to both the recipient and the givers.

It is good to see the stamp community getting behind the funds and the money being passed on quickly.

Everyone has different needs after the fires. I had a young guy working part time for me on that faithful Saturday morning. His parents lived on a rural property at Clonbinaine and he was doing a course and was living in Taggerty during the week. We stood on the front steps of the shop and saw the first clouds of smoke as the fire started. Another staff member was sitting in the fire station ready to roll. They received the call very quickly and were rolling within minutes of the call out. It was out of control by the time they arrived.

Martin lost the house he was renting in Taggerty and his parents lost their house as well. They were extremely lucky to survive as one of their cars went up in their garage while an older car started to melt in their driveway. They hid behind another shed and watched their house burn to the ground. The older car was able to be started and they managed to get out. All the plastic on the car was melted. They were exceptionally lucky but their cool heads in the emergency probably saved their lives.

Martin was left with the clothes on his back and his car. Everything else he had was gone. He was one of many people I knew that were devastated that day. Martin worked for me for the next 10 years and actually took on the service side of my business when I retired in late 2018.

I met many people and heard many stories of remarkable survival as well as tragic losses. One of my clients was a major health organisation that was tasked with supplying counselling and case workers for the community. I had to install and configure about 60 extra computers in their main offices and set up equipment and communication in Marysville and Kinglake. Both these towns and areas were devastated. I had to drive into those areas before they were opened to the public and the images still stay with me today. I drove from Marysville to Kinglake along a road that was normally a beautiful bush drive (through Narbethong on the Maroondah Highway) but on this day was a devastated landscape with twisted wreckage of houses and in fact whole towns. I will never forget that day for so many reasons.

One of the earliest things we supplied to people were wheel barrows, rakes and shovels. They were coming back to their blocks and wanted to see what they could find. We had the scouts assembling the wheel barrows and I loaded up my 4x4 ute and trailer and drove into Kinglake, Wandong, Heathcote Junction and areas in between delivering the goods directly to the residents that had started to filter back in. We talked to them and offered support. We found out what else they needed and then went about organising what was needed. I can also still remember the reactions of many of the people. Tears in their eyes as they realised that they were not alone.

There are many stories from many people and those stories went on for many years. The current fires have opened many sores that people had hoped had gone away. I have a good idea of the journey that the current fires victims (which many don't like to be called) are about to embark on. My ex wife (Heather Knight with Catherine Turnbull) produced a book called "The Long Way Home" (ISBN 978-0-646-94944-4) which contains many first hand stories. For many reasons, I have never read it.

It is a lesson that was never learnt.

https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/7046853

Please give generously, as it's all we can do from a distance, to help.

Darren

Global Administrator · Post by **Global Administrator** » 23 Jan 2020 12:45

Another $500 donated today and it is going direct to the front line Salvation Army emergency response teams - so essential as Darren so poignantly outlines above from First Hand experience.

All members hopefully will add to the Fundraising Auctions -

Get a free Brusden-White ACSC volume or set - if we get bids on all these we raise another $1000-$1500 - WIN-WIN all round.

https://www.stampboards.com/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=89152

And get ''Stamp News'' mailed a year, and see every cent go to the Fund -

https://www.stampboards.com/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=89152

And many others ...............

We will sail past the long anticipated $10,000 target when those get paid up - so add your bids NOW folks. 8)

Glen

gmoney · Post by **gmoney** » 24 Jan 2020 03:49

Latest update from The Salvation Army released this afternoon :

The Salvation Army’s response to the national bushfire disaster is in its fourth month. To date, we have distributed 80 per cent ($8.4m) of the $11m in funds that has been received. Over $43m has been pledged to The Salvation Army since launching our Disaster Appeal on 9 November 2019.

Money that has been raised during this period will be spent or committed by June 2020 to the immediate and longer-term recovery of those affected by the 2019/2020 bushfires.

The Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) teams have been active in the bushfire crisis since September 2019 with more than 3000 staff and volunteers active. We have provided over 250,000 meals and over 240,000 light refreshments and personal packs to first responders and evacuees.

Our personnel and mobile units continue to remain on the ground, providing immediate financial and emotional assistance, a hand of friendship or a listening ear. Twenty six staff are currently supervising a dedicated telephone line for financial assistance and have assisted 2,850 people.

We thank the Australian community for its support. Our Community Engagement and Emergency Services teams are continuing to work with federal, state and local partners in disaster response and recovery plans to map out the steps ahead.

- Secretary for Communications, Lt. Col. Neil Venables

norvic · Post by **norvic** » 24 Jan 2020 04:20

They seem to be doing better than the Red + and other agencies who have been criticised for not distributing funds to the needy quickly enough.

Global Administrator · Post by **Global Administrator** » 25 Jan 2020 02:49

Thanks for all the help to Sophie folks!

Her story is the lead front cover article on the new Feb 4-17 Edition of Canadian Stamp News - in a nice story well written by Jesse Robitaille (a new member here!) who I contacted with all the details.

https://trajansites.ca/csn/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/01/CSNV4421-Feb4.20.pdf

The full text of the story is here -

https://trajansites.ca/csn/young-ontario-girl-donates-life-s ... -bushfires

Heart-warming story, and thanks to all those who have donated and who have also kindly mailed stamp goodies to kick along Sophia's stamp collection! Photos of what she has been sent is here -

https://www.stampboards.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=89203

All touched on in my Stamp News and Philatelic Exporter (UK) articles this month -

https://glenstephens.com/snfebruary20.html

Let's keep it moving along.

Glen

Global Administrator · Post by **Global Administrator** » 28 Jan 2020 00:07

Well done folks - another $1000 donated now, and that takes us to $10,000, and more funds still to arrive, from recent donated sales.

Glen

Global Administrator · Post by **Global Administrator** » 29 Jan 2020 15:31

Payments keep rolling in, and keep it up folks as things have quietened down lately and luckily some donated Auctions have just ended - this weekend will see 37C/100F type temps in many States and the Fires are still burning - we need ONGOING help with donations.

Have YOU donated here in some way? MOST members have not.

DarrenK · Post by **DarrenK** » 04 Feb 2020 12:26

If you want to get an idea of what the fires are like, watch this Four Corners episode.

https://www.facebook.com/abc4corners/videos/227221148277549/

Unbelievable!

ausman1000 · Post by **ausman1000** » 04 Feb 2020 13:07

Check out the video that DarrenK above linked to at the 35:50 mark. Kangaroo leaping into Mallacoota lake with steam coming off it. Nature doing what it has to to survive.

Global Administrator · Post by **Global Administrator** » 09 Feb 2020 23:16

Recent donations and Auctions have got up near to another $500 and about $1000 to arrive into account, via generous donated stamps and generous member bidding!

norvic · Post by **norvic** » 10 Feb 2020 22:54

Following my leaflet drop at York Stamp Show (and again at Liverpool this stormy weekend) the story has been picked up by Stamp Magazine. The last line wasn't my wording, it was what I put on the leaflet to consolidate UK PayPal donations.

Being a pictorial magazine the article was accompanied by a picture of a firie trying to control a fire.

Global Administrator · Post by **Global Administrator** » 12 Feb 2020 08:27

Thanks Ian ..... well done.

My ever ambitious aim was to donate at LEAST $10,000 to where it was needed, and we are PAST there already, and more pledged monies are still to arrive!

All members interested in assisting, are asked to PayPal anything at all they can spare, to me at - admin [at] stampboards dot com - or for those with no PayPal account, direct to my bank account (by far the most preferred for oz donors) - 032199 - 824096 (where the first 6 digits are the 'BSB' number.)

Not everyone has PayPal, so I can also accept donations via ANY credit card, even Amex, and I bear all card merchant fees. Use http://tinyurl.com/GlenOrder and mark there as "Bushfire Donation"

Global Administrator · Post by **Global Administrator** » 13 Feb 2020 23:05

The donations keep building - thanks to our generous members -

Somerset · Post by **Somerset** » 18 Feb 2020 20:13

The UK media haven't mentioned the fires for a couple of weeks. Are they under control or has the media focus just shifted.

At the risk of stating the obvious - if a Brit donates an Australian dollar to the appeal, you are only giving 50p. I'm going to have to donate again as I hadn't realised.

Global Administrator · Post by **Global Administrator** » 18 Feb 2020 20:18

Somerset wrote:The UK media haven't mentioned the fires for a couple of weeks. Are they under control or has the media focus just shifted.

At the risk of stating the obvious - if a Brit donates an Australian dollar to the appeal, you are only giving 50p. I'm going to have to donate again as I hadn't realised.

Somerset -- there are still fires, and luckily scattered rains have given respite in some, but not all, areas.

Vast areas of this massive continent still are as dry as they were before Xmas, and we have 2 months of bushfire season ahead.

TV News tonight stated about one third of the large NSW Koala population has been wiped out in the past 2 months.

We are on the cusp on making donation $12,500 this week, so all help is gratefully appreciated, in ANY currency!

Glen