yes Stephen

It is an horrific situation - and expected to last for some time (maybe months) until finally under control and out. Many people have now lost their homes (over 1000 homes and structures) and most of their possessions and unfortunately an increasing number have lost their lives many of them "in the line of duty" as firefighters- and that toll is expected to climb over time. Some small towns here in Victoria have been all but wiped out and the situation in NSW is just as bad - probably worse

Fortunately i am well away from the affected areas although i know them well.

My thoughts are also with the people affected and I am heartened by the response of the community and business in providing assistance. For example my local coffee shop opened on Christmas day, everyone working there volunteered their time and they donated all but $1 per cup of coffee to the fire relief services. Combined with donations the customers left there as well that shop raised over $2000 for the relief effort on a day that they would have otherwise been closed for the holiday.