East Gippsland Fires.

[Digger]

A bigger crew coming back this morning apparently so I’ll get out and swing a chainsaw myself for a while too.

Insurance on the farm shed and contents was in the bank last night, hopefully the new tractor will be here in a couple of days. I need to buy a hydraulic splitter today if I can and at least order a new slasher. I have a shitload of wood to split after this weekends activities!

Once again things are moving fast in downtown Sarsfield.

[happyas]

Great to hear Digger. Are your neighbours getting the same support.? I imagine that they are. Does the support extend to councilling as well if required? I guess material requirements would have to come first.

[spider25160]

Have I told you how proud I am to be an Aussie?

It is times like these makes us all proud to be Aussie and I for one would be among the volunteers if it were possible Unfortunately I have to settle for donating a few bucks to help out.

[Digger]

Great to hear Digger. Are your neighbours getting the same support.? I imagine that they are. Does the support extend to councilling as well if required? I guess material requirements would have to come first.

Hi Larry, there is much support generally and my neighbours have also benefited from that. The 25 people that have been working so hard for the last couple of days are the Veterans Support group. All prior members of the ADF and it was my call for help to the RSL that bought them to us.

As an aside, a better bunch of boys and girls you would be hard pressed to find. They referred to me as “family” and I realise that they are right, we really all have so much in common and there is an immediate bond! Any ex service personnel out there that want to contribute to the community I guarantee that this is a very worthwhile thing to do. Conversely, if you are ex ADF and you need help
they will be there for you.

At every level you are offered counselling, are you alright, do you need money, do you need food, anything at all. I’ve said before that all levels of government are incredible and criticism in social media is uninformed bullshit!

[Digger]

Have I told you how proud I am to be an Aussie?

It is times like these makes us all proud to be Aussie and I for one would be among the volunteers if it were possible Unfortunately I have to settle for donating a few bucks to help out.

Thanks Dave, we all do what we can.

I’ve never found it easy to take assistance but now I have no choice. It’s obvious from watching these wonderful people in action just how much pleasure they get from helping and there is a great camaraderie too.

I’ve learned some lessons, mainly sometimes you have to let people help as they want to just the same as you do, and it gives them much pleasure.

Yes we’ve had a pretty big setback, but there have been many wonderful positive experiences too.

[Digger]

Finally back home as power was connected today, 19 days after we evacuated.

It’s nice to be in our own home even if surrounded by desolation! 42 houses in Sarsfield no longer exist!

However home is where the tractor is~

[Jacko]

We had 15 ex servicemen & women here today dropping dangerous trees and cutting them up for firewood. They are coming back tomorrow with more people tomorrow.

I started to thank them and was cut off with “Its alright Rob, we’re happy to do it for family?” Ex service family that is.

Have I told you how proud I am to be an Aussie?

The Commeraderie of the ADF & ex ADF is magnificent.
I know that they were fighting the fires and supporting the bushfire relief long before the Govt announced extra reservists would be called in.
Glad to hear that your "family mates" are keeping up the tradition at Sarsfield & particularly at your property digger.

[Digger]

Thanks Rob, I fully agree....they were magnificent!

I just felt completely at ease with them like they were long term friends. They understood me and I them. It was something of an awakening for me actually.

OTH I’m going in to pay for my new tractor and implements today, over $30k....ouch!

Insurance hasn’t put that money in yet but the dealer has really looked after me, so I’ll look after him.

[happyas]

really good to hear.

[erik the viking]

OTH I’m going in to pay for my new tractor and implements today, over $30k....ouch!

Insurance hasn’t put that money in yet but the dealer has really looked after me, so I’ll look after him.

Well done Dig. It's a tough call to get back into it so soon.
And after all the procrastinating you initially went through when you were going to get the first tractor.....................
Not hesitating at the dealers offer shows how genuine the deal was and your integrity in not trying to squeeze a bit more. (Hey why not give them a free plug here. They deserve it )
I am in no way involved in this huge disaster throughout Vic, but by golly gosh I have heard of some wonderful acts of kindness and good will.
Good on you all for your efforts and input. Every tiny bit helps.
Hopefully the big players cough up real cash for the unfortunate.