“Focus on what you can do, don’t cry for what you can’t”.
These are the words of celebrated children’s author Jackie French, who has written books including the “Diary of a Wombat” series. Jackie has been personally affected by the bushfires. She was evacuated from her home and experienced the havoc and destruction first-hand, and yet, despite the devastation around her, feels incredibly proud of the generosity, bravery and kindness shown by her local community.
That change will come out of the bushfires, there is no doubt and hopefully that change will ensure a higher level of protection and safety during future summer months.
People are rallying and this has been evident in our community. The creativity shown by all age groups has been both inspiring and uplifting; lemonade stands in the street, sewers gathering together to make paw protectors for the wildlife and local businesses donating a portion of their takings to fire relief. Just a few of the examples of people doing what they can to help out.
It has been heart-warming to read of the incredibly generous donations made by people from all walks of life and all corners of the world. The conversations about the positive action that will take place as we take responsibility for combatting climate change together has been enabling. We know that we can make a difference.
We have witnessed the incredible courage of a new breed of superheroes, our firefighters. We salute you.
Those who experienced the fires first-hand will, without doubt, be saddled with shocking memories and trauma. But they can be assured that they have the love, care and best wishes of their close and distant communities who will do all they can to help focus on positive actions.
In the midst of so much tragedy, it seems that we have found much to be grateful for.
Every day new tales of bravery, generosity and gratitude are being revealed and shared. We have come together as a world wide community, bound by focussing on what we can do to help our fire affected areas in their time of need.