Every Summer, Australia faces hot and dry weather conditions and bushfires become a reality. Most of the time these fires are brought under control due to the heroic efforts of firefighters. Occasionally, however, conditions conspire to cause a disaster. This is what happened on the 7th of this month as firestorms raced through several country towns north of Melbourne. They left behind wastelands.

I can’t begin to magine how those affected are feeling right now. They have lost their belongings, their homes, their lives. At last count sixty people had perished, burned or boiled alive. Some had attempted to drive away. The burned out shells of their vehicles are testimony to the swiftness of the fires. None of us can imagine the terror and suffering of those that perished. None of us can imagine the despair and desolation of those that survived.

The Victorian fires have dominated the news yet, further north, Queensland is suffering devastating floods. Let’s remember them too as they strive to get their lives back on track.

All our thoughts are with you, Victoria and Queensland.