Unsung bush fire heroes

I don't like the term "heroes" but for lack of a better term I'll use it.

It's something close to me as my Grandad was a firefighter. Reading through today's Sun Herald I was reading through the lists of CFA units that have been fighting the fires down here in Vic. And there, on the right hand page was a mug shot of Wood Borer.

Rob, I know you go about it just doing it because that's the type of man that you are. But I'd just like to publicly (as much as I can on the net) thank you for the blood, sweat and tears that you have put behind helping to fight the fires.

To you and the many, many other men and women in all the crews, CFA and MFB.

:brava: and :2tsup:

:cheers2: if I get the chance to shout you a few rounds sometime.

Gotta agree there:2tsup::2tsup::2tsup:

Me too, and all the volunteers from other states as well.:2tsup::2tsup:

Boys, I was one of thousands out there, I just happened to have my photo taken - probably because I had some ash on my face.

It is far from over and Lignin mentioned, there are crews from interstate as well as us Mexicans. Us relative locals get to go home each night whereas the others are away from home sleeping in tents.

The meals provided are fantastic as is all the support from other people not directly involved on the fireground.

Waldo, you can buy the first beer, I'll buy the second, you the third .... but when it has quietened down.

Exemplary work! My hat is off to you and all your comrades for the sacrifices you make for others. :2tsup:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Wood Borer

Waldo, you can buy the first beer, I'll buy the second, you the third .... but when it has quietened down.

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I'll hold you to it. :2tsup:

Hi guys,
Just flicking through and came across this.
Just wanted to say, while I was not in the direct line of the fires and those affected, it has had a huge impact on alot of friends and family of mine. While my skies in Melb have been a blanket of smoke, it is nothing in comparison to those in the thick of it all.
'woodborer', as I am new about this place, i have no idea who you are but to be so humble in saying you were one of the thousands out there is a true testament to you.
You may have been one of those thousands who saved my mates house along with a couple of kids and a few pets.
To you and ALL the thousands out there, thanks. :2tsup:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mumof2

'woodborer', as I am new about this place, i have no idea who you are but to be so humble in saying you were one of the thousands out there is a true testament to you.

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Rob (or woodborer) is one of life's gentlemen and when you get to know him you wouldn't be surprised at all at his humbleness.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mumof2

To you and ALL the thousands out there, thanks. :2tsup:

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Hear hear, I fully agree.


Peter.

Ozwinner - Al the brickie has been at Kinglake for weeks helping co-ordinate the relief efforts that are happening.

He should get a hand too :2tsup:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by echnidna

Ozwinner - Al the brickie has been at Kinglake for weeks helping co-ordinate the relief efforts that are happening.

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:brava:

It is people like Al whose hard work and good deeds may not be as readily recognised as those who wear identifiable uniforms.

It must be understood though that not many people involved in volunteer work seek public recognition. We all contribute in our own ways to the best of our abilities and in my experiences, public recognition does not rate amongst the reasons people volunteer.

It is of course nice to be thanked but it can be a little bit embarrassing if overdone.

On the other hand, if some volunteers are publicly recognised (not hero worshipped), it might jolt a more people to consider contributing further which is positive.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Wood Borer

On the other hand, if some volunteers are publicly recognised (not hero worshipped), it might jolt a more people to consider contributing further which is positive.

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:2tsup: One of the reasons I wrote that I don't like the term 'hero', but for want of another word used it. It's a term too widely used and thrown about in the U.S, for what is a person doing his job because that's not the nature of him or her, not for want to be seen as a 'hero'.

But and if there was another march down Collins Street of the CFA and MFB and others who have helped, I'd be there again to show my full appreciation.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by echnidna

Ozwinner - Al the brickie has been at Kinglake for weeks helping co-ordinate the relief efforts that are happening.

He should get a hand too :2tsup:

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I've been wondering if Al was affected by the the fires when they said Whittlesea was under threat, emailed him but no answer :C. Goods to hear that he's okay and that he's helping is even better.

Just like the Al we all know.


Peter.

I have met woodborer a number of times. He is a man, a good man.

I have also met Al. He is different but is also a good man.

HARD HAT HEROES
<O:p</O:p
<O:p
There's a breed of Aussie hero who has served this nation well
and they don a yellow uniform to face the fires of hell.
When day temperatures are soaring and the high winds blow a gust,
and our bushland is ignited it's in them we place our trust.
Yes, you're all somebody's daughter and you're all somebody's son,
you are mothers and you’re fathers: hard-hat heroes everyone.
<O:p
When their mates are in the hot seat and they need a helping hand,
they will volunteer their services from stations 'cross this land.
Whether country towns or cities or a rural fire brigade,
they will gladly throw their hats in and will offer their mates aide.
Yes, you're all somebody's daughter and you're all somebody's son,
you are mothers and you’re fathers: hard-hat heroes everyone.
<O:p
Do you owe your home or property, your very lives perhaps,
to the selfless, honest efforts of these bold fire-fighting chaps?
Or still sadly you lost everything, but proudly can attest
to their fierce determination as each brave soul did their best.
Yes, you're all somebody's daughter and you're all somebody's son,
you are mothers and you’re fathers: hard-hat heroes everyone.
<O:p
So I ask you all to join me as we stand and raise a glass
to the courage and the spirit of this fire-fighting class.
And I'm sure you'd love to join me as this message we impart,
"You're such true blue hard hat heroes and we thank you from the heart."
Yes, you're all somebody's daughter and you're all somebody's son,
you are mothers and you’re fathers: hard-hat heroes everyone.
<O:p
© Bush Poet and Ballad Writer -Merv Webster




[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDZcgIhfR1Q"]YouTube - Australian Bushfire's Hard Hat Heroes[/ame]

There are many mentions of the "visible " volunteers, all well deserved, but there is a vast number of those that we never hear of who also deserve recognition.
As an example, my son's partner, a highly skilled computer mapper, using satellites,GPS systems and such (things I can't even spell, let alone understand!!) is on her second stint, down from her office in Canberra, assisting the coroner and police by mapping search areas, both done, and to be done.Her firm has even sent a volunteer from America!!
I get daily emails, usually sent after 1.00am, telling me what she has been doing,apologising for less than perfect typing(always untrue), and lamenting the fact that she has to be back on deck at 6.00 am.
She is proud to be doing what she does, and glad to be able to help, but her most frequent observation is how kind and appreciative everyone is,irrespective of their own situation.
Amazing!!

And some of these "invisible people" contribute more to the cause than some "visible people". Lots of people contribute in their own way as there are a wide range of skills required.

I was involved in fixing a telecommunications at a mapping company in Canberra several years ago, perhaps I met Lignin's DIL.

My young fella is down there fighting the fires. He works for the DSE and you don't see or hear of them much in the press. I think it is something to do with the DSE not doing enough hazard reduction throughout the year.

Graham

I see the fortesque metals bloke is moving 1000 temporary domiciles to Marysville.
He saw action needed to be taken and took it, using business contacts, not gov agencies, and he'll get the result he wanted.
That bloke should be Prime Minister