As most of you on here know, I’m an ex-pat, originally from Sunderland and now in the polis living in Western Australia. You may also know, through reading the news that there is currently a bushfire raging through the countryside on Perth’s eastern side. It’s even getting close to where I live and ash from the fire is landing in my back garden although we’re fairly safe and I’m certain that the fire will be well under control in the next couple of days. In the last three days though this bushfire has destroyed at least 71 homes despite the outstanding efforts of our firefighters working 24/7. In fact if it wasn’t for their efforts the devastation would undoubtedly have been a lot worse. A lot of people have had their livelihood taken away from them. I know that the whole world is having it tough with COVID and by comparison Australia has got off quite lightly, but if any of you could see your way to even donating a small amount to the Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund to help out those who have lost everything it would be appreciated. It’s always been said that us Sunderland supporters show true class at times like this. Me and Mrs EJK have already donated and Master EJK is just about to! I’m not affiliated to this fund. It’s been set up by The City of Perth (the council in English terminology) and is essentially a local government fund set up to help in situations like this. It’s also the official fund, which was set up in 1961 and is only activated in times like this. Mods - if this isn’t allowed on here please delete. Here’s the link. Follow the link on that page and anything that you could give will be appreciated. Thanks - Marc (EJK) https://www.perth.wa.gov.au/LMDRF
The link is there and it works . . . . worthy of donation, too, which I will do n.b. there's no way in the world that this wouldn't be allowed on here (and it's not a 'big ask')
My brother lives in Midland and I don't think it's far from him. When he lived up past Broom he was in the voluntary fire service up there.
I I work in the Midland District. Does he live in Midland itself? Cheers Monty. The latest news is that 81 houses lost, so far no loss of life. Fire still not yet under control. The beers are on me when you visit mate. Seriously.
Look forward to it EJK. I realise how big a problem bush fires are over there. We were over in 2015 and our friends are very close to the owners of Myalup Winery down near Binningup. We had a day down there and they opened the winery up just for us, free wine, BBQ etc. The following year they had the big bushfire when the town of Yarloop was burned down. The fire got very close to their vines and as they were retiring the following year and wanted a final payday, my mate and the winery owner decided to stay at the winery to protect the business. The FRS told them that they couldn't as it wasn't safe but they said that whatever happened they were staying, so the FRS asked for an escape plan and left them to it. Fortunately the wind changed and the fire never reached the winery and they are happily retired now
