I dont live in Australia but visit my sons often. My thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost family, loved ones and friends. May God help them through these dark days into the light of His love and compassion. The horror will live in their minds and the loss each one has gone through cannot be erased, but where there is faith, there is hope to carry on. The fire fighters who risked their lives will be remembered forever for their courage and love for their fellow Australians.

im sorry to hear about what happened .my heart breaks for everyone whos lost the loved ione in your life ....r.i.p

My heart goes out to all who lost homes, much loved pets and family members or friends. May the arsonists who lit the fires rot in the center of the earth, in small, cramped stone boxes, because I believe even hell is too good for them. The fire fighters who saved lives, homes and animals, we all love you, you've done so much for us, everyone, the people of Australia especially have no words for what you've done. I will be doing my best to donate to appeals who will be in need during these times, the RSPCA and similar charities to do with the fires. I have visited Marysville, and it is a real shame to see such a tragedy hit the town, and Victoria. Marysville had such nice and wonderful people. And Victoria is my favourite place in the country. K. Winter- Darwin N.T.

To all the people who have lost their loved ones,homes and a lifetime of memories my heart aches and my tears are flowing for you all. The pain that you are going through is devestating but try and remember that all of australia is behind you all and doing what ever they can to help. To all the firefighters,ambos,police and volenteers you are the true heroes and thank you for putting your lives on the line to save your fellow australians.To those who perished in this disaster may your spirit be free. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN

Aunty A you will always be in my heart, we lost to a tragedy. You werer always so strong and good friend and now your memory in my heart will help my through anything that comes my way. When i get married in march you will be there in my heart and soul. i shall have a drink for you. we love you always. you are my angel now please look over grant and i. lots of love Fiona and Grant

In memory of freinds that have been lost and those that are missing. To the familys feeling the greatest of pain, take care in this dark time of our lives.

As a nation we are so terribly sorry about the tremendous loss and trauma that people are experiencing, no one should ever have to experience what Victiorians are going through. We as a nation are in mourning. We will band together and support our Aussie mates as the song goes, "We are one but we are many" We will be there and we will never forget and we will be there through all the dark times and eventually to better times. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you all. To all the emergency workers who are being subjected to horrific scenes and doing a remarkable job we are so proud, you all trully carry the aussie spirit with you. Wood Family

my sorows go out to the familys that are the victims of this fire. and appreciation for the fire fighters, people donating and others helping the people in need. i wish to everyone safety, health, happiness, and the strength to over come this disaster. we are all united at heart, and we will never forget. x.

I wish you all the greatest gift of all...LOVE. Give it, share it, embrace it. The nation is sending all ours to you. Love will bring you through this ordeal and you will once again feel it and live it. Louise Lennox Head NSW

To all of the fire victims out there who have suffered through the devestating loss of possessions, homes and family and friends, our hearts, souls and thoughts are with you. we cannot possibly imagine what you are going through...but our nation is banding together to help in any way possible....to the awesome firefighters, ambulance and police men and women doing all in their power to assist these victims..we thank you...RIP to all of those lost in this tragedy...lets hope they catch the bastards who did this and make them pay for this terrible tragedy!!!! all our love the callahan family

Words cannot describe the horror and disbelief I feel , my heart, and prayers go out to all of you that have been affected by this awful tragedy, and i keep hoping and praying that there wont be anymore deceased victims found ,but yet the numbers keep going up, im hoping that the the people still missing will be alive and well but in another vicinity, please kkep strong and belief that it is the case....i admire your strength in this and i cannot even begin to imagine the fear and horror in what you have been through... And to all the firefighters that have been fighting a never ending battle and never giving up ,you are true hero's.. my thoughts are with all of you mandy (sydney)

i was involved in the ash wednesday bushfires and my heart goes out to all of you it makes me want to cry every time i see it on tv and it brings back memories

As a Australian if your rich - middle class - or the needy we all shall take our neighbours hands in the darkness of this tragic journey.. We will rise as australians and yes we will mourn, cry , be angry but we all will do what ever we can to help our fellow neighbours. We will rise as this proud country that we are ,and stand by this devistating tragic horrific ordeal. I am proud to say I am Australian. I to have been just saddened as a mother, wife, to watch peoples lives be destroyed. We all feel the pain of the loved ones left behind. The victims are now decending into heaven to become angels to then help there families somehow just somehow overcome this horrific unnecessary event. May God Look after each and every victim and the families left behind. God bless Australia,

What can you say? Words have so little meaning at times like this. My heart goes out to those who have suffered loss. I can't begin to imagine what you have been through. I can't even talk to anyone about it without tears coming and my voice choking in my throat. Just so sad. Peace Be With You xx

Please know that the Australian citizens here in Florence, Italy, are crying with you. You are all in our hearts. Our most sincere condolences for your losses. You are couragious and we are so very proud of you all.

The utter despair and destruction caused by this disaster just takes my breath away. For those that are lost, you will forever be remembered. For the firefighters still battling the fires along side me, be brave and strong and more importantly be safe.

The utter devastation and despair caused from these fires just takes my breath away. For those that are lost, you will be forever remembered. For the heroes in the CFA still fighting the fires along side me, be brave and be strong.

Being a nurse I have seen some horrific things but just when you think nothing can shock you........I am saddened by the pain people are enduring at this point physically,emtionally and mentally . I am over whelmed by the genoriosty of people . We see and read every day in our papers on the news about the bad things that happen in our country if there is one positive we can from this it has to be that we can all stand together as one we need to....Its unfortunate that such a tragic thing has to accur before we do so. My heart and prayers go out to these people and what we need to remember is they need our support long term not just for a week or two

To send love and prayers to all caught up in this tragic time. I can not begin to imagine the living hell you are all going through and my heart breaks for you all. Judith Luke

I would like to pass on my love and prayers to all the people in Australia who are caught up in this horrific tragedy. I feel words fail me to convey the depth of my sorrow for you all. Judith Luke & family

To all the famileys and friend that have lost someone close to you try not to think about it after a while you will be happy again.Every time i watch tv it brings tears to my eyes sorry to all

I only moved out of Victoria a year ago, a resident of 39 years. Two of my sisters have been close to the fires and faced embers but they were the lucky ones. My heart goes out to all that lost, family, friends, neighbors and pets. You are strong, you will survive and I am happy to send bedding, towels or clothes to you if you need it. I have already donated money, but it's not enough, I wish I could do more. May God be with you all. Joanna

To those families in Victoria, Each time I watch the news my heart crys out for you, Know that so many prayers are sent your way. There are so many here in here in New Zealand thinking of you and praying for you. Our thoughts are with you and the brave people fighting these fire. love and light to you all Sheree Anderson of Auckland New Zealand

My heart goes out to all the people who have lost family or fiends in the fire... May the peace of God be with you over there... i know what it is like to have the feeling of not knowing if your friends or family is safe... a very dear fried of mine was mins from the fire... and not knowing what was going on was very hard for me being in New Zealand... Thankfully by the grace of God he was saved... May God be with you all...

I have seen our great state and country go through many hardships,but nothing has prepare me for the devastation I have seen.I feel so helpless as I sit by and watch this horror unfold before my eyes.For those of you who have lost loved ones,property and pets be assured all of Australia are with you at this sad time.My heartfelt thoughts are with those still awaiting news of loved ones.I can not begin to imagine the anguish you must be going through.Be brave ,be strong,be patient and seek help from others. In unity much can be achieved. "FORGET ME NOT" Never

For all the children may your soul rise and be free from pain

As an ex Victorian i have very fond memories of kinglake, flowerdale and marysville. my heart goes out to all the people who have lost everything and especially the people who have lost loved ones my heart breaks for you. To all those in the cfa, firefighters and volunteers you make us all proud to be australian. To all those who have donated much needed food, goods and especially money, well done, we look after our own.

Words cannot express how I feel whenever I think about what has happened or see or hear media coverage of the fires. I offer my heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who are there working with the survivors, fighting the fires and all my fellow Australians who are doing what they can, however they can, to help the people affected by this awful tragedy. The Aussie spirit is still strong, and although the future months, maybe years, will be hard for the survivors I hope they will be get some comfort from the way the nation has come together to help them.

To the family's and friends who have lost people, homes, land or anyone/thing they cared about my heart goes out to you all. I live near where they are now so my heart goes out to all those who died fighting so save the people i knew. The fire fighters and all who help deserve a lot since they helped stop the fires taking more lives. These fires have shocked the nation and the people affected will have there lives changed forever. My heart goes out to you all!!! R.I.P VICTORIAN BUSHFIRE VICTIMES!!!

christine reed

15 years ago

best wishes from the entire reed family hope our small tribute will keep a chain of donations going please even if a gold coin help them imagine if it was you .how terrible i can only feel pain and tears for them all r.i.p.

A nation is weeping. It is weeping for the loss of so many lives, it is weeping for the injured and distressed it is weeping for the confusion and devastation suffered by so many who have been through this horrific chapter in our history. It is weeping for those who are weeping and it is weeping because it wants to do so much and can do so little. God bless all who are suffering as you are loved and hugged by your whole nation. Wendy Brisbane

I have been moved by all the thoughts/emotions being posted on this website from all corners of the globe. As a Victorian resident I'm shattered and gutted by what has and still is happening in my Beloved State. I know that I and for that matter all Victorians / Australians wish we could do more to help and our thoughts and prayers are with those hero's on the front line battling this nightmare. We are forever indebted to you all, many of you whom have lost your own properties/families, yet still fight on, what a testament to the ANZAC spirit! So many are gone, BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN. God bless you all

My heartfelt compassion for those that have been affected or lost lives in the fires. It happened so quickly and unexpected in its intensity. May we all pull together in Melbourrne, Victoria and the rest of Australia to show strength, empathy, kindness and assistance today and for how ever long is needed, and what ever is needed to work with those affected. .Also, for those animals affected let us all remember these are part of beloved families, friends and need assistance too. Please think of the RSPCA and other similar organisations that will require additional aid and finances during this time for their continued wellbeing and love.

My deepest sympathies to those affected by the bush fires, having been through a bush fire in a minor scale, I can only imagine the horrifying things that these people have had to endure, my thoughts are prayers are with you all, take car

Hey guys, i was reading some of the comments and to say that how many people have written something nice is so touching... i pray and hope that all of you guys in and around the fires have a strong community even if someone or something is lost... i would be scared to death if i had to be in those fires... i would not get over if had lost all family history... God Bless... Stay strong and keep smiling... Samantha S.... NSW Camden.... also i am so proud of how many people have donated... i no that my school is going to be donating and i will most likely give $20... God bless Amen.....

I cannot express in words the heart felt I feel for all that have been effective by the bushfires. My love goes out to all who have lost, and to all that have been fighting the fires and those of you that have been giving support in so many ways there is only one word for you all HEROES.

To the families who lost their homes and loved ones, we in west australia are thinking of you and send our love to you. May God watch over the brave fire fighters who are working so hard to save homes and lives. McGregor family

I would just like to say, my heart goes out to you all, everytime i watch the tv it just brings tears to my eyes, the pain you all must be feeling right now. Our thoughts are with you all and our hearts go out to all the firefighters as well. God Bless xx

i have never seen such mass detruction no words can describe the loss of life, my heart goes out to all the people affected by this terrible tragedy ,i live in qld and so many people are devastated by this terrible loss i watch the news and my heart just breaks god bless all you in vic were thinking of you all lana oberthur

Victoria, you conitinue to burn and we hear your screams of pain and scream in pain with you. You will never again look like you did. R.I.P Victoria. xxxx Melbourne

i wish all the best to my friends i cant contact and to all the families who lost there homes and loved once i my self had just lost my daughter and best friend in flowerdale i wish for the future that someone comes up with somthing to five better warning

Sending our love to all those who have been affected by this terrible tragedy. Our hearts break again and again as we listen to your stories being told on tv & radio. We all feel so helpless sitting here wondering what can be done to help. We've donated to the appeal, tomorrow we will donate blood, & my youngest son came to me this morning to ask if he could donate his savings to help the fire victims too. But it all seems to be not enough doesn't it. I just wish there was a way we could make everything a little better. You are all very much in our thoughts and prayers To all of the fire fighters, rescue workers, police, & volunteers...You are all amazing! What would we ever do without you. All our love The Dawsons Geelong, Victoria xxxxxx

There are no words that we could use that could express the sadness we feel for the tradgedy you are experiencing Even though we are not experiencing your loss know that we are sharing your pain, and that we send our love support and prayers to you. We are grieving for you and with you. It is times like this when I can say how proud I am to be an Aussie. To all of the volunteers, firefighters police and helpers thank you from the bottom of our heart May your God Keep you safe.

My thoughts and prayers got out to. Through this tragedy the Aussie spirit shines through.

Us Kiwis may take the mickey out of you ozzies,but at times like this we are stunned horrified and our thoughts and hearts go out to you. i have freinds that survived Ash Wednesday although they lost everything,they rebuilt and were the greatest people. Having listened to there storys I have some inkling of how horrendous it is for those that live and loose thru this devastation."good on yersMates" to all the fire fighters, volunteeers, police and everyday Ozzies doing what they can to help.there really arent any words to express .............. heart felt wishes and hopes the fires stop soon and you can rebuild and start again with your lives From a rural Kiwi

I know these words can't help much, but we are all thinking of you and praying for all of your safety, please G-D may no more lives be lost and may you all have the strength and support to rebuild your lives

I would like to express my deepest sympathy for those who have lost loved ones and their homes. Watching and listening to it on the news brings back so many memories of the fires we went through as a community in 2003. Although I was one of the lucky ones who were not directly affected by the fires, there were moments of fear as our area became unaccessable as we were completely surrounded with no way out and no way in. I remember all too well having to drive through a fire storm to get to my children as the alarm went off to say the suburb we sent them to was being evacuated, nothing was going to stop me. I have family in Victoria but I know they are safe, which has made it a little easier for me. But I would like to say that mine and my families thoughts are with you all. Canberra is a stronger community because of the support we gave each other and the support we recieved from others and I know with the various drives we are having at the moment, along with other states, will help you all to rebuild when this is over. Our prayers and thoughts are with you, God bless...Nat

A windy day invited by the sun No one knew what had begun How bad it would be no one could know So many towns about to go The air felt tense It howled it blew The fire though was on the move. Someone was mad and through fire they showed. All that they touched they easily made glow. Within a few moments all was gone Innocent people too, who did nothing wrong Are all but memories as were the trees? They were not ready for the degrees. People are left without there homes Not as bad as all of those who have been left alone? Im writing this poem to try to say For the people who cant They have passed away. Rest in Peace you did not deserve this.

Amanda Rattin

15 years ago

Rob Mandelt You have a beautiful soul .... your poem touched me If Australians could catch the tears we've cried and send them down your way the fires would be gone. Amanda Rattin Queensland

I am thinking of all of you and praying for you all. The devistation and loss is so overwhelming. At a time like this we all pull together, as I have seen on the news. Thoughts are with you all God Bless Helen

To the people of country Victoria who have lost parents,children and friends in this terrible tragedy, my heart bleeds for you. To those whose loved ones are fighting for life in hospital ,I wish you and yours a speedy recovery and hope that u all find a way to overcome your individual circumstances. I have suffered from burns and know that the care that I received was like no other. peace be with you all. xx

Wow. I'm from Whittlesea and have seen first hand what the people are going through. I have friends who have died, are missing, and who have lost absolutely everything. i want to thank everyone who has got behind our community and donated money, clothes, food, everything. I dont know what to say about these absolutely devastating events except to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts. My heart goes out to the Buchanan family, the Stokes family, the Naylor/Bayliss family, and the many many more families who have lost loved ones as well as there houses, and I wish the ones still waiting on news all the very best. I would also like to thank the CFA, SES, and all the other volunteers who are out there doing there best to protect our people, we will be eternally grateful for your efforts. The devastation these fires have caused will never be forgotton, but bringing back to life the human spirit and giving people faith in people power once again, we have hope of rebuilding our lives and our homes. thank you ALL from everyone in our community, for your kind words, donations, thoughts and prayers. We are deeply touched and grateful. KB. Whittlesea.