Both the upper and lower house of parliament were suspended today and replaced with statements of sympathy and thoughts of Victorian victims of the fires. Julia Gillard (deputy leader) was on the verge of tears as she delivered hers today. Malcolm Turnbull (leader of the Opposition) said that the response of the government will be "Whatever it takes". Kevin07 was in Victoria assuring residents that the government will do all it can to assist them.

There're stories of people going to assist others in saving their homes, only to have theirs destroyed. The death toll is up to 130 with 200 expected by the end of the week.

The Red Cross put out an appeal yesterday for all donations of money above $5 and as of 9:30pm tonight, $10.4 million had been raised. They're also inundated with donations of food, clothing and daily needs goods. There will be ongoing appeals throughout the One Day Match against New Zealand, and the Australian cricket team is donating their match payments to the appeal.

It really just goes to show you how amazing Australian people can be.

donate to
the victorian
bushfire appeal

I donated $50 this afternoon on the Red Cross' website, and I can assure you that it's quick, painless and a worthwhile thing to do.

For information on how you can help, go to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal on the Red Cross' Website. You can donate via phone on 1800 811 700, or on their secure online donations form here (international donations are accepted and they're all tax deductible).

The Department of Human Services is coordinating donations of billeting/housing and accommodation. Call the Department on 03 9096 0000 or 1300 650 172 within Victoria if you can help.

Here's the coding I made if you wish to put it in your own journals:
<a href="http://www.redcross.org.au/vic/services_emergencyservices_victorian-bushfires-appeal-2009.htm"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v508/Rotae/redCross_logo.gif"> <ul><ul><font face="Georgia" style="font-size: 30px; line-height: 25px; letter-spacing: -1px;">donate to the victorian <font color="#FF0000">bushfire appeal</font></a></font></ul></ul>

<33333333333 *hugs*

Peace,
Rotae