We are South Africans living in your beautiful country and our hearts bleed for everyone who has been affected by this tradgedy. May God bless you and give you strength in this time of darkness and despair. May His gracious love overshadow the pain and helplessness that you are experiencing and may He bring light to your lives again soon. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all XX

Gale Thinking of you all at this terrible time my heart is heavy thinking of the family and friends and homes that you have all lost. To the CFA and all other emergency workers you are all heroes.What would we do with out you.

I lived in Victoria for over 16 years and lived very close to where the Fires have now caused so much pain and the loss of so many lives. My Prayer's are with all those involved in this terrible tragedy, from the Firemen,Police and volunteers , and all those that now have the job to indentify so many Bodies. I cannot begin to comprehend how you are handling this horrible time in Australian History. To the Hundreds of innocent people who have lost their lives, I offer my Prayer, and I know that our Lord has got you all in his tender care. God Bless you all. Suzanne Mills,South Island, NZ

I'm an Australian living in Jakarta, Indonesia, and have been unable to stop watching news reports both on television and the internet for the past few days as the world has watched this horrendous tragedy unfold. To the Firefighters, Ambo's, Medical Staff at hospitals, Police Service, SES men and women, and all the kind hearted volunteers who have given of their time and money or taken victims into their homes ..... KUDOS! You are all doing such an amazing job and I am sure I speak for all Aussies when I say we are so proud of you! To the victims who have lost their homes, family members, beloved pets, I am also sure I speak for all Aussies when I say our thoughts, prayers and hearts are with you. I have never been so proud to be Australian as I have this past few days, but I have never felt so far from home and so sad for my country.

my heartfelt saddness goes to all the aussies with this tragic fire.. my friend has a son who will be coming home today after fighting the fire, what a brave young man!! its devastating but with all the sadness, loss of life including animals, we all know in canada that you will be able to build it back up. you've got the bite you aussies are very tough and determined people. god bless you all.

I have watched this tragedy unfold on TV from the safety of my home - my thoughts and prayers are with all those who have lost their loved ones and for all Australians affected by this disaster. Know that we in England are thinking of you.

My heart goes out to all the victims of the Victorian fires. Those who have survived and those who have lost loved ones and those who have passed on. It is a terrible week that will go down in Australian History. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. I have never cried so much and I wasn't even there.

Sending the most heartfelt sympathy to all those so affected by this terrible tragedy. Everyone around the world is with you all at this awful time. May you all be given the strength and help to get through this. This comes with love and healing thoughts.

It's such a devastating event. So many innocent lives taken!!! Such tremendous sadness. Our thoughts are with all affected by the fires. I cannot begin to comprehend how you are coping. I hope those responsible for the arson will be caught!!! Munro family W.A

My prayers and thoughts are with all the families whom have lost homes and loved ones. To the fireman, police and all the volunteers . Thankyou. You are heroes. I am so, so sad and sorry. Rosa Perry

cjroccisano

15 years ago

cornelia roccisano and anita roccisano we send our sincere condolences, are thoughts are with you all it is so sad to hear and see you people whom have lost so much it makes our heart cry , we cannot fully comprehend how you all are so strong to keep going but we send you all our love and all our prayes are with you, may God bless you all, also to all the volenteers and and every one involved with the rescue

Shannon

15 years ago

My heart goes out to all the families affected by the bushfires in Victoria, but let us also not forget those who have been affected by flooding in Queensland. Thank you too all the volunteers and emergency services staff, especially those who have lost their homes/loved ones but have continued to fight for others regardless of their own personal situation. I hope we can also take some time to remember the many animals which have suffered because of this tragedy. Thank you to those who have done their very best to save and protect them. While donating for the victims is lovely, a donation to the RSPCA or local wildlife fund would be very much welcomed also.

,How can I ever forget the sound of the roaring wind and the changing colour of the sky as it went from orange to red to black, the birds on the ground who wouldn't fly and the frightening feeling that I was going to be burnt alive, it was too late to leave as I had done the previous Sunday, There was smoke roaring over the hill behind me and three fires in front were coming at me. I lived through the Ash Wednesday fires when I followed a fire truch out of the Wombat Forest with fireballs overhead but last Saturday afternoon living on my one with only my loyal dog for company as my neighbours had already left was a terrible experience, I'm sixty one years young, God was was looking after me and then the black rain came and now the clean up begins

Our prayers are with you in this horrible time stay strong. My heart goes out to you all.

I am an irish backpacker here in Australia at the minute. this fire is a horrifying tragedy that has battered Victoria and all of Australia this past week. However the outpouring of help that has happened since then has reminded me that there is still so much good in the world. just like the Omagh bombing and the response of the irish to that this tragedy has brought out the best in most people. I feel that the Victorian people will rise up again and survive and live through this disaster. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. xx May all those who lost there lives rest in peace.

Australia seems so distant from the UK but the reality of the pictures we are seeing back hear are so devistating its awfull. Our thuoghts are with you who have lost family and friends, we are all thinking of you and wish you all the best uf luck for your futures over there.

My heart is aching for you all, I wish there where words I could say to make your pain go away. Just know my thoughts are with each and every one of you today, tomorrow and always. A BIG HUG to you all.

I have never felt so far from home whilst watching this awful tragedy unfold, from Sussex, England. My heart goes out to my fellow Aussies. I cannot imagine what they must have gone through, and to have lost everything. My heart aches for those lost in the fire and for those left behind tyring to cope with it. I can only offer my deepest ,deepest sorrow. As a nation we are strong and the Aussie spirit will not break, and I offer my thanks to those of my countrymen and women who are on the ground, and those who will support the survivors. I love my country and I trust in God, but my heart weeps. Karen Upfield - ex mornington peninsula

Words cannot heal your pain and sorrow, If there were words that would help, we would be using them. All my thoughts and prayers are with all who have been effected by this horrible tragedy. Please keep smiling and be stong we can get though this all together and live happily again. Love and well wishes......

No words could ever ease the pain and suffering of all the victims of these bushfires but be assured you are all in so many , many peoples thoughts and prayers at this very sad time. Bless you all and all the fire fighters and many volunteers! "SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW"

I grew up in Whittlesea and so many friends came from Kinglake and surrounds. I still cant get my head around what has happened. I keep thinking what did these people do to deserve this. Everyone I knew from Kinglake had such a beautiful nature and always alot of fun to be with. I was in Yan Yean at the time and I could see the firecoming all the way around us. I have never seen anything so scary in all my life and it brakes my heart that the last thing people had on their mind was fear. To all those people that lost there life... It was a pleasure to have crossed paths To those that have lost everything... We are here for you in everyway, and if there is anything I can d please reply. To the people that lost loved ones.... We are not alone and my thoughts are with you. I ask people to please not take things for granted and think yourself lucky to have what you have. So the next time you complain about house work and the kids annoying you, be thankful you still hav those things in your life. You are all heavens brightest stars!!

Heard 80 Ghanaians in the middle of the jungle in Ghana praying for 10 mins for those lost in Australian fires -very moving and as an Auatralian gave my heart felt appreciation and sincere thanks on behalf

I watch and hear what is still so surreal to my ears each day. I still cannot believe that someone so careless would create something like this?!. My heart goes out to all those that have been affected by this tragedy.

greg, for time i have known and worked with you, i have never met someone so full of life and energy. if i was ever in doubt or did not know something you would know the answers. its such a sadden tragedy to loose someone like you. you will be missed. r.i.p x

my heartfelt sympathy goes out to all affected by this terrible tragedy !!! Leonie Coetzee ..South Africa

Our hearts are aching and breaking for you all. This is a dreadful tragic disaster , you are all in our thoughts everyday. We pray that each and everyone of you can find the strength to carry on. Stay strong for each other x x x

In the midst of smoke - and when we cannot see clearly and question the actuality and purpose of this life - and when we cry uncrontrollably - we ask why. I pray that God in His stillness will hug your hearts and smile to you through every person and words coming through. In His Love we are comforted Martin

To All of you in Victoria where do I start .. what do I say .. Nothing appropriate comes to mind except to say .. that we ... the Lowe Family in Waterford Brisbane send you with an abundance of love and our prayers and thoughts are with you all... We have been watching these tragi events unfold .. No words will ever ease your pain and suffering ... Our Hearts and Love to you all

i was comming home on the bus... only 20 minutes away from mernda/whittelsea... my step mum telling me to pack my things as we might become at threat.. unbelieving and saying a little of fire could never hurt anyone. Never has something so deverstating affected me.. never have a been so greatful for everything i have. never will i doubt my step mums words. Never will it ever be the same, but i hope that one day in the distant but new future everyone will rebulid, rebulid there houses rebulid there homes. rebulid there familes. rebuild there lives. To all those lost. my heart and deepest sympathy go out to you and your familes. i wishh you a better and happier second life. im only 16, and at school this is all everyone can talk about. i have donated alot but i still wish there was more i could do. R.I.P all the victims and good luck to all the surviours.

my heart pounds fast when i talk about the fire. Our hearts victoria are with you. We really do appreciate what the fire fighters do and also the people that saved you. We will donate millions of dollars for you. AUSTRALIA DOES NOT GIVE UP. HOPE IS NOT LOST WE WILL HELP! im very sorry I wish I could go back in time and fix this:(

I send loving wishes to all who have lost homes and lives in this horrible time in our history... and to the firefighters themselves,you are all truly amazing people who are doing a wonderful job and running on barely any sleep or rest of any sort.I was a teen when ash wednesday hit,and even tho this is worse then that without our wonderful firefighting people we would be lost,they do so much and never ask for anything in return,they also have to struggle with seeing the horrific burnt remains of lives as well as keeping strong to fight or us to stay as safe as we can.... love and respect to all

My heart is heavy and my chest wet with tears for you all every night watching this terror unfold. Even as a stranger I feel such sorrow. It feels like it will not end. To the firefighters, thankyou. To all the victims, be it due to the loss of a life, a home or the fear as you wait to hear something..anything.. hang in there. The world is crying for you and although it will be with you for always, we will, as Australians bind together and do whatever we can to bring your world back. I am so sorry.

Everyone has been efected by these fires, not just the Australians but people from other countries such as the British and the French,, Good Luck.

I have never wept so many tears every time I turn on the TV. Every morning there is another so sad story of loss. It has taught me one thing never to take advantage of the ones around me that I love so much. All of my family's thoughts are with those people that have lost so much. My ten year old asked me if it was a result of a terrorist attack and I had to explain that this country that we love so much can be so unpredictable. I feel so helpless. I totally admire all of those that are there to support the people that have been effected and to the brave, courageous fire fighters you are amazing. Every morning the tears are for you all. God be with you all.

I spent 6 years living in Australia and a lot of time in beautiful Victoria. Although Kiwi's and Aussies love to banter with each other, the shock and sadness felt by the people of New Zealand over the tragic loss of life and property is felt every Kiwi/ To be wonderful people of Victoria this Kiwi extends her heartfelt sympathy, support and love to you all during these sad and heartbreaking times.

I'm a Novocastrian, now living in Ireland. What I've been reading and watching has shocked me to the core. I have lived through years of scary bushfire seasons, I even remember Ash Wednesday...but this just blows my mind. I can smell the fires when I see it, you can't forget something like that. I have travelled through the areas affected and spent alot of time in Gippsland, my thoughts and condolences go out to all of those who have lost a loved one, a friend, their lively hood or their homes. Nothing can prepare you for this but I believe that the Australian "battler" in all of us will put our country right again. I don't know what else to say....

We watch in horror on e-news, your pain and sorrow cannot be described, your lives have changed by losing loved ones and the suffering, may God bless you in this tragic time, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

for all of the people affected by this tragic event, i wear my prayer beads for you everyday as a symbol for the faith i have in every one of you. i know that you will make it through and it will be okay.

No words can ever help to make things feel any better but we can give you our love and Prayers and our Donations to help you know that we are all out here and we care. This tragic tragic and horrific time is just so uncomprehensible .. May God watch over each and everyone of you Love to you all in abundance

I hope you feel the love and thoughts and prayers being sent silently to you from so many people and know that there are many tears being shed for you.

In time like this , that is no words to say & to imagining what this people are going through and yes life as change forever , may God give you strength to go throw it all !

It takes my memories back to the Sudan war which I will never forget having tried to rescue in vain loved ones perishing while I struggled helplessly for a rescue. May the lord provide all the courage, guidance and inspiration to the rescuers, To achieve their goal. A total fasting day for the lord to intervene.

It is hard to imagine what it would be like for your whole world to change in one instant. The hearts of Australia are with you, and very few dry eyes are looking upon the images of disaster which have been your reality for too many hours now. Please keep your soulful strength no matter what the challenges are you face, and we will pray for you to hopefully lift some of the weight which is heavy on all your shoulders right now. Please know so many care, and wish there was more we could do. You are in our thoughts. Jimmieson Family Perth

Our dear Australian friends and neighbours, We are so incredibly sorry at this horrific tragedy which has befallen you. We've shed many tears for those who were lost and those who still suffer. Words really cannot convey the sorrow and grief we feel for you. Know our thoughts and prayers are constantly with you.

my heart goes out to all the families, animals, and firefighters of Victoria...our thoughts are with you along with our love and prayers..stay strong..

I will never forget all the images of tragedy, loss, despare, tears of joy also for the lucky ones who were reunited with missing loved ones and animals. There is so much love and support for all the victims of this terrible tragedy. Australia is with you all through this journey, never feel that you are on your own, reach out to those that want to help you. Never give up. My heart goes out to everyone affected by the fires, i have cried everyday for you all. So much pain and suffering for people and animals. Don't give up. Peace and lots of love to you all. xxx

Our prayers are with those who have suffered the devastation. Our thoughts are with the families who have lost the loved ones.

I will never forget all the images of heartache and loss, tears of joy also. People have so much love and support for all the people and animals in their times of need. My heart goes out to all who have lost so much. Stay strong, you are not alone, all of Australia is with you on your journey of recovery, never say no to a helping hand, people want to help you all the way to the end.Peace and Love to all. xxoo

All our thoughts and love are with the people left behind, the people who have passed and the beautiful animals who have perished in this horrific tragedy. May god bless you all and look after your loved ones, and animals, now they are with him. Thankyou to all the firefighters, police and volunteers. You guys are real heroes! Where would we be without you all...

I live in Perth and was complaining in January about our constant heat here. Never could I imagine the heatwave coming to SA and worse, Vic. I have never been to Victoria but my heart breaks for the peoples loss, the loss of lives, livelyhood, homes, communities, all the precious children and of course, lets not forget the innocent animals that are like children to a lot of people. No one deserves this, ever! I think what makes this so difficult is to think it could be caused by arsonists. What is going through their minds to inflict such pain and suffering on innocent people? We can only hope they are caught and dealt with, severly. Everyone here in WA are thinking about the people of Vic and may all the people passed and the animals who have now crossed the bridge, may you be at peace. I for one will never complain about our weather again...

Although thousands of miles away in England ,we want people in Victoria to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and that your loss has truly touched the hearts and minds of our nation.Our deepest sympathies to families that have lost loved ones ,and may you find the peace and strength to go on. Weaver Family -Dorset ,England.

I feel so sad and my heart is aching even I don't know this part of Victoria, but my son lives in Balaclava and he went to donate blood for the burnt victims.I pray for all these people who lost everything.They must keep faith in God and never let down even if to-day things seem worse.The future seems desperate but God nver let you down.You have my love and prayer.keep on and never let down.Love and respect from Bianca and family.