Ducati Monster Forum

Hope all who have family and friends anywhere near the fires in Oz at the moment have good news, and that all are safe.  [thumbsup]

We have family in the middle of the shit in Gippsland and at least they are ok, but we aint so sure of the family home, it is/was right in the middle of the fires. Heres hoping. ???

It astounds me that too many of these have been deliberately lit !!  :o

Just give me 10 minutes with the bastards !  >:(

Amen to that.
Just got off the phone to my brother in law, they are at broadford, was a bit touch and go there for a while, but thankfully they didn't have to evacuate, unfortunately that just means some other poor b@stards copped it instead.
Hard to look at those pictures of Marysville, completely wiped out!, was such a beautiful town too, have done many a ride up there via Yarra glen in the past.
Just found out they caught someone that lit some fires at Peat's Ridge, time to bring back the stocks I reckon.

Shame about Marysville.  Was a terrific time out spot for bushwalking as well as riding. 

Our poor firies must be buggared.  I know that the wind yesterday made fighting these fires almost impossible but why did the army only get called in today.  It's not like yesterday's conditions weren't predicited.

Wouldn't it be a just world if fire bugs could be charged with murder (not the mention the death of animal and plant life too).

Hope everyone's loved ones made it through.

completely agree Heather, if someone starts a fire (and that means flicking a lit cigarette butt too) on a day like yesterday when people die...manslaughter charges should be laid on top of the others.

Apparently the Gippsland fires from last week were arson, they got the guy too, white hi-lux ute....and some of yesterday's were too.

sick little puppies with death wishes.

I'm shocked about Marysville, such a great town...and Kinglake too!

and my sister teaches at Kinglake school (gone) and has last students and their families and is about to evacuate her home in Hurstbridge.

Hey Guys and Gals,

Keep us updated as to what going on down there ok. and we hope you friend  and family are ok . We are close to the Peats Ridge fires and they haven't yet got it contained, they are waiting on the southerly to hit later today, so see what happen then. It is in a valley so not sure at the moment. We can see the water bombing helicoper come over to get water from Gosford, so we can just wait and see. We have been in this situation a few years ago, so there is no concern yet.  

That's no good Jukie. Hope your weather changes for the better soon.

The weather here has calmed down a lot.   No where near as windy or hot - it was damn windy yesterday.

And to think I moved to Victoria from WA to get away from fires and the heat.  It followed me.  No fires near me (35kms away the closest) so I'm not concerned but have friends fighting the fires of course.  It's such a shame about Marysville as it's part of the spurs that we down here rave about and a mecca for Sunday riders.  Don't know what it's going to be like riding there at the end of the month on the way to SBK - shocking I should imagine.

The only upside to this (if you can call it that) is the fuel reduction although if it's anything like the Grampians fires, it's gonna take a long time to recover.

Spider
Hope your sis is okay.  Must be horrible to have to leave your home not knowing what you are going to come back to.

Doesn't Rob (Ducmeister) live in Hurstbridge too?  Hope he's okay.  Don't suppose being here is high on his list presently.

Yep, the waiting is really hard !! Particularly if you are elderly and have a lot of memories at the same location (18+ years) and of course a lifetimes memorabilia enclosed within.  :(

The CFA are back into the area at Carrajung but cant get anywhere near the house locations as yet.  :-\

The streets (read bush tracks) are that ugly they dont even appear on the maps.  ;)

Best wishes to all concerned [thumbsup]

Still have friends from Heathcote Junction who don't know if their house is still standing, they were evac. to Wallan at 12pm yesterday.

Was up at 7am, catching the news, sat in a state of shock for the at hour seeing the first aerial footage of Marysville, and Kinglake.

Feel deeply moved, and also frustrated at not having skills to offer to help.

Yep, MyLittleDuc lived through the "Ash Wednesday" fires so she got pretty upset watching the news tonight. Its very. very bad.  :'(

Has anyone heard from the "Meister"?? Hope he and his are ok !! ???

Spider. Have you heard from your Sister??

yes well we just saw an update here on the news and it just made me cry remember what we went through a few years ago and praying for the best out come from the horrible fires.

And also to thank all the guys and gals  working hard to safe people and there homes. [thumbsup]

That is absolutely terrible what has happened down there. My thoughts go to everyone who has been affected.  :'(


I knew it got hot in Victoria but DAMN! Shows you how much the northern desert affects us southerners.

they is about 108 people dead and about 750 homes are gone, and this is going to rise too, check the smh paper

Something for the Vic locals, go thorough your stuff and see what you've got!  [thumbsup]

Subject: Victorian bush fires


Hi All,
 
I am sure that over the past few days you have watched in horror with what has been happening to our fellow Victorian's.
 
This is our chance to make a difference.
 
With the generosity of Mark Ruff from Qanstruct who has donated his vacant warehouse in Rowville, together we plan along with our friends, family and work mates to man this warehouse over the coming days/weeks.
 
What can I do I hear you ask?
 
Easy, we need any of the following:
 
Good quality second hand clothing no longer in use for all ages and sizes
Bedding
Toys
Canned Food
The warehouse at lot 7, Henderson Road, Rowville (melway ref: 72 K10) will be open from 8.00am Monday morning.
 
Please feel free to drop by and say hi with any donations.
 
Thanks in advance.
 
ANDREW O'CONNELL
Local Director, Industrial Services

T: +61 3 9565 6608
M: 0409 944 220
F: +61 3 9562 1725
 

Nice work Gary...least that way we can feel like we're helping. The wife made a donation this morning tot he fund but we'll head on down to the factory today or tomorrow with surplus clothing. (good excuse to clean out the wife's 1476 garments from the wardrobe!)  :)

bloody hell....Leisa (sister) works in Kinglake school (gone) and lives in Hurstbridge, abandoned the family home and lost 2 of her students....she's there at whittlesea refuge centre expecting a lot of her class to be there...she has a boy staying with her for past 2 days....can't locate his father. It's frickin shocking!

My mate Steve lives near Beechworth, had to call and make sure he was walking away from his place yesterday morning.

I was at a music festival yesterday trying to enjoy the bands, and in 2 hours we got 3 phone calls about friends/family losing houses... One in Maiden Gully, one in Marysville and one in Kinglake. Fortunately all the people are OK, but the Kinglake friends have probably lost a dog...

Kinda makes it more "real" when it happens to people you know...

big

I've sat and watched the tv and updates all morning.
I just can't believe how fierce the fire fronts were/are.
I have covered quite a few bushfires up here when I used to work at the papers.
I know how it sounds and what it looks like on a fire front, but this is something else.

I will be cleaning out the wardrobe this week and we'll send things to one of you or direct to the warehouse.

It's just shocking...

Thoughts to everyone in the area and anyone effected by this.

cheers
Matty...

Words just don't seem adequate at a time like this.

My heart goes out to all the fire fighters, the innocent victims who have lost everything, the innocent victims who have been traumatized by it all, the families / relatives who have had to watch and wait, the Police and all the volunteers from all the organizations who have witnessed some bad bad things.

I feel very humble after seeing and hearing all the stories which highlight the true Australian spirit of mate-ship and helping each other. I shall do my very small bit.

And as the PM said this morning, anybody who lit any of these fires is a mass murder. And should be treated as such....

looks like the police are on the right page....

"an offender implicated in the fatal fires could be charged with the homicide-related offence of arson causing death - a crime with a maximum penalty of 25 years' jail."

and...

"An arsonist responsible for a fatal fire in Saturday's conditions could be charged with the alternative offence of reckless murder that carries a possible life sentence."

and, for the stupid cigarette smokers who believe their need for nicotine comes in front of public safety...

"anyone who was found to have caused the fires through stupidity would also be charged with recklessly causing a bushfire that has a maximum jail term of 15 years."

you go to jail for 15 years, share a frickin cell with a killer and tell your fellow inmates that you flicked your butt out the window....

(http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6477473,00.jpg)

 :(

big

(http://www.abc.net.au/reslib/200902/r337173_1529332.jpg)

Holy make the beast with two backs!

big

I'm in the US at the moment, the first I found out about this was when it was the lead story on CNN (they call bushfires "Wildfires") and they're saying that the toll will mount. :( Unbelievable that this sort of stuff can happen in this day and age. Makes me feel a little helpless to be honest.

And fer Phuks sake going to work today I see these absolute morons still flicking ash and lit cigarette butts out of the car window !!  :o

What do people actually use for friggin' brains.  >:(

Words fail me !! [roll]

For those that asked, the 'meister and Mrs are safe and well.  The fires came within about 5 to 8km of our place (I'm not about to go for a ride to measure it exactly) but pretty much kept out of Hurstbridge.  Very thankful for that!

Thanks for your concerns,
Rob.

Such a tragic thing. We're getting all kinds of reports here in the US, and our hearts go out to everyone affected.

craigo, where in the US are you? Any plans to come the San Francisco area?

See, I thought that photo looked like the normal end of one of the Sydney group rides ;D

we save those ones for when you're around

I’m with you Trev, It is time like this that makes you think,  how far have we evolved. Yes we evolved from animals, But into what?

Some times it is easier to blame an individual and in this case those responsible for lighting the fires ,Which  deserve to be baked at slow heat .But in reality they are a product of our society. Which is to blame for the creation of these so called humans?

My heart goes out to all that have suffered in these past few days. As a human race we will all suffer evolutions consequences. :'( :'( :'(

He'd be in seattle..... so I heard from a reliable source (steph!)

Heard from him over PM. We've had DUCMONROB here recently, and Zee will be here next month, so we've got plenty of Oz Monster coverage ;D

I think things like this put everything into perspective, we pregnant dog and moan about little insignificant things then you hear about those poor children end up with no parents or that fire fighter who went out to fight the fires and come back to find his wife and children burnt to death, I am truly sadend, angry and frustrated.
Don

there is no words , just our thoughts and prays go out to them  :'(

Oh Gawd !! Its already started !!  [roll]

Last nights Channel9 news Wilson "IronBar" Tuckey (Read KNOB) Federal Pollie comes out and says its all the Govmints fault!!  ???

The Greens are saying its Global warming !!

The anti Greens are saying its their policy of not back burning and clearing undergrowth, bush debris etc.

The CFA is copping it because people didnt leave on time, didnt do the right thing etc, etc. (Get off their backs fer Chrissakes, they ARE volunteers, if you want professionals bloody well pay 'em.) And humans being humans will make their own choices, whether to leave or stay irregardless of the meetings and briefings beforehand, right or wrong . >:(

Where my inlaws live (Maybe no more 'cause this time they had the crap scared out of them and they dont even want to go back to the house !!  :(  ) They are surrounded by Pine plantations and the companies that run them dont do much about cleaning up the areas, so as well as the extreme flammability of the pine tree, there are also the carpet of needles and cones on the forest floor. So are these huge companies going to be forced to clean up?? I think not!! [roll]

Its great how people with vested interests just cant wait to start flinging shit to further their own ends. >:(

People are suffering and grieving, hows about these clowns shutting their traps and giving these unfortunates some support instaed of adding to their pain. :-X

Good to hear from you Rob...you've been in my thoughts. My sisters on Cherry Tree Drive and she left her place with the kids so It got pretty close.

and everyone....

Coles is donating all profits on this Friday to the cause....so hold off on the family's weekly shop until Friday. I've just told the wife I'm not cooking anything other than toast for the next 3 nights.

I find it unbelievable and outrageous that people are trying to make political gain out of this.  "Time for unity, not blame" (http://www.smh.com.au/national/time-for-unity-not-blame-firefighter-20090209-82br.html) like this firey who watched his own house burn while he helped to save his neighbour's house. Can you imagine having the balls and the self sacrifice to watch (for example) your monster (and all your other stuff) go up in flames while you did what was right?  Pollies sitting back in Canberra making cheap points should be forced to go out and clean up.  [bang]

And now they are talking about looters........ I am a peacefully person but should I ever come accross a looter, this would change......

They should be treated the same as the low lifes who light fires....... Let the firies have them for a while......

These scum of the earth make me very very angry.....

Take a number card, the line for retribution forms at the left !  >:(

F#*K those Mutant F#*ker arse wipes give me 3 F#*king seconds with them C#*ts. They deserve a F#*king length of to Barbed wire shoved up their arses and tied to a raging F#*king bull .F#*k those low life Mutant c#*ts  F#*kem F#*kem .

don't hold back....let it out....tell us how you really feel.

having said that...if they want to play with flames...I reckon my gas torch applied to their body should make em real happy!  [evil]

Just venting Spider ,F#*k that stuf s#*ts me, LOW LIFE C#*TS  >:(

i'm glad you said this, i was just thinking this, this morning  >:(

OK GUYS.

This is where we can do some good. Just got this from work, so if you are wanting to donate, go to this link.  www.blueyday.net. (http://www.blueyday.net.)

This is an annual event for the Police but they have made this available just for the bushfires in Victoria.  So lets start donating

Good news story been on the radio today.  Husband and wife both ran into trouble whilst trying to escape separately and didn't know what had become of the other.  Reunited at the emergency dept at Alfred Hosp. Okay so they're both injured, but they're both alive and together again.  He had to abandon his motorbike.   Maybe it's his abandoned bike in the pics.

All sorts of donation drives happening.  It's totally amazing how much money people are giving.  Kinda puts Kevin Rudd's (govt.) donation to shame.

Economic downturns don't put us Aussies off.   [clap]

G'Day everyone,
                       'Tis terrible what has happened over the last week, dont forget our Queenslanders as they too will need a lot of help to recover.

I would just like to point out that just because a person gets paid that doesnt make them a professional, our (your) Rural Fire Service (RFS) in NSW and our 'mates' CFA in Victoria act in the most professional manner, Im not saying we are perfect, but I do believe that the fires as well as the temperature have been extrordinary.
Well thats off my chest.

Tomorrow myself and my son will be part of a deployment to go into Victoria to relieve the first wave of RFS volunteers that were sent last week, I dont know what to expect, or what emotions I will be hit with, but I do know that I have a job to do and I will do this to the utmost of my professional ability.

I hope everone that has been touched by this can remain calm, level headed and look at what you can do for these communities as every little bit helps, do a raffle, or a morning tea in your office, or consider donating blood, stocks are ok at the moment but in the near future this could change.






                                                Mmick your local firie

p.s. I finally got some new wheels.

You will be most welcome down here Mick thanks for giving your time and skills.  [thumbsup] [clap] [bow_down]

and good news re: wheels.

good words mmick.

now about those wheels - watcha get and where's the pics

+1 on the words mmick.

re: the new ride see whats your ride  ;D

Mmick, the voice of reason. Stay safe and do what you can mate. Ty

Mmick,  your work down here will be much appreciated.

Mick, I was in absolutely no way giving it to the firies and the other volunteers who give their time and lives to help others !!  ;)
I was just pissed  that from some quarters there appeared to be inferences that the CFA didnt do its job properly.  [roll]

I have relos currently fighting the blazes in Gippsland, and I know how well they work and how dedicated AND professional they are, and the fact that some clowns see fit to attempt to put blame on the unpaid volunteers just got my goat. >:(

Keep safe mate and good luck !!  [thumbsup]

Sorry to go back in time....but what's happening down here is unbearable. Hundreds of dead, injured and thousands displaced.

we haven't seen the worst of it either.

The thing that gets me is how helpless I feel. What do you do?

Prayers and thoughts are with every last one of you.

james

Hi All.

Visited Whittlesea today and dropped of some care packages I made, toiletries ,etc. And took some wishlists back with me. Also help loaded a truck.

I was amazed at the number of sightseers and tourists!!!!
Including bikes!!! I hope those 20 blokes I spotted at the Icecreamery were voulenteers, but they looked awfully relaxed to me. Gents please prove me wrong. If you're not a local, ES or helper, then please stay out, and if your dropping off, then do that and get out.

As of late friday Heathcote Junction and Wandong will be residents only areas, partly due to looting.

Cheers

Madalf

looting and gawkers - that's shit house.

We're being exceptionally mindful about our revised trip to the wsbk meet route to make sure we're being respectful for the residents who have lost so much. Just makes me mad.

so how is our Victorians doing at the moment? I'm trying to send you guys some rain, as it hasn't stopped for about a week now, and going into the second week.

Stuff all precipitation maam !  :(

And they reckon the fire we had today in the Dandenong Ranges was deliberately lit !!  >:( (Son and Daughter In-law and Grandkids live up there.  :o )

I would just love to get my hands on the arseholes !!  [evil]

sorry to here about that, im doing my rain dance naked for you now, and i hope that helps  [evil]. Keep us all up to date from time to time ok [thumbsup]

No worries mate !!

One of the blokes came up with an interesting suggestion for the firebugs ??  >:(

Bring back the stocks and set them up in the CBD and let the public at them  ;).

First go is of course reserved for the victims.  [thumbsup]

Maybe a similar thing for those parasite looters also!!  >:(

hmmm sound like a great idea, but im not suggesting this is the right way to go   [leo] if you know what i mean

I'm not into physically harming these firebugs and looters (would make me as bad as them)  but, karma aside, I really would like to see the media be allowed to publish their identies. I am sick of the system protecting these losers so that they feel they are special. They are not, they are scum and they need to realise that.

I hear what you are saying ladies, but these cretins know that they will not get anything very difficult to put up with from our society, so there really isnt any deterent unfortunately.  >:(

Re-Heatherp."I'm not into physically harming these firebugs and looters"

I AM!!!!!

You know me Alf - OM and Karma and all that. But my beliefs aside I can empathise with those who wish to do unspeakable things to these scumbags. Does that make me a hypocrite?  - nah - just Human.

What are you going to do with all that angry energy if you cant vent it on the firebugs and looters tho? Be careful not to let it out on someone who doesn't deserve it.  :)

Rest assured that if convicted that miscreant will receive " Secondary Justice " inside even tho he will be in protective custody. Inmates and wardens are human beings, there's crimes and there's crimes..........

They might meet a bloke inside who says "Come and meet my friend BUBBA!" and so let the punishment begin. [evil]

gag order (suppression) on his name has been lifted.

Brendan Sokaluk, 39

If found guilty (remember our system, innocent until trailed by court)....he'd be up for 21 deaths on his hands....plus the child pornography.

and I completely agree with WTSDS....with both the fire and kiddy porn.....life would be very painful and quite short if he goes inside.

Let's let Chopper have a go at him ;D

Uncle Chop Chop, not a bad idea, though I think he is living in Tasmania at the moment

Uncle Chop Chop hey??  [evil]

Save the taxpayers feeding and clothing him for a time??  [roll]

Hows about he donates his tax paid for living expenses to the victims??  ;D

Assuming of course he IS found guilty! This is after all a supposed democracy, with people innocent until found guilty in a Court of Law and then let go?  [roll]

Our CFA guys have been busy saving wildlife.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm259/andrewb172/croc.jpg (http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm259/andrewb172/croc.jpg)

oooooohhh! such a cuddly croc ! I see a great pair of boots, couple of belts, handbag for the ladies or the mardi gras participants....