As it currently stands, the death toll from the Victorian bushfire's is 181. That figure will most likely pass 300 in the coming days, as the morgues are cleared, and victims are found and identified.

I'm lucky that I am from the west coast of Australia and none of my family is affected, though I do have friends who are from country Victoria, so I'm hoping none are affected by this tragic event.

Small towns have been completely destroyed, livestock and crops have been wiped out, and there are areas in SE Victoria where it is totally burnt in every direction, as far as the eye can see.

The sheer magnitude of destruction cannot be explained, especially when you realise that thousands of people have lost everything, including their ability to generate any income. For them, all hope is gone.

Australian's are know for being battlers, and helping out mates whenever possible. Which is why I urge anyone who can, to donate to the Australian Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal 2009. I've have a link to the donations site at the end of this post.