Hi precious one, this week our nation has been rocked by the devastating tragedy of the Victorian fires. Today we cover that story with an interview from the Community radio station 104.7 Gippsland FM  in Morwell which provided invaluable support for the people listening to their radios. We hear also from our local Rural Fire Service Community Safety Officer Laurence McCoy about what you can do to be as safe as possible in the event of fire.

Also don’t forget the ongoing ordeals of our Indigenous Brothers and sisters. There is a commemoration of the 13^th February 2008 Apology to the Stolen Generation with the showing of a film and then more information about the effects of the Intervention at

Byron Bay Community Cultural Centre on Friday 13^th February evening at 5.30.

  lots of love ros

Gippsland FM Community Radio at Morwell Victoria

http://www.3gcrfm.org.au/

Arson: murder or manslaughter?  

Produced by Nick Hollins

The tragic bushfires in Victoria over the weekend have shocked the nation. At least 126 people were killed, and 700 homes lost. Arsonists appear to have been active just ahead of the fire-front in some of the most severely affected areas. State Premiers and the Prime Minister have called for murder charges against individuals convicted of lighting fires. Arsonists face a maximum 25 years in gaol, for ‘arson causing death’. Sparking fires under extreme conditions such as Saturday’s blaze in Gippsland, brings a charge of ‘reckless murder’, and a possible life sentence. But is arson murder, or manslaughter? And how can it be prevented?

Related Links
Red Cross Victorian bushfires appeal
Using crime prevention to reduce deliberate bushfires in Australia

NSW Rural Fire Service

http://www.bushfire.nsw.gov.au/

Red Cross

http://www.redcross.org.au/vic/services_emergencyservices_victorian-bushfires-appeal-2009.htm

If you would like to give support to the families effected by the fires in Victoria you can donate money to

National Australia Bank:

BSB 082-001

Account 860046797

Or call 1800811700