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Victoria's Bushfires - Black Saturday

I love a sunburnt country, a land of sweeping plains,
Of ragged mountain ranges, Of droughts and flooding rains.
I love her far horizons, I love her jewel-sea,
Her beauty and her terror - The wide brown land for me!
by Dorothea Mackellar

Those words resound in my ears as I watch the 'Terror' in that marvellous poem come to life.

The recent Victorian bushfires, beginning with Black Saturday, February 7th, and finishing ...well, who knows when, have devastated many families throughout Australia and touched every one of us. For those Australians not directly affected or having lost as others have, we have been able to give in many ways, but cannot replace what was lost.

Fire is an ever-present threat, and the above poem captures the extremes of this country working the imagination and summarising what many have experienced. And yet, what it doesn't capture is another unique element of Australian life: and that is, the depth of heart of those living here.

Australians have always managed to rise to any battle and fight the good fight; be it a world war, depression, or bushfire. It's not a pride or loss of face that causes the Australian to give and help others, it is the unwritten 'fair go' system that Australians are renowned for worldwide. It is seeing a mate down on his luck and helping him; it is the largesse of heart where we see people sharing their last few bob to ensure others don't go without; it is the Aussie putting life on hold for a while to help others get back up.

Black Saturday, as it will be forever known, decimated the State of Victoria, and has not stopped yet. This coming Tuesday, March 3, almost a month after, has the makings of a fierceness not seen since that terrible day, and volunteers and service crews all over the State are waiting with fear and trepidation as they dig deep and prepare themselves to fight again. Let us all hope and pray the weather abates.

There is an inquiry following the Black Saturday fires. With so many contributing factors, such as lack of clearing, lack of preparation, fire management plans, government fire reduction policies (local, State and Federal), access tracks, purposely lit fires, it is clear that a full investigation is needed. For the sake of the victims (210 deaths so far), the survivors, and the rest of us, those inquiry leaders must show courage and ensure diligence is applied, uncovering all factors to make certain the truth comes out.

We at Safety in Australia Pty Ltd take our hats off to all who have fought, volunteered, given, driven, caravanned, fed, clothed, and opened their homes to the temporarily displaced, knowing there will be no recompense, nor wanting it. You instill in us a thanksgiving that the true Australian spirit of selflessness is still very much alive and well.

To do our bit, Safety in Australia Pty Ltd sponsored two websites dedicated to assisting survivors and others affected by Black Saturday - Grieving Victoria & Project Recapture

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Industry Spotlight

click here for Davis Langdon's website

Davis Langdon Certification Services (DLCS) is a certification body operating globally.

In assessing quality, environmental, occupational health and safety and integrated management systems, they provide independent third party certification services utilizing top assessors and technical experts with relevant systems qualifications and industry experience.

DLIQ are authorised by JAS-ANZ to carry out certification assessments under all ANZSIC (industry) codes.

Often people ask themselves - why would they need Certification?

A management system that has been properly established, developed and implemented will assist in managing risk and mitigating liability for yourself and your business.

Briefly, certification makes for a more competitive business, improved corporate governance and knowledge through transparent audit reports and risk management principles, reduces staff turnover and assures outcomes for you, your stakeholders and clients.

Get the DLIQ experience and the provision of their certification wisdom.

For personalized service contact National Leader for Certification Services, John Edwards on + 61 (0) 3 9933 8800 or email on jedwards@davislangdon.com.au

click here for Davis Langdon's website

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