Reader Responses
The book although covering an extremely sensitive and tragic happening has been very well received. We realise that many people closely affected by the tragedy may not yet be ready to go back over these pictures and accounts of the disaster. However, it is evident from many people including victims and relations, that most appreciate the effort that has gone into making this book a sympathetic and heartfelt account, recording the enormity of this event for generations to come.
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Thank you for a wonderful book. I had a read before I gave the book as a Xmas present and decided to buy another one for myself. After reading a paragraph and crying then reading more and crying more I couldn't put it down until I had read every word. Such inspiring stories and courageous people who did anything to survive such a horrible day in history. Full credit to the 000 operators, CFA, SES and anyone else who took calls on the day as it was a fire from hell and to stay in front of it took nothing but sheer bravery. People who don't live close to the scarred landscape will never really know how much damage this fire has done but once reading this book from cover to cover it certainly gives you an insight into this nightmare. I will also be sending one to friends overseas.
Thank you again,
Mardi Caracoglia, Eltham North
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Thank you very, very much for our copy of the Firestorm book that we received in the mail. I was overwhelmed and got very emotional when I turned to the page and saw the spread of myself and the koala. Just amazing. The book is terrific and it’s a real credit to your team. My mother has bought a copy and friends have too. Please accept this with my sincere gratitude and heartfelt thanks for allowing me to take part in this most interesting and very rewarding project that you have devoted yourselves to. WELL DONE!
David Tree (the ‘Koala Man’)
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I picked up one of these from Marysville a couple of weeks ago. I collect a lot of fire/disaster related books in my role. Can I just say that your book is the most exceptional book of its type I have ever seen. It is truly a magnificent record of the event in every sense of the word and in years to come will be an essential tool in fire management students/practioners kit.
I can only imagine what your group might have done around the Ash Wednesday fires if you had been around then. Maybe some of the lessons learned might not have been forgotten!
Again congratulations on an exceptional book & the fact that the proceeds go to CFA stations (speaking as a CFA member) is stunning.
Cheers,
Don Garlick
Manager Emergency Management, Ballarat
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Congratulations on a comprehensive and very well produced publication – it does the event a great service. Your work has been very well received by the Marysville and Triangle communities. You should be very proud of yourselves!!
Thank you
Julia Peddie, Marysville
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Hi there,
I have just been to a Collins Booksellers in regional Victoria where they are selling copies of the Firestorm book your school has published. I just want to say congratulations on the production of a fantastic record of pictures and stories. The front cover is simply spellbinding and the glossy pages and tributes are engaging. It was a fleeting visit to the bookstore but I will be going back to purchase Firestorm and I hope there are many sales to help out the CFA.
Congratulations on such a beneficial initiative and no doubt a memorable keepsake for so many affected by the fires.
Regards,
Catherine, Regional Victoria
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I have a copy of this book and I think it is fantastic as it gives us a better understanding of the hell people went through on Black Saturday... I say if you do not have this book you have to get it....support the CFA they do a outstanding job for all of us.
Kristy
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I am going to buy a copy of it, and support you as I am an ex member in the CFA during. Ash Wednesday, and losing 5 best friends on a tanker that afternoon in Beaconsfield Upper, and we had nothing like this to support our stations, or crews afterwards.
Chippy
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Just got my copy of the book.....WOW brings ya back to reality real quick... well done to the schools and to everyone else who supported the campaign who put the publication together. I recommend to everyone to get a copy. WELL DONE !
Pump
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Got my copy. AWSOME! Great job to those involved. Worth buying.
Simho