The LV Printers has published a couple of books over the past few years recording fire and flood events in Gippsland. The Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund has received nearly $80,000.00 from sales of ‘Red Alert’ and ‘Of Fires and Flooding Plains’.

A third book called “Gippsland’s Four Fires”  records the events of January and February this year.

LV Printers says, “After much thought we are about to publish a third book, called ‘Gippsland’s Four Fires’, that records the events of January and February this year. We have deliberately held off with any publication because of the circumstances, including loss of life and property, until now. Even now we publish the book with a great deal of reluctance because of the toll of the various events.”

However, the reality is that the money raised previously provided some support for people affected by the 2009 fires and the reality is there will be another emergency situation at some stage in the future.

If you are interested in purchasing a copy or three, it can be organised through The LV Printers. Cost is $20.00 which includes postage and handling and GST. If they are picked up from LV Printers, the cost is $18.00 each.

The photos have been provided by a range of people and there are some quite stunning shots although use of any very personal images has been avoided.

Orders can be placed by calling The LV Printers on (03) 5174 2348, or by emailing accounts@lvprinters.com. Copies are also available from mecu service centres in Moe, Morwell and Traralgon, and they will also be available from the Warragul Gazette, which has been very supportive, including with provision of some photos.

Any locals wanting to donate fodder, help with agistment or donate to the VFF’s Bushfire Disaster Relief Fund can do so via the VFF’s website or by calling 1300 882 833.

The VFF also need fencing materials, generators and peoples time to help.

Latrobe Valley Veterinarians

Latrobe Valley Veterinarians stand ready to assist animals affected by the fires. Veterinarians at Latrobe Veterinary Group (Morwell and Traralgon), Animal Clinic Morwell and Moe Veterinary Centre will assess pets injured by fires, free of charge. Where possible, all treatment will also provided free of charge. All clinics are also happy to assess and treat wildlife as needed before placing with qualified carers. If your pet has been injured in the fires, or you find injured wildlife, please contact any of these veterinary clinics for help.
Contact numbers Latrobe Veterinary Group 5133 8005 and 5174 5622 Animal Clinic Morwell 5134 2868 Moe Veterinary Centre 5127 3511

Telstra

Telstra have announced a relief package for its residential and small business customers in Victoria who have been forced from their homes or whose phone services have been affected by the recent bush fires.   Under the package Telstra is offering its affected customers:

• Free call diversion from their fixed line to another fixed or mobile service of their choice;
• Mobile calls charged at fixed line rates, in accordance with their selected HomeLine or BusinessLine plan, for local and STD calls made on their mobile service, in situations where Telstra mobile customers have been evacuated from their homes or who have lost their service due to the fires.

To access the free call diversion or to report loss of their Telstra fixed service, customers should contact 13 22 03.

The Victorian Government

The Victorian Government is helping to coordinate the support for communities affected by bushfire. Anyone willing to volunteer time and skills should call the Information Victoria Bushfire Volunteer Hotline on 1300 366 356 (local call cost).

Emergency and relief agencies are very grateful for the generous offers of assistance and are working with the Government to determine how to make best use of the help in coming days.

Thank you to everyone offering support to the people affected by the bushfires. Please note you may not be contacted immediately as agencies are concentrating on volunteers who are already trained. Link