The overwhelming pictures and stories of horror coming out of the tragic Victorian firestorms last weekend have touched Australia and Australians in ways many people thought weren’t possible.
Just as overwhelming has been the show of support from the rest of the country for the once-picturesque towns and communities all but wiped off the map by these catastrophic bushfires.
The Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Relief Appeal has raised more than $85million in just a week, equating to just over four dollars from every person in Australia. Remember too, that a good percentage of this money comes from people wading through floodwaters in Queensland, a perfect illustration of the generosity of Australians, despite their own situations.
Perhaps the biggest show of resilience this week has come from Australian sport, where all codes and competitions have carried on, not in spite of the tragic events of Black Saturday as it’s become known, but inspired by them.
Whereas the major American sporting codes would later rue their decision to suspend competition in the wake of the 2001 terrorist attacks, the continuation of Australian sport has played a major role in helping people deal with the horrendous events and the heartbreaking loss of lives.
All codes and competitions have paid their respects too, with a minute’s silence for the lives lost being observed at venues far and wide, including the football World Cup Qualifying match played in Japan on Wednesday night. Super 14 rugby union stadiums flew the Australian flag at half mast, and black arm bands have become a common sight on all teams this week.
Perhaps the biggest show of support has been the way that sport has united people in raising much-needed funds for the Victorian towns and people.
Cricket Australia’s move to turn the Australia-New Zealand one-dayer into a benefit match raised well in excess of $9 million from donations at the Adelaide Oval, the various items auctioned during and after the match, and major injections for sponsors.
And while I was dubious when I first heard about the players’ decision to visit survivors in Whittlesea during the week, I can quite happily admit that my cynicism was unfounded, as the joy and happiness on the faces of the people was there for all to see. The young boy who bowled Ricky Ponting may not have stopped smiling yet.
Just as clear was the reaction of the players, who all appeared genuinely moved by the stories they heard, and the spirit and dignity of the people. The gifts, autographs, and the scratch-games that followed quite obviously bought pleasure and happiness to everyone involved.
Nathan Bracken, in a newspaper article, summed up the effect the visit had on the players, saying, “I hope the Australian cricket team made some difference to you and your family during this terrible time because you will never understand the huge difference your have made to myself and the team. You showed us so much. When I reflect upon our visit, I can’t help but become emotional because I remember the courage and dignity you’ve displayed when it would be so easy to display anything but that.
“For what it is worth, you have changed my life for the better.”
AFL players from most Melbourne-based clubs have made the same visit during the week, and the AFL itself raised more than $1million during a pre-season game on Friday night.
Big name players from Essendon and the Western Bulldogs, who would otherwise have been excused from playing this early in the season, rushed back into action to show their support for the fundraiser, which was relocated to the Telstra Dome after originally being scheduled to be played in Darwin.
Various organisations involved in the Australian Ladies Open golf tournament are donating money for every birdie made during the event, and Golf Australia, as well as donating all gate receipts from the final day, are encouraging all clubs around the country to donate a day’s green fees to the bushfire appeal.
Sporting clubs across the country have taken the fundraising movement even further than their usual struggle for dollars dictates. Indeed, my own cricket club is holding a Twenty20 benefit match this coming Sunday, which we obviously hope raises as much money as possible.
Sport has a major role in helping the affected communities and the spirit of the people, in that it seems to be the ideal vehicle to restore some semblance of normality, or even a temporary distraction, to their lives.
Whether it’s kicking a footy, or a game of cricket in a communal area, or a friendly hit of tennis, it will allow people to take their minds off their own situation, and give them a realisation that life goes on.
My inspiration for this article came from a guy I read about in the paper named Adam Littlejohn, who lost his Marysville home, but got out with the clothes on his back, his car, and his golf clubs in the boot. Adam is the same age as me, and was due to play golf last Saturday, but decided not to, with the strong winds and an expected temperature of 44 degrees.
Adam’s words hit the spot for me, because they highlight just how important sport is in our lives, and how it forges the Australian spirit of never giving up, no matter how bad the circumstances.
Adam said, “I might try and get on a green somewhere tomorrow, with my clubs. Perhaps it will take my mind off things, even if it is for just one minute. I have to start somewhere.”
Adam, I wish you, and everyone else affected by the fires, all the very best for the future.
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