NO BUSES FOR CFA VOLUNTEERS

lots of rain here!

Very impressive. Doesn't show us on the map. Tried to chase up the source and was informed that access was 'forbidden'!

Melb BOM Radar Link

The 256 km link is much better to see where it isn't falling though......

Sorry Royce

http://www.bom.gov.au/

you replaced them 33's yet?!

GOING to the dogs?? GOING?

Sleeping firefighters robbed

Police are appalled that five volunteer firefighters were robbed yesterday morning while they slept at a motel in Traralgon.

The firefighters had been battling fierce blazes in Gippsland since Sunday and were recuperating at Murphy's Motor Inn, on the Princes Highway, when their rooms were raided about 8.20am yesterday.

Senior Constable Bromley Llewellyn, of Traralgon police, told theage.com.au he suspected the men were targeted because they were firefighters.

"You would think with all the CFA vehicles parked up at the motel they've probably thought `Well, here's a great opportunity to try and nab something'."

The thief, or thieves, stole wallets from each of the firefighters, as well as mobile phones and some clothing.

Motel manager David Craddock said the firefighters' rooms were not locked.

"That doesn't make it right — there's a lot of lowlifes around the country that prey on people like this," he said.

"The firefighters were obviously thought of as a soft target because they're tired and have a lot of gear lying around.''

Mr Craddock said the firefighters were very upset by the robbery.

"They weren't happy, and I wouldn't have been either. They'd been working flat-out all day, and then in the morning they find out their wallets are gone.''

A CFA spokeswoman said the firefighters had returned to fight the fires today.

Senior Constable Bromley said his office had been inundated with calls after a local radio announcer urged listeners to help the firefighters.

"I've been told that the phone's been ringing off the wall at my office with people wanting to donate phones," he said.

"The response has been great, in terms of the community being appalled by this and willing to do what they can to try and make things right."

Premier Steve Bracks said he was appalled to hear of the theft.

"It's just appalling behaviour,'' he told reporters today.

"Police are investigating thoroughly and the full force of the law will be brought to bear if those people are apprehended.''

Senior Constable Bromley urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Interesting. I thought one of my wifes friends whose husband was there said it was Yea (think WIN News did too for that matter) but the local rag said Traralgon. You'd want to think it hasn't happened twice...

Dave

LOW BLOW
Robbed: CFA volunteers

The News thinks CFA volunteers make an incredible sacrifice to help communities when they are in need, often leaving their families to fight fires. Text your messages of support for the region's firefighters to 042 SMS NEWS.

By Kristin Favaloro
January 26 2006
Shepparton News

Goulburn Valley volunteer firefighters risking their lives battling blazes in the Gippsland region have been dealt a low blow, with thieves stealing their belongings while they lay exhausted in bed.

The sickening act occurred early Tuesday morning when the four firefighters were sleeping at a Traralgon motel.

They had spent more than 12 hours fighting a fire that had destroyed more than 13 600 ha in Moondarra State Park.

Tallygaroopna volunteer John Rhodes said the firefighters were recovering from a long day when the thieves struck.

"Some members were asleep, I was out of the room, and some were in the shower," Mr Rhodes said.

"We were extremely tired and extremely dirty and we needed a shower to relax. That was the last thing that we needed."

The stolen mobiles phones and wallets lay next to the volunteers' Country Fire Authority clothing when they disappeared.

Mooroopna volunteer Adam Glasson said this would have given thieves a clear indication of who was in the rooms.

"My bag with my CFA gear was right beside my stuff and it would have been the same in the other rooms," Mr Glasson said.

The volunteers were part of a strike team which also included VicRoads and Department of Sustainability and Environment employees.

Mr Glasson said one of the most distressing things about the theft was that his wife, who was concerned for his welfare, could not phone him.

While the incident distressed the firefighters, they agreed the incident would not stop them from volunteering for the CFA.

"It won't stop me, I've been in the fire brigade for 27 years," Mr Rhodes said.

"It's the dream of every guy to drive a big red fire truck."

While Mr Glasson has only volunteered with the authority for the past six months, he too has no qualms about continuing.

"It's just to be part of the community, to help out," he said.

"That (being in Traralgon) was good . . . you'd see the signs on roundabouts, kids were coming out and clapping."

Telstra has offered to replace the firefighters' mobile phones and VicRoads will issue new driver's licences without charge.

None of the stolen items have yet been recovered.