IN THE NEWS

As our east coast burned, the courage and generosity of heroic Australians shone through.

AUSTRALIANS ARE counting the cost of the savage bush res that tore through NSW and Queensland, fuelled by unusually hot and windy conditions. The persistent drought in both states left the land prone to re and hampered the efforts of re ghters. Lives were tragically lost and as we go to press more than 700 buildings have been destroyed. Many evacuees held their breath as the ames ripped through their communities. But amid the grim news, stories of hope and compassion emerged, showing the strength of the human spirit in the face of disaster. NSW’s Rural Fire Service Commissioner, Shane Fitzsimmons, expressed concern about the forecast for the coming months, but the courage of those on the frontline lls us with hope.

Sharnie Moren and daughter Charlotte on the alert near Coffs Harbour. Owen Whalan, 85, and his border collies had a narrow escape near Taree, NSW.

Katherine RobinsonWilliams battled blazes while pregnant.

Paul and Christeen McLeod (above) with their stricken guests.