Australia has been experiencing some awful weather lately, and this has culminated in the worst bushfires in history, and one of the ten worst natural disasters of all time being recorded.

In Queensland’s north, the floods have ravaged towns and homes, causing mass evacuations and entire townships to be cut off. Crocodiles have moved into the streets, there is no clean water and no sign of relief.

William West / AFP/Getty Images

In Victoria, where I live, arsonists took advantage of the hottest recorded temperatures ever (47°c to 49°c in some places), combined with strong winds gusting upwards of 100km an hour to light fires that have destroyed homes, taken lives, killed wildlife and livestock and devastated thousands of people.

Friends and family have been affected by these disasters. More than 140 people have lost their lives so far with the toll rising. More than 5000 people are now homeless in Victoria alone.

The entire township of Marysville, a beautiful countryside area famous for it’s beauty, hospitality and friendly people has been wiped out. The town simply doesn’t exist any more.

A firetruck is dwarfed by the approaching fire.

I plead with anyone who can to donate to the Red Cross. They have appeals running for both the Victorian Bushfires and the Queensland Floods. There will be a telethon on Thursday night on Channel 9 – if you have spare money, please donate. If you don’t have money, food, clothes, blankets, baby goods, school goods are desperately needed in many townships that have been ripped apart by fire and flood. You can donate at St Vinnies or Brotherhood of St Laurence store fronts.

Our Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, was so choked up during an interview about these fires, that he had to pause while the tears were wiped away and he then described the lighting of these fires as Mass Murder. I couldn’t agree more.

Places that I have spent much of my time in resemble nuclear fall out areas – ash and soot and charred remains are the only things to be seen. These people deserve all the compassion, support and love we can give. These fires are not under control yet, with winds yet again pushing the flames into new areas. The town of Yea was still under threat last night.