OUR SAY: Be it floods or flames, thank-you to those who lend a hand

When fires burned across eastern Australia in 2019/20, Border firefighters were deployed north to support and relieve weary crews.

This week North East emergency service crews boarded an early morning flight from Albury, bound for NSW regions experiencing one of their worst-ever rain events.

The State Emergency Service and Forest Fire Management Victoria will assist with logistics and rescues in a disaster far from over.

As the flood crisis spreads from the North Coast, down into the Hunter Valley and along the Hawkesbury region in Sydney's north west, the stories of co-operation continue.

In Sydney's north west, jet skis have been used, and locals have banded together to save stranded livestock.

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FFMV Hume deputy chief fire officer Aaron Kennedy says being able to help is a privilege, a chance to reciprocate after previously being on the receiving end.

"It is a huge job and we are really appreciative to lend a hand because we have had significant events here in Victoria," he said.

Not the least of these was Black Summer and the destruction wreaked in the state's North East.

We heard how the Thowgla Valley Fire Brigade sprang up out of that emergency as neighbouring farmers fought to save their homes and livelihoods.

After the danger passed, the small Upper Murray community did not lose momentum; instead residents worked together to provide better equipment for next time.

That takes money, and donations like the $4500 given by a group of Border motorcycle enthusiasts proved invaluable to the cause.

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Sometimes dollars and cents are needed, sometimes it's expertise and extra hands.

But examples like these again show the worst of times can bring out the best in people.

Whatever challenges Mother Nature continues to throw at our country, it's great to know there remains those willing to drop everything and pitch in.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the ongoing devastating floods.

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