Melbourne is under a smoky cloud even though the fires are a long way from here.
Visibility is poor in the city centre.
It is peak holiday season along our coast, but threats of bushfires have caused many people to return home early, or cancel a holiday altogether.
However, many people, especially older people live permanently in quiet beachside towns. For those around Mallacoota, many have had to evacuate their homes and go to the beach or safe centres.
Our firefighters are doing a wonderful job. But the task is enormous.
- Photo of Mallacoota from CFA website
Mallacoota is a seaside town with nearby dense bush land. The last time I was on the beach there we saw a nest of tiny hooded plovers at the quieter end of the shoreline. They are an endangered species, and quite dainty.
https://birdlife.org.au/bird-profile/hooded-plover
It is such a difficult time for many people, and for many many animals and birds- native, introduced and domesticated.