We, I'm sure, remember the horrific bushfires in Victoria early this year. The enquiry has finished and released its' report. Unfortunately, it lists almost a litany of flaws, ommissions and it needs to be said, negligence, by many. The Chief Fire Officer, (who was reappointed for a further two years just before the report was released!!) came in for particular criticism. His main excuse seemed to be that he had an overall view and could not be expected to know the finer details of what was needed. There were instances where the most appropriate resourses were not used. Information was not passed to the neccessary people until too late. It is a sad story. No criticism of the men and women actually at the firefronts. The Government very adeptly (as Usual?) sidestepped any blame. It will be interesting to see how many of the recommendations of the report are introduced.

We have, here in South Australia, just had the warmest August in 50 plus years. It has also been the mildest winter for many years. We are of course now entering Spring here. August was fine. Just under the average rainfall for the month. Reservoirs at 80% full. The best for 4 years. Winter however did not leave quietly, we had three days of gales and rains in the last week. 100 kilometre plus winds, torrential rains. Lots of damage to trees houses and cars, we survived! Spring and summer are forecast to be warmer and balmier than usual.

Britain and America are again enduring their young men and women being brought home as casualties of the war on terrorism. Australia too, suffers from this. This last week, however, saw the last of Australia's Vietnam Missing in Action returned home. In 1970 their Canberra bomber was lost with two crew. One was South Australian. They were found earlier this year. On Monday 31st they arrived home. There was a very moving service on their arrival. Flying Officer Michael Herbert and Pilot officer Robert Carver home at last. No Australian is now listed as missing in Vietnam. Michael will be laid to rest with full Military Honours in Adelaide early this month. Vale and thank you.

It has been a topsy turvy sporting month for us here in OZ. We shall mention neither test cricket or rugby union, suffice to say about cricket. We lost the Ashes. This despite overall scoring more runs than England taking more wickets and having 5 of both the top bowlers and batsmen! We still lost 2-1! As for rugby we are yet to win a game against South Africa or the Kiwi's. I did say not to mention didn't I. Ah well!!! In Adelaide it is both good and bad. The Crows are in the finals (again!). In their last minor round game they posted the highest score by any team this season. They are favourites to do well, but chickens should not be counted quite yet. We have been here before and oops!!!. Port on the other hand have disappointed, to the extent of losing their last home game which was a farewell for two of their original and best players. Rebuilding is about to begin. Adelaide United have started their season with a hiccup. A win, a draw and two losses so far. Still a long way to go though.

Our Premier, Media Mike Rann, has been overseas for a while. he is a king of spin. He's been photographed with Arnold Schwarzteneger, in his office no less and with Lance Armstrong in Ireland. These backdrop announcements of importance to the State, trouble is, they either cost a lot of money or in fact have been announced before! Mike is always to the fore when good news is to be announced. His Cabinet Ministers tell us the bad news!

We have just been told the the main water company has been ripping us off for about a decade. We (S.A ) it appears have been paying for research and all sorts of activities interstate and overseas!. Will we see any money back?, I doubt it but we are told price increases will be slowed! To add insult to injury the company can still tender for when their current contract ends!!! There has now been something similar in regard to our electricity supply. It is of course the previous goverments fault!!!

Kim and Lauren and Scott went to see the Pink concert. A truly good performer, thoroughly enjoyed by the three of them, and everyone else there. I went to the Troubadour music weekend at Campaspie Downs in Victoria. The 15th weekend and celebrating the 31st birthday of the Troubadour music venue in Melbourne, a lovely weekend catching up with old friends making new ones and just enjoying the music. Andrew Pattison is not only a fine organiser of such events he is also a very talented winemaker with his own label and vineyards. Check out Troubadour wine and music for more on his activities.

Our Royal Show starts this coming weekend. Lauren has definite plans regarding this. They almost certainly involve Kim and I. The bank balance may be somewhat lighter by the end. Well its only money!
Father's Day here in Australia is also just around the corner. What does it hold for me? I wonder. We will all have to wait, won't we?

Until next time. Take Care

Eric

(article by Eric Ford, Adelaide, Australia)