Aussie Readers discussion

I hope the insurance companies pay up - I wasn't impressed with their comment on the news last night.

My Daughters landlord had 4 houses, including his own, completely inundated, the insurance co. has knocked him back because they say the water damage was not from above, but from the ground, how picky is that, I believe there will be quite a few insurance co's loosing customers, some of these insurance execetives need to be drawn & quartered.

David wrote: "My Daughters landlord had 4 houses, including his own, completely inundated, the insurance co. has knocked him back because they say the water damage was not from above, but from the ground, how pi..."

Most of the ins co's suck. in 2007 we had flood/storm damage on the central coast...when we went to claim were told that we were not "officially evacuated" so couldn't claim. We are still trying to get things fixed as we save a bit of money. At the time there was no power we had no clue where the evac centre was, in fact didn't know there was one so went to a relatives house. WHAT I WOULD URGE PEOPLE TO DO IS TO GO TO A EVAC CENTRE AND REGISTER.

What would you do if you were an aged pensioner and your house is a write off and your insurance company won't pay. It's always bad ... but at least if you're still working you can start over ,,, how can you on an aged pension. It's scandalous!
http://www.authorsden.com/annmassey

Carmel, how are you going with the flooding in Bendigo? We have heard about a lot of evacuations and flash flooding in Victoria, Great Western etc, but no mention of Bendigo or surrounds. Are you guys just a bit soggy or worse? Hope everything is ok there......also Dot, you're in Vic somewhere too, aren't you?? Laura, what about you in Tassie...lots of rain there too..278mm in 24hrs!!! Crazy, mother nature has lost the plot!!!

My gosh, I haven't seen the sun in like 4 days and just a little before dinner the clouds went and the Sun came out. I had to joke and say, 'What is that bright light? I don't believe I've seen it in year..' I get a bit grumpy if I don't see the sun in a while.

Otherwise, I'm not effected (thankfully) but wow some of the roads in Tassie are completely wrecked! There is a picture in the Mercury showing one road that had floated away into the bush!!! SCARY :s
They warned us of flash floodings and yes, it certainly happened. I hope that is the end of it!

Overal, I hope everyone is keeping safe in this horrible time. I really hope the rain goes away. I'm rarely moved to tears but I was looking through the paper the other day and I just felt so horrible.

This weather is insane, absolutely insane, I wish it would just stop.
It never ceases to amaze me how heartless insurance agencies can be, people fork out all this money for a sense of security and when it's time for them to step in and do what they've been paid to do they always figure a way to get out of it if they can, though they've been taking these peoples money for so long they do nothing. It makes me very bloody angry! They should be forced to change their policies to what is fair.

They are always the same...we had the same experiences when our storm hit in 2007, when the Pasha Bulka was stuck on our beach. So far in Q'ld, I think Suncorp is the only insurance company who has been upfront and assured all their customers they will be able to claim in full! They shouldn't be able to get away with it, time and time again!!

Insurance companies...They make my blood boil!!

Thanks for asking Brenda. I'm kinda smack bang in the middle of Victoria. The creek that runs through town has broken it's banks for the 3rd time in recent months but it's situated quite low in the township so it just floods the surrounding parkland for the most part. It all gets messy and there's a bit of clean up to do but no big deal really. All our neighbouring towns however tend to have areas that flood and cause damage to homes. Although that's happened a couple of times in the last few months, I think they're all ok which is surprising given the amount of rain we've had.

I do believe the rain has finally come to an end around here and we're set to dry out for the next week.

Bendigo might have a few spots in bother though. We have two kids over there that are ok but I know how parts tend to be prone to flooding. Hope all is ok over there Carmel.

I'm in total agreement and it's well beyond time there was something done about it. So many people have been ripped off as you said Brenda not just with these horrible events but since forever.
The government stood up to the banks about rates and now they should give the insurance companies what for, force them to do what's right. Like they should have so many years ago.

Here is a poem I wrote thirty years ago, but still relevant, I think.

The Flood

A little child leans over the bridge
and watches a twig float swiftly down
the once-dry river bed.

A good season has meant much fruit
and ripe tomatoes await
the harvest time.

The sheep huddle together
in crowded pens
awaiting the shearers.

But the twigs go faster under the bridge
And the thirsty earth opens its mouth
only to be drowned in flood.

In a land ignorant of moderation:
Extremes of drought
succeeded by excess of flood,
tomatoes will not be picked
and sheep will not be shorn.

A little child stands at the side of the road
And watches a twig float swiftly down
the once-dry gutter.

I just heard about the flooding in Vic and Tassie!. Truly insane weather. Hoping everyone keeps safe. My heart goes out to everyone affected.

I hate to think of where we would be with out the State Emergency Services, the many other organizations helping and volunteers, they have my deepest respect and thank god for them.
I wish you and your loved ones well ( to all of you).

Meanwhile, in Perth we're having the driest spell for decades. It makes my blood boil thinking of all that water just running uselessly away. Where are our visionary leaders? A hundred years ago, without any of the earth moving equipment now available C Y O'Connor built the pipe line from the Serpentine Dam to the Kalgoorlie Gold Fields. The dam itself was excavated by men on the dole. Now we spend millions on feasibility studies that result in ziltch. How about some real old fashioned action to ensure we always have water on tap?
http://www.authorsden.com/annmassey

Ann Massey wrote: "Meanwhile, in Perth we're having the driest spell for decades. It makes my blood boil thinking of all that water just running uselessly away. Where are our visionary leaders? A hundred years ago,..."

Totally agree Ann. Makes you wonder. (sigh)

Huh? No amount of filthy mud from Queensland would solve Perth's water problems. And piping water from our own Northwest is more expensive than desalinating ocean water right next to us. Governments have sensibly chosen the cheaper option. To do otherwise would be irresponsible and wasteful of precious energy resources for all the pumping required.

Jan wrote: "Huh? No amount of filthy mud from Queensland would solve Perth's water problems. And piping water from our own Northwest is more expensive than desalinating ocean water right next to us. Government..."

Just FYI Jan, Queensland has a very high quality of mud!;D

Especially good for skin refinement.

Gail "cyborg" wrote: "Especially good for skin refinement."

LOL!

Aussie! Aussie! Aussie!

Hi Velvetink,
I went thru the 2007 floods on Central Coast also
and had the same problem "officially evacuated" so couldn't claim, yet the people across the road were in Ireland, and they claimed and got it
work that one out. I talking about the local government $2000 they were giving out at the time to help out.
At the time there was no power we had no clue where the evac centre was, so we stayed put in our home lucky we had no water in the house but our home was an island, we don't have any family up here, plus we could not get out of the street. WHAT I WOULD URGE PEOPLE TO DO IS TO GO TO A EVAC CENTRE AND REGISTER.
They may benefit from some sort of local or state government assistance if they do.

Carmel wrote: "Oh David & Velvetink, that's horrendous! It makes me furious that the "fat cats" of insurance companies will still recieve their ridiculous million dollar paypackets & bonuses during & after runnin..."

So glad you are ok Carmel, but sorry for your colleagues, and others. It's just been on the TV that Bendigo is in trouble too..almost the whole of Victoria is affected...we also just saw that Naracoorte, in SA (where we lived nearby when I was a child), is preparing for evacuation!!! It's just so hard to fathom!

Wayne Swan is calling on all insurance companies to show compassion and do the right thing..and be fair to their customers. Give them the benefit of the doubt. If there is a problem they can call in the ombudsman. Hopefully things will go the right way!!

Dot wrote: "Thanks for asking Brenda. I'm kinda smack bang in the middle of Victoria. The creek that runs through town has broken it's banks for the 3rd time in recent months but it's situated quite low in the..."

So glad you are ok Dot...it's incredibly scary isn't it, the speed of the water, and the destruction it causes...I certainly hope you are right about the rain having finished (for awhile!)

Mandy wrote: "Aussie! Aussie! Aussie!"

oi oi oi!

Lyn wrote: "Hi Velvetink,
I went thru the 2007 floods on Central Coast also
and had the same problem "officially evacuated" so couldn't claim, yet the people across the road were in Ireland, and they claimed..."

Lyn, yes I can't work that out if they were in Ireland!! must have had someone to register for them or something.
I might have it wrong but I heard on the news that the govt was giving $25,000 to flood affected folk this time around (though I imagine they would assess each person's claim individually) so it is worth registering particularly if the insurance co's are not paying up. As to the $2,000 in 2007 on the central coast we didn't hear about it due to other family problems till well past the time & missed out when we did go to see about it. ;(
I might add we had a tarp on the roof from 2007 to august 2010..roof is fixed now, but still have major electrics to fix plus still on camp stove. Haaaaa. we manage. :) my cooking skills have been pushed to the limit..

Laura wrote: "Mandy wrote: "Aussie! Aussie! Aussie!"

oi oi oi!"

Thanks Laura! I thought I was going to be left hanging! LOL

Velvetink wrote: "I might have it wrong but I heard on the news that the govt was giving $25,000 to flood affected folk this time around (though I imagine they would assess each person's claim individually) so it is worth registering particularly if the insurance co's are not paying up...."

Yes I heard Anna Bligh talking about it on telly. The payments can be collected from Centrelink. Can't remember the exact amounts though.

The governments not giving the $25,000 outright it's an interest free loan. What they are actually giving to the drought affected is $1000 for adults and $400 for every child; makes you feel all warm and fuzzy until you recall, that the government has pledged $500m to Indonesia for Islamic schools, promised $160m to Vietnam for a new bridge and offered Indonesia $45m to aid with climate change.
http://annmasseyauthor.net/

Ann Massey wrote: "The governments not giving the $25,000 outright it's an interest free loan. What they are actually giving to the drought affected is $1000 for adults and $400 for every child; makes you feel all wa..."

I don't begrudge our aid to developing countries. We have a legal and moral responsibility to do that. Nor do I think it's accurate to compare the two because by the time the govt pays to have all our infrastructure repaired (not just individual payments) the price will be well over any of those donations.

that is unbelievable, glad to hear you finally got it repaired,hope you soon get all the electrics organised

Hi all,
Just wanted to drop by quickly to let everyone one I'm out of ICU although stuck in the stupid hospital but that's probably ok. Right now I'm so weak I couldn't wrestle a sick kitten. Thank you to everyone who was sending their positive thoughts my way. Hopefully soon I'll be out and about and back to normal.

Keep your spirits up Tracey!! All the best to be out of the hospital and on the recovery road, very quickly!!!!

Lyn wrote: "that is unbelievable, glad to hear you finally got it repaired,hope you soon get all the electrics organised"

Thanks Lyn, It was partly held up by caring for my mother (who passed away recently), didn't have the time or $ - I was back and forth all the time to her place - so our place became a kind of makeshift way station / cum ramshackle camp. Not much time left this holidays to make a big impact but hope to rip up carpet and sand the floors before I start my librarian course - some how the electrics will have to wait, but am getting used to it now. :D

@Tracey, glad to hear you are home and recovering.

Carmel wrote:
Velvetink, sorry to hear of your re..."

Thanks Carmel, Mum had been ill a long, long time - I am just glad she's not suffering now - she passed the end of November so not that long ago, for me it's like swimming in treacle - getting my thoughts together and back on track or something. The last couple of years was studying pt updating skills perhaps looking at teaching (art?film) but with everything else it got too hard. Did apply for the Librarian course 2010 but though some quirk my application went missing. Applied for 2011 and got in. So yeah student days ahead. Thrilled really.

Mandy wrote: "Ann Massey wrote: "The governments not giving the $25,000 outright it's an interest free loan. What they are actually giving to the drought affected is $1000 for adults and $400 for every child; ma..."

Definitely agree Mandy!!

So sorry to hear of your Mother's passing very hard to come to terms with I know I struggled for a long time when my Mum passed away, I still miss her after 6 long years
Congratulations on getting into Uni are you going to Ourimbah or Newcastle.
A librarian was one of my dreams of but unfortunately it was not to be, so glad you could follow yours

Carmel wrote: "Velvetink, I hope you're able to immerse youself in the course that you so obviously have desired doing for awhile and doing something for yourself, especially when you've dedicated your time to ca..."

Carmel, thanks, and keeping fingers crossed for your youngest that she gets her first preference..the waiting is so frustrating.

Lyn, it's Museum and Information Services Diploma. via TAFE and Newcastle uni - flexible delivery & industry placement training at Newcastle - able to do this as I already have a BA from years ago, & after I finish, be able to get work earlier easier than having to do the Librarian BA from scratch. If I really like it might do an MA correspondence later. It's a bit funny as my daughter is still at uni too (Sydney) so we will both be students.

Thanks Carmel, Mum had been ill a long, long time - I am just glad she's not suffering now - she passed the end of November so not that long ago, for me it's like swimming in treacle - getting my thoughts together and back on track or something. The last couple of years was studying pt updating skills perhaps looking at teaching (art?film) but with everything else it got too hard. Did apply for the Librarian course 2010 but though some quirk my application went missing. Applied for 2011 and got in. So yeah student days ahead. Thrilled really.

I can really empathize Velvetink - I cared for my Mum for fifteen years before she passed, actually that was when I put myself through Uni as I was able to do so much online. It's hard but, as you say, it's also a blessing to know they're not suffering any more. I wish you all the very best with your studies - nothing like study to help you take your mind off things :)

G'day all, my publisher just posted this on his twitter site.........

ASAPubNews ‘Out of Australia’ by David J Delaney soon to be released on a wide global distribution level. BookMasters and ASA are working hard together.

getting closer eh!

Woo Hoo! Very exciting David...

Carmel wrote: "Has anyone else seen this on the ABC site? No doubt about technology, this really is mind boogling to see the widespread affect in Qld.
You just drag the line back across the picture to see befor..."

That is totally amazing, Carmel! Thanks heaps for the link! It's just awful, the extreme devastation.
I do so hope you guys will be ok down there..the news reports are not encouraging. I can't work out what has gone wrong with Mother Nature!!

Carmel wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Carmel wrote: "Has anyone else seen this on the ABC site? No doubt about technology, this really is mind boogling to see the widespread affect in Qld. You just drag the line back acr..."

I feel for the poor farmers who've lost all their crops, as well as stock etc, first it was the terrible drought, now the opposite end of the spectrum!! I hope it all ends soon...

David wrote: "G'day all, my publisher just posted this on his twitter site.........

ASAPubNews ‘Out of Australia’ by David J Delaney soon to be released on a wide global distribution level. BookMasters and AS..."

Congrats!David

Thank you Mandy & Velvetink, I hope the rest of the year will work out for all the people effected by these disasters.

Our daughter & grandkids finally had power turned on this arvo.

Carmel wrote: "Has anyone else seen this on the ABC site? No doubt about technology, this really is mind boogling to see the widespread affect in Qld.
You just drag the line back across the picture to see befor..."

Thanks for that link Carmel.:)

With all the floods in the east and north and the fires in the west someone reminded me of the aptness of Dorothea MacKellar's famous Australian poem:

I love a sunburnt country,
A land of sweeping plains,
Of ragged mountain ranges,
Of droughts and flooding rains.
I love her far horizons,
I love her jewel-sea,
Her beauty and her terror
The wide brown land for me!

The full version of 'My Country' is in our poetry thread.

Jan wrote: "Here is a poem I wrote thirty years ago, but still relevant, I think.

The Flood

A little child leans over the bridge
and watches a twig float swiftly down
the once-dry river bed.

A good season h..."

I do like this Jan, nicely written piece, as poinant today as it was then.

Sadly it will be interesting to see how high the prices go when it comes to fresh foods. I remember the banana problem and they were kinda like gold for a while.

Currently watching 7 Seconds...oddly been watching quite a few movies as of late.