Giovanni
What I meant by having a clue is, as you would appreciate, unless the person reading the message was there, it is virtually impossible to relate how it was. I was flying with Jayson McKellar (Air Attack Supervisor) over the four days. The first couple of days we were in VH-TCE a Black 206L and then we used an AS-350B VH-EEB for one day while the Longranger was on check. It came back on the Sunday and we used it Sunday and Monday. Stu O'Malley was flying the 206L and Rick Howell was flying EEB.
With regards to the mainstream media, its amazing the way they report things. I looked in every paper the days I was there and not one word was mentioned about the helo crews and the work they were doing. I actually rang the editor of the Canberra Times and told him what I thought of their biased coverage - and Yes John I was nice to him
What people dont realise is that those residents of Uriarra actually tried to vandalise a couple of the helos, helos which were there to help them. They also were told a couple of days before that they were in danger and should pack up and leave. Many of them basically told the RFS to F-Off, I know that because I was there. That person mentioned in the paper article actually came down to the helibase and was saying good job, great job, here are some more water sources you can use etc and now that he has lost his house, he is the poor victim, give me a break
We also had locals doing donuts around the helibase in a black Falcon and in one case throwing things at the helicopters. Even after this Tim Turner, Mike in the Kmax and Tony in an AS-350 still tried to save their houses. Makes you wonder why they bothered some of the time.
With regards to media bias, I know exactly what you are talking about because I get to see things from both sides of the coin, and sometimes it amazes me what so called "professionals" write.
Trying to educate the pollies is a whole different kettle of fish. I was on the plane home and the person sitting next to me was the Head of the Dept of Ag on the Federal level and we had a good chat. Gave me a list of all those that are the powers of influence so hopefully we can do some good that way. He used to be in Vic and was involved in getting the first Crane over there.
Anyway enough of my comments. Just thought I would pass this on.
AB