Safe and Sound
As 2020 dawned and untameable fires raged, Australians were confronted in an uncompromising way with the reality of life in rural Australia. Of the unique and extraordinary beauty of this country, and of its exceptional fragility and savagery. Of how easily it can be appreciated, and how easily removed – obliterated, in the blink of an eye. One billion animals, and counting. Precious native vegetation, razed. Irreplaceable habitats, lost.
And, the manmade. Buildings annihilated in minutes. Homes, workplaces, public and private. Residences, sanctuaries, dreams, lives and communities shattered.
As we grappled with this tsunami of loss, we were reminded again of the overwhelming desire of so many of us to live as one with nature. In high fire risk areas, in flame zones, on the edge. To be surrounded by, or immersed in, the unmatchable beauty of our natural landscape and bush.
Post-fire research revealed millions of us live in
