Behold, bloomin' beauties

IN among tree-lined streets and leafy gardens, the community of Claremont was last night putting the finishing touches ahead of this weekend's 21st Lily and Summer Flower Show.

Between 100 and 130 exhibitors from around the state are expected to display their colourful blooms at the Claremont Memorial Hall today and tomorrow.

Gardening Australia presenter Tino Carnevale will officially open the event at 2pm today.

Show secretary Ian Norman said organisers were expecting up to 2000 people to come and see the different varieties of lilies and summer flowers, including dahlias, roses, perennials and annuals.

"I would say it's about the largest community event in Claremont," he said.

Show manager Ilona Jacobson said many community groups were involved, including the Clarence, Glenorchy and Lenah Valley garden clubs and the Mount Fawkner Rovers.

The Claremont Anglican Church is providing refreshments, with all proceeds going to the Red Cross Tasmanian Bushfires Appeal.

Ms Jacobson said the family-friendly event attracted visitors from interstate and overseas.

"We're getting more popular as people come from many places to see our show," she said.

Barry and Lorraine Davidson have been exhibiting at the summer show since its inception.

Their Claremont garden features almost an acre of winding stone paths, leafy magnolia trees, rhododendrons and lilies.

They also have hundreds of orchid varieties, mainly hybrids of Australian natives.

"The flower show is a community thing, and there is still the old core community in Claremont," Mr Davidson said.

"Everyone pitches in to help," Mrs Davidson added.

Claremont Garden Club members Wilma McTye and Suzanne Robinson have been exhibiting for about 20 years.

"It's always hectic but it's fun," Mrs Robinson said.

Despite damage by the recent wind and scorching temperatures, she was still planning on being part of this year's show.

"I'll have some succulents and hopefully liliums," she said.

She said the show was also trying to attract a younger generation of gardeners.

"We have quite a few children entering the children's section, which is wonderful to see." Fellow gardener Wilma McTye said all the preparation paid off.

"It's a lot of work in the build-up, but it does bring the community together, and we have such a lot of visitors and they're always overwhelmed by how much people can grow," she said.

Avid gardener and event supporter Rod Barwick, whose specialty is trumpets crossed with oriental lilies, described the show as a "feel-good event".

"You see heaps of people smiling, enthusiastic, and there's great goodwill among all the people there," he said.

For more show details go to www.tasblooms.com/claremontflshow.

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Festival expects lots of folk

Nardi Simpson and Kaleena Briggs of the Stiff Gins.

THE tiny town of Cygnet will come alive today as thousands of music fans roll in for the 31st annual Cygnet Folk Festival.

More than 110 acts are set to perform during the weekend of the festival, a timely distraction for Tasmanians left tired and traumatised by bushfires this week.

Festival artistic director Erin Collins is expecting record crowds in excess of 6000, with pre-sale tickets well up on last year and commercial accommodation booked out months ago, although some campsites are still available.

"We're hoping that people will want a little break from all the dramas that have been going on and will come down and enjoy themselves," she said.

This year's program has a strong indigenous element, with highlights to include performances by "the voice of the Australian desert", multilingual singer and guitarist Frank Yamma, and the female duo Stiff Gins (Nardi Simpson and Kaleena Briggs).

Festival organisers have also joined the fundraising effort to support people affected by the bushfires.

Patrons will be able to make contributions at several concerts, and musicians have donated items for a music lovers' raffle.

Money raised at tomorrow night's Festival Cabaret concert at Carmel Hall was originally to be donated to the Mines Victims and Clearance Trust but the trust has asked that the money go to bushfire victims instead.

kane.young@news.com.au

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Royals give to fire appeal

THE Prince of Wales, who toured Tasmania last year with his wife Camilla, has made a donation to Tasmania's bushfire fundraising effort which has now pushed past the $2 million mark.

Three more of Australia's big four banks also put up significant donations yesterday and a pizza chain cooked up a way to help.

Prince Charles, who made a "significant" but unspecified donation to the Australian Red Cross Tasmanian Bushfire Appeal told the Governor of Tasmania Peter Underwood that he and his wife were profoundly saddened to hear about the damage and despair caused by the crisis.

The ANZ, National Australia and Commonwealth banks all donated $100,000 to the Australian Red Cross Tasmanian Bushfire Appeal, to match a contribution made earlier in the week by Westpac.

And on Wednesday, one dollar from every Domino's pizza sold at the chain's 11 Tasmanian stores will be donated.

Other food outlets joined the charge with T42 and Fish Frenzy donating $10,000 each.

Hobart radio station 7HOFM will contribute more than $125,000 to the appeal after the success of its 50 Hours for $50,000 campaign this week.

The marathon broadcast aimed to raise $50,000 for the victims of the Tasmanian bushfires.

That goal was exceeded and then Tasmanian brewer James Boag bolstered the coffers substantially by donating $50,000 to the campaign.

The St Vincent de Paul Society has set up a drop-off centre at the Hobart Showgrounds.

The centre is open from 10am-6pm on weekdays and 12-4pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

The society said while material goods were welcome, the best way to help was by donating cash for people to buy what they need most.

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Dogged devotion to hero dad

A HEARTWARMING photo of a Dunalley firefighter returning home to his dogs after several days on the firefront has gone viral on the internet.

Cute canines Bindi and Maddy couldn't hide their excitement as Kevin Daly, a 56-year-old paramedic who is also a volunteer firefighter, came home for a well-earned rest on Tuesday.

The dogs clambered all over Mr Daly, who was still dressed in his smoke-soiled yellow overalls. Daughter Jessie Daly was so moved that she used her camera phone to capture the moment.

At the suggestion of friends, she later shared the photo on the Mercury's Facebook page.

Within hours the image went viral -- it already has about 58,000 likes, has been shared by 4500 people and attracted oodles of online comments.

The 26-year-old, who lives in South Launceston but visits Dunalley regularly, is thrilled that her photo -- which marked a happy ending to an emotionally charged few days for the family -- has provided a feel-good moment for tens of thousands of people around the world during a devastating time.

Mr Daly began fighting fires at Forcett last Thursday. By early afternoon last Friday, the threat to Dunalley -- where he has lived his entire life -- was apparent.

While he continued to battle the intense blaze, which wiped out at least 65 buildings in the small seaside town, Mr Daly's wife Carolyn, along with Jessie and the dogs, jumped in the car and headed for the safety of Nubeena.

The power was out in Dunalley and the sky had turned a frightening shade of orange.

"Dad rang and said they had completely lost control of [the fire], that it was coming down the hill like and steam train and that we needed to get out," Ms Daly said.

They spent a worrying night on the football oval, unsure if Mr Daly and other family members were safe, before eventually securing a spot on a ferry to Hobart.

The women were reunited with Mr Daly briefly on Sunday but it wasn't until Tuesday that he was able to clock-off from firefighting duties and go home to his family for a well-earned rest. This was when the photo was taken.

Fire burned up to the boundary of the Daly property, destroying a shed, but the family home was saved.

"The stories I have heard about my father and the lengths he went to on Friday to try to save his town are truly amazing," Ms Daly said.

"I am so proud to be his daughter.

"He has always been a hero in my eyes but now he truly stands a real hero."

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Tassie's horde of helpers

For more video coverage of the fires, click on the "Video" link in the top menu.

EVEN as efforts to extinguish Tasmania's devastating bushfires continue an army of volunteers has been mobilised to look after the needs of those affected by the crisis.

Up and down the worst-hit area, in the state's south-east, people have turned out to give what they can to help ease the pain.

A pony club ground in Sorell has become a clearing house for fodder and first-aid supplies for livestock and pets.

Trucks and utes piled high with much-needed goods today drove to and from places such as Connellys Marsh, Forcett, and points further down the Arthur Highway.

Organisers said they were keen to get hold of more square bales of hay and pre-paid fuel cards to keep the trucks rolling as well as fencing supplies to help contain wandering stock.

Depots have been set up at Gretna and at Pembroke Park in Sorell, where donations can be made.

Emma Pearce, of Forcett, said she was happy to do what she could to help others.

"We got out of the danger zone ourselves so we are just helping everyone else," she said.

"It's been a very hectic five days."

At the Old Murdunna Post Office, Rainer Minty was presiding over a shop with a difference – there was not a single price-tag on any of his goods.

Mr Minty said people had been bringing in necessities during the past few days and demand had been strong.

"The response has been fantastic," he said.

"The hay appears continuously, the supplies come in continuously.

"People come in tinnies and in runabouts.

"It has been great. I am just glad I can give something back."

He said the items most in need in his area were lantern batteries, butane stove cartridges, candles, bottled water and torches.

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Family's amazing survival tale

A TASMANIAN family that spent a harrowing three hours clinging to a jetty as "tornadoes of fire" swirled around them have become the face of the bushfire tragedy.

Pictures of Tammy Holmes and her five young grandchildren huddled beneath a Tasmanian jetty as flames roared about them at Dunalley have raced around the internet.

Mother Bonnie Walker had left her five children, aged 2 to 11, in the care of her parents, Tim and Tammy Holmes, while she attended a funeral in Hobart.

As the fire closed in on the coastal town, cutting off the family's escape route, Mr and Mrs Holmes had no other choice but to shelter in the water under a jetty with their grandchildren.

"We saw tornadoes of fire just coming across towards us and the next thing we knew everything was on fire, everywhere all around us," Mr Holmes told the ABC.

"We lost three houses and by that time I had sent Tammy ... with the children to get down to the jetty because there was no other escape -- we couldn't get off.

"We were relying on the jetty really. And the difficulty was, there was so much smoke and ember and there was only about probably 200mm to 300mm of air above the water. So we were all just heads, water up to our chins just trying to breathe because it was just, the atmosphere was so incredibly toxic."

Services guide: Where to get help

CAN'T FIND LOVED ONES? CALL: 1800 727 077
TASMANIAN BUSHFIRE APPEAL: 1800 811 700

Fires rage across the state
Dunalley devastation
Bushfire aftermath
Readers' fire pictures

Got any pictures of the fires or the aftermath?
Send them to readerspix@dbl.newsltd.com.au

Mr Holmes said the fire raged around them for three hours along the wooded point.

"Everything was on fire and it was just exploding all over the place. Yeah, amazing. Just scorched," he said.

Mrs Walker was cut off from her family as fire cut across roads.

"We just waited by the phone and received a message at 3.30pm to say that mum and dad had evacuated, that they were surrounded by fire, and could we pray," she said.

"So I braced myself to lose my children and my parents."

Fortunately, she did not, the decision to shelter in water saving them. Mr Holmes took the pictures and sent them to his daughter to show her her family was safe.

Pictures of the family huddled terrified under the jetty have gone around the world, with the family becoming the face of the Tasmanian fire tragedy.

The photos have been published on The Guardian and The Telegraph in the UK and the Huffington Post in the US.

Around 90 properties were razed in and around the small fishing town in a blaze that started at Forcett and burned 23,000 hectares.

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Truck convoy to deliver hay

A NORTHERN transport company is delivering 700 large bales of hay to Dunalley for livestock affected by bushfire.

The first vehicle of Carrick-based Page Transport's truck convoy left Westbury at 2pm. Each truck will carry about 50 bales.

The Rotary Club of Westbury is co-ordinating the feed collection in the north and Peter Greenham, managing director of prime meat processor Greenham's Tasmania, donated $10,000 to help offset transport costs.

Elders Launceston livestock agent Stephen Caswell said proceeds from a pen of lambs from the Weymouth lamb sale tomorrow will be donated to the fire appeal.

Thousands of hectares of farmland has been burnt and replacing fencing to contain stock is another major headache for properties owners.

Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania president Paul Grubb and business operations manager Scott Woodham have opened an appeal for donations of fencing equipment.

The Royal Showgrounds at Glenorchy is also a new-age Noah's Ark acting as a refuge for livestock and a hub for donations of non-perishable animal foods.

Last night four car and 4WD loads of pet food were shipped from the Showground to the Tasman Peninsula by boats.

"If any businesses or farmers feel they can offer materials to rebuild fencing, we'll gladly take them at the Hobart Showground and organise distribution," Mr Woodham said.

Donated food stocks and other items are arriving at the showground every few minutes today, from individuals and businesses across the state.

Animals are being brought in one by one, but the numbers requiring shelter will swell as access to properties become available.

RAST is also offering free camping on 17ha grounds for people who have fled their homes.

The Art Pavilion at the Showgrounds is a clothing collection point for St Vincent de Paul.

RAST has received feed for sheep, cattle, dogs, cats, goats, cavie (guinea pigs), rabbits, birds, poultry and pigs.

"We are co-ordinating the effort to maximise the effort," Mr Woodham said.

"Most farm animals are still stuck on properties with fences burned down, but people can't access them. We will talk with local councils to arrange transport to feed animals or to collect animals."

He said Bunnings, the Huonville stores of Animal Tucker Box, and Pets Domain are also collection points.

People wanting to help with transport can phone 6272 6812 or drop off items at the Showgrounds administration building located at the top of the main drive. Entry is off Howard Rd.

The RSPCA has set up a community register to connect people in need with those who can help with temporary pet accommodation or horse or livestock agistment.

RSPCA has also launched a Tasmanian Bush Fire Appeal. Further details at www.rspca.org.au, email rspca@rspcatas.org.au or phone 6244 3033.

The Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is also offering help for any injured wildlife and can be contacted on 6268 1184.

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New chance to leave Taranna

A CONVOY is being arranged later this afternoon for anyone keen to leave the Tasman Peninsula in their vehicle.

The convoy, escorted by Tasmania Police, will depart from the intersection of the Arthur Highway and Nubeena Rd, at Taranna, at 6pm.

Anyone intending to join the convoy must arrive at the departure point in plenty of time to register with police.

A mass exodus planned for earlier today was suspended when fires flared up around the Eaglehawk Neck, Kellevie and Bream Creek areas.

The fire threat has since subsided.

The 6pm convoy is also dependent on safety conditions at the time.

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Water warnings issued

PUBLIC health authorities have issued a warning about using tank water in bushfire-hit areas.

Public Health director Roscoe Taylor said people returning to such areas should take some simple precautions.

"Residents can take steps to ensure the quality of their water after bushfires, which can generate large amounts of ash and debris and contaminate rainwater supplies," Dr Taylor said.

"The presence of ash and debris in rainwater does not represent a health risk but it can affect colour, clarity and taste.

"There may be other contaminants to deal with, including from dead animals or trace chemical residues from burnt treated timber."

Dr Taylor said a few simple steps could ensure rainwater supplies were suitable for drinking after a bushfire. For more information and advice, click here.

For advice on welfare issues for livestock or wildlife following the bushfires, click here.

For more information on the fire situation and support services, contact 1800 567 567.

Southern Water has also reminded customers to observe water restrictions and avoid all non-essential water use tomorrow, when a total fire ban for southern Tasmania will be in effect. At this stage, the ban will be in place until 11.59pm tomorrow.

Southern Water spokesman Ian Dunbabin said water restrictions on total fire ban days meant customers should:

• Turn off all sprinkler systems, including automatic sprinkler systems.

• Restrict hose use to essential purposes such as fire prevention or mitigation.

• Use a bucket if it is necessary to water plants, clean windows, or wash driveways.

"Customers are not asked to forego water for essential purposes, but watering gardens or lawns should be deferred until the total fire ban is removed," Mr Dunbabin said

For more information on water restrictions, click here.

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Rental car reprieve

CAR rental companies Avis and Europcar have confirmed they will not charge people for the cost of recovering hire vehicles abandoned in fire-affected areas.

Avis Australia posted on its Facebook page that customers forced to leave their cars in the Port Arthur area because of the bushfires would only be charged up until the evening of Friday, January 4.

"Avis will be absorbing the costs of trucking the vehicles out of Port Arthur and the lost rental revenue," it said.

Europcar also announced that customers would not be charged for lost rental revenue or vehicle recovery costs.

Europcar Tasmania managing director Brendon Ayers said customers would only be charged for their vehicle rental until the time they informed the company they would not be able to return it, regardless of the length their original booking.

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania CEO Luke Martin said he had been advised by Tasmania's five largest hire car companies -- AVIS, Budget, Thrifty, Europcar and Red Spot -- that no customer who abandoned their vehicle because of the fires would be charged penalty rates for not returning it.

Several evacuees spoken to by the Mercury at Nubeena on Sunday said the only reason they were unable to leave the town was they were being threatened with open-ended charges if they did not return their cars to the designated drop-off location.

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Fire closes S-W tracks, parks

Smoke drifts over Mt Wellington at sunset. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

SMOKE from a huge bushfire burning in the state's remote South-West is affecting communities in the Huon Valley and Hobart regions with the Parks and Wildlife Service closing walking tracks in the area.

"This fire, estimated to have burnt about 30,000 hectares, is affecting a large area between Lake Pedder and Port Davey," Parks incident controller Chris Arthur said today.

"In the interests of public safety all tracks in the Western and Eastern Arthur Ranges are closed."

Closed tracks include the Port Davey Track, Old Port Davey Track, Junction Creek Track, Arthur Plains Track, Cracroft Valley Track, Blakes Opening, Huon Track and the Old River traverse.

The Huon and Edgar campgrounds are also closed and the Parks and Wildlife Service expects closures to remain force for "an extended period of time".

Other parks affected by bushfires include Douglas Apsley National Park, which remains closed until further notice because of the blaze near Bicheno, which has also forced the closure of the Freycinet National Park and surrounding walking tracks.

The Mount Field National Park is also closed until further notice.

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Police search burnt premises

Dozens of homes have been razed in the fires with police fearful that lives may also have been lost. Pictures: CHRIS KIDD

POLICE are conducting a door-to-door search of burned out properties affected by this week's Tasmanian bushfires in case anyone has died.

Acting Commissioner Scott Tilyard told a press conference in Hobart that officers were conducting thorough searches of burnt out premises.

"They are going door to door confirming there are no people who have died," he said.

"It is still far too early to confirm that is not the case.

"We haven't found any deceased people at this stage but there's still quite a lot of premises that we have to go to.

"It was a very dangerous situation on Friday -- a really dangerous and fast-moving fire."

Acting Commissioner Tilyard said police were prioritising a handful of cases of missing people, particularly those whose plight had been raised through social media websites.

"I am fearful that someone may have died in this fire; we hope for the best but plan for the worst," he said.

"It is a very distinct possibility still, I think people should brace themselves for the fact that it could occur."

He said police were hoping to open the Arthur Highway to enable 1500 to 2000 displaced people to leave Nubeena and Port Arthur later today but he warned that it may yet be several days before it was possible for residents to return to their properties.

Tasmania Fire Service chief fire officer Mike Brown said dozens of fire crews were fighting more than 20 fires which had burned out more than 20,000ha of bush and would continue to burn for several days.

He said he was confident most fires could be contained within the next 48 hours

He said reinforcements from a number of interstate agencies would bolster the ranks of weary firefighters and additional aircraft had been sent to the state to aid the battle.

The fire service estimates 80-90 properties have been lost in the fires.

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Victoria lends a hand

A CONTINGENT of 65 Victorians is preparing to head to Tasmania to help battle the bushfires.

Victorian Fire Services Commissioner Craig Lapsley said planning is underway to send the crews to assist as parts of Tasmania's East Coast have been cut off by bushfires.

"We will send crews that will leave [tonight] to work Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday," Mr Lapsley said yesterday.

"They'll be crews that are both incident management teams, aircraft positions, so those that will manage and fly, and crews on the trucks."

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British tennis ace lobs in

NATIVE WONDERS: Laura Robson at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary yesterday. Picture: Getty

TEENAGE British rising star Laura Robson takes in the wonders of our native animals at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary yesterday.

Action starts in the main draw of the Moorilla Hobart International today.

The unseeded Robson faces American eighth-seed Sloane Stephens in the opening round.

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