4 RAR Associations of Australia
Notice Board
DUTY FIRST
Topic : Victorian Bushfire tragedy
Posted by : 4 RAR Association, Qld
Date posted : 22 January 2009
Posted by : 4 RAR Association, Qld
Date posted : 22 January 2009
Copyright © 2009 www.4rarassociationsaustralia.com
This is an abridged version of an email from the Commanding Officer of 17 Signals Regiment at Holsworthy. The CO describes the drama of a fellow warrior. May I suggest that every member of the 4RAR Associations of Australia make a donation via 17 Signals Regiment or send for and either buy or sell at least one book of tickets. If you win the prize then I suggest that it be offered back to Darren via the Commanding Officer, 17 Signals Regiment, who can pass it to Darren. It may remind Darren of the support that he received from his 4RAR Infantry mates when he needed it most. You may decide to keep the painting and that will be OK.
Quote < I am sending this email to you to request your support for CPL Darren Gibson. Darren is one of the survivors of the recent Victorian fires, his family however was not. Darren joined the Army in 1990 as a Gunner in RAA. In 1997 he saw the light and joined RASigs as a radio operator! He has served in JTS, School of Sigs, and 104 Sig Sqn at 1 CSR. We remember his woodworking skills on OP ANODE with his Honour Roll for Vietnam Veterans and current members. He elected discharge from the Army in May last year and he and his wife, Leslie established their home in Kinglake. He has deployed to Cambodia (93), Bougainville (01), Solomon Islands (04), Iraq (06). He received the Soldiers Medallion for Exemplary Service whilst posted as an Instructor at ARTC Kapooka. Darren's wife Leslie, his daughter Kiana (4), son Jai (3) and daughter Ava (2) did not survive and perished in their home.
WO1 Michelle Griffith and I were able to visit Darren in Royal Prince Alfred Hospital ICU in Melbourne and spoke with his family. From what we have been able to ascertain, Darren and his family were trying to save their home up in Kinglake when the fire hit. Darren managed to get Ava out of the house down to their property dam. When he then attempted to get Leslie and the elder two children out of the house he was unable to reach them.
Darren then took Ava to a public road where they were rescued by fire fighters. Darren is currently in a medically induced coma in hospital. It is expected that they will endeavour to bring him out soon. He has undergone a second round of primarily skin grafting but there will be more. He has serious burns to his back, buttocks, feet, arms and hands. Ava, whom he attempted to rescue suffered 95% burns to her body and sadly passed away. Darren is not aware that he has lost his family. Darren has a son Brock aged 18, from a previous relationship.
It is requested that any messages of support, photos (which have all been lost), memories etc are passed to WO1 Griffith directly. She can be contacted on michelle.griffith@defence.gov.au or (03) 9450 7505. An account has been established with DEFCREDIT if you are able to provide a donation - it is titled Trust Fund for Darren Gibson. The details are as follows: Account Name - SUSAN COYLE BSB - 803205 Member Number - 16773 Account Number - 20780757 > Unquote
ADDITIONAL RAFFLE TO AID DARREN GIBSON
Quote < I am sending this email to you to request your support for CPL Darren Gibson. Darren is one of the survivors of the recent Victorian fires, his family however was not. Darren joined the Army in 1990 as a Gunner in RAA. In 1997 he saw the light and joined RASigs as a radio operator! He has served in JTS, School of Sigs, and 104 Sig Sqn at 1 CSR. We remember his woodworking skills on OP ANODE with his Honour Roll for Vietnam Veterans and current members. He elected discharge from the Army in May last year and he and his wife, Leslie established their home in Kinglake. He has deployed to Cambodia (93), Bougainville (01), Solomon Islands (04), Iraq (06). He received the Soldiers Medallion for Exemplary Service whilst posted as an Instructor at ARTC Kapooka. Darren's wife Leslie, his daughter Kiana (4), son Jai (3) and daughter Ava (2) did not survive and perished in their home.
WO1 Michelle Griffith and I were able to visit Darren in Royal Prince Alfred Hospital ICU in Melbourne and spoke with his family. From what we have been able to ascertain, Darren and his family were trying to save their home up in Kinglake when the fire hit. Darren managed to get Ava out of the house down to their property dam. When he then attempted to get Leslie and the elder two children out of the house he was unable to reach them.
Darren then took Ava to a public road where they were rescued by fire fighters. Darren is currently in a medically induced coma in hospital. It is expected that they will endeavour to bring him out soon. He has undergone a second round of primarily skin grafting but there will be more. He has serious burns to his back, buttocks, feet, arms and hands. Ava, whom he attempted to rescue suffered 95% burns to her body and sadly passed away. Darren is not aware that he has lost his family. Darren has a son Brock aged 18, from a previous relationship.
It is requested that any messages of support, photos (which have all been lost), memories etc are passed to WO1 Griffith directly. She can be contacted on michelle.griffith@defence.gov.au or (03) 9450 7505. An account has been established with DEFCREDIT if you are able to provide a donation - it is titled Trust Fund for Darren Gibson. The details are as follows: Account Name - SUSAN COYLE BSB - 803205 Member Number - 16773 Account Number - 20780757 > Unquote
ADDITIONAL RAFFLE TO AID DARREN GIBSON
This young Digger has lost his wife and three children; he remains in hospital with horrific burns and currently is in an induced coma.
All monies raised will go directly to him, through a fund set up by his unit.
Tickets are $2 and this will be drawn on ANZAC DAY. Prize: Framed print of Australian SAS Jubilee. (see right)
Winners will be published at www.peacekeepers.asn.au <http://www.peacekeepers.asn.au>
Please Contact Donna at dreggett@bigond.net.au <mailto:dreggett@bigond.net.au> for tickets or call Donna on 0430166070 or
07 3294 0700
All monies raised will go directly to him, through a fund set up by his unit.
Tickets are $2 and this will be drawn on ANZAC DAY. Prize: Framed print of Australian SAS Jubilee. (see right)
Winners will be published at www.peacekeepers.asn.au <http://www.peacekeepers.asn.au>
Please Contact Donna at dreggett@bigond.net.au <mailto:dreggett@bigond.net.au> for tickets or call Donna on 0430166070 or
07 3294 0700
All officials and members of the combined State 4 RAR Associations of Australia encourage your support. Please give generously.
The bushfires and devastation that have ravaged the State of Victoria in the recent weeks of February 2009 have touched all Australians, and many from overseas. Over 200 persons lost their lives, many of these were children. Many deeds of heroism have been told, many others will remain untold for these are the local residents that lost their own lives in the process of attempting to save the lives of others. Their efforts can never be acknowledged or rewarded, for they are the unknown heroes.
The following extract should provide a singular glimpse of the horror of this devastating tragedy.
The following extract should provide a singular glimpse of the horror of this devastating tragedy.
UPDATE - Posted 3 April 2009
WO1 Michelle Griffith has advised that Darren is recovering with full use of his hands and arms, has no facial scarring after skin drafting, but has had to have his toes removed and will require prosthetic feet. Currently Darren is walking short distances with the assistance of a frame. Darren has moved to Sydney to be nearer his and Leslie's family.
We understand that the home was under-insured and, of course, Darren has no immediate prospect of income to cover mortgage repayments.
We urge everyone to please continue to provide donations and support the raffle to help this courageous ex-soldier.
We also urge the mortgagee to demonstrate compassion, 'write off' the outstanding amount or contribute the amount to the Trust Fund established for Darren, and eliminate further mental anguish on this brave bushfire victim.
WO1 Michelle Griffith has advised that Darren is recovering with full use of his hands and arms, has no facial scarring after skin drafting, but has had to have his toes removed and will require prosthetic feet. Currently Darren is walking short distances with the assistance of a frame. Darren has moved to Sydney to be nearer his and Leslie's family.
We understand that the home was under-insured and, of course, Darren has no immediate prospect of income to cover mortgage repayments.
We urge everyone to please continue to provide donations and support the raffle to help this courageous ex-soldier.
We also urge the mortgagee to demonstrate compassion, 'write off' the outstanding amount or contribute the amount to the Trust Fund established for Darren, and eliminate further mental anguish on this brave bushfire victim.
The raffle conducted for the Victorian bushfire victim, Darren Gibson, was drawn on ANZAC Day at the Ipswich RSL.
The winners were:
W. Ludbey, Traralgon Victoria - Ticket Number 2733, and
Matt McFarland, Washington DC RSL - Ticket Number 1043
Each received a framed print of the SAS 50th Anniversary by Ian Coate.
The Raffle made approximately $5,000 and this was deposited into the trust account that was set up for Darren.
Thanks to everyone involved.
The winners were:
W. Ludbey, Traralgon Victoria - Ticket Number 2733, and
Matt McFarland, Washington DC RSL - Ticket Number 1043
Each received a framed print of the SAS 50th Anniversary by Ian Coate.
The Raffle made approximately $5,000 and this was deposited into the trust account that was set up for Darren.
Thanks to everyone involved.