NSW burns

The waratah, floral emblem of NSW, has been aflame in the bush, in completely the wrong way this year.

Our heartfelt thanks, as always, to the amazing professionals and volunteers - our firies - that keep us safe. In Blackheath, we have been incredibly lucky, not so much in other areas.

And today, our hearts go out to the family of the pilot who lost his life defending communities on the south coast - apparently his wings torn from his craft.

Next year, as it always does after fire, the waratah will flower profusely.

You just can't keep us down.