What a difference a disaster makes! Without challenges while absorbed in life’s luxuries, our worst self- indulgent behaviour had been on display for the world. To exemplify, think bank royal commission, tennis tantrums, Aussies in Bali pubs, commonsense-free zones on the ABC — the list goes on. Just as the phoenix emerged from its ashes, so have the once-tarnished reputations of some of our icons during our nationwide bushfires. The ABC has proven invaluable in uniquely communicating life-saving messages through its sophisticated local networks when other infrastructure failed. Thanks Ita. ‘The donations and goodwill from all the banks is evident. Warnie’s baggy green cap is now immortalised in the Bradman Museum (Warnie caps off a $1M drive, 11/1). Thanks CBA. Bad boy Nick Kyrgios struck an eye-popping, redeeming chord with his $200 per ace contribution to the bushfire appeal. The silver lining in this cataclysm of darkness is that we all feel a universal motivation to be at our best. Alan Sexton. North Parramatta. 13Jan2020.