Our summer has been witness to a story of bushfires of unimaginable scale and ferocity.
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Like any great story, it's had its heroes and it's had its villains.
The former have stood out in their hi-vis uniforms - the firefighters from across the country, and from abroad, who fought to save people and property.
They would not think of themselves as heroes, but it seems an apt description for those who selflessly go into harm's way.
All too often the dangers they faced were made clear with news of more firefighters losing their lives or suffering injury.
Belonging in the same club are those police officers, paramedics and other emergency workers and volunteers who were on the fire grounds, helping where they could.
On the other side of the ledger, it is difficult to look past the battering Prime Minister Scott Morrison took for his perceived failings in responding to the fires.
Given his time again, Mr Morrison would surely not have gone on that family holiday to Hawaii, and he likely would have acted sooner to try to demonstrate the leadership many feel was lacking.
But he was far from the only target of public scorn during, and since, the bushfires.
And some of that heat has very much missed the mark.
The casting of long-standing and previously well-respected charities as villains in this story is, frankly, a disgrace.
The casting of long-standing and previously well-respected charities as villains in this story is, frankly, a disgrace.
It began with criticism from a New South Wales government minister in January that funds donated were not being distributed to those in need fast enough.
As the member for an electorate devastated by the fires, his frustration was understandable. In fact, it was more than understandable; it was natural.
When people are traumatised they can be thrown on a wild ride of emotions, including anger, which can cause them to lash out, even at others who are only trying to help.
We get it; we make allowances for it.
Yet the public outcry that followed was unreasonable, and it is a concern that charities that play an important role in our community have been hurt.
In late January, a market research company asked questions of a focus group of voters and found many were worried about reports money was being withheld.
"They were anxious that those who had been adversely affected by bushfire should have much easier access to funds," Ipsos told The Age. "Some felt the organisations were disingenuous or had mishandled donations to make financial gains. These participants felt direct assistance and flow of money would be more effective."
The same sentiments can be seen across social media platforms.
For example, it seemed every second person commenting in response to a recent story about a Tasmanian cricket club raising funds for an interstate club that lost its facilities in the fires was critical of charities.
It was great to see a sporting club helping another, but why the negativity towards those on the ground helping families and individuals who have suffered hardship?
Yes, there are, from time to time, legitimate concerns about the work of charities, and they should be scrutinised to ensure they continue to earn the trust placed in them by donors, but the cynicism and outright hostility seen from many is far from deserved. And if it is representative of wider public opinion then what a miserable, unreasonable lot we are.
At a time when they should be focused on helping people, the Red Cross and others have been forced to defend their practices.
While the charities have been working to distribute urgent assistance they have faced flak for holding funds in reserve.
As Noel Clement, director of Australian programs for the Red Cross, said, recovery takes time and some funds should be retained to help communities "so when the world's attention turns away and the story moves on locals don't feel left behind".
Donors would also expect some due diligence be undertaken to ensure money is only given to those genuinely in need.
This is one of the reasons for the administration expenses faced by all charities because processing grants and donations, and complying with the law and other obligations, comes at a cost.
It's a pity so many have been prepared to judge charities so readily and so harshly. The volunteers and staff don't deserve that; they deserve our thanks and our support.
- Anthony Haneveer is a deputy editor with Australian Community Media.