wow...everyone should put stuff int he trunk of their cars just in case..plus a set of keys hidden somewhere on the car (a thief is going to get in anyway)..blankets, canned food, matches, can opener, tent or tarps, water, soap, toilet paper (and your entrenching tool!) ...maybe an old ax and shovel...old jackets and boots..and always keep a pair of shoes you can run in at your desk at work in case of earthquake or whatever. make copies of your most important papers and keep them either there (subject to theft etc.) or at home where you can grab them easily. Anyone who has to drive where it could snow and strand them should really be well prepared to last a few days in a car.

Good luck in Australia. mg