Sadly I can relate to the being spat on bit -- although for us it was verbal attacks in the street.

John Rasmussen should be OK. He lives in Research. O'Leary is working on finding out about Norm Adams and other musicians who may be in affected areas. I can also say that the Warburton Folkies are also OK. They're near my daughter. There's another group of Folkies in the Bunyip fire area. Haven't heard about them yet. I'll try to find out. The Bluegrass and Old Timey crowd in Beechworth and surrounds -- I should try to find out about them too.
Cheers, Joy