Sunday, February 7, 2010

Black Saturday - One year on

Hi all,

This is a non crafty post today.

Today marks exactly one year since the "Black Saturday" Bushfires raged through parts of Victoria. Here in Australia we are observering a day of mourning. Personally I think that it is good to remember those that have been affected by this horrific tragedy. The following is from the Bigpond news page:

Australians will observe a national day of mourning on Sunday on the first anniversary since deadly bushfires killed 173 people and decimated rural communities in Victoria.

To mark the fateful day of February 7, 2009, community events have been organised in the bushfire-hit areas such as at the Kinglake West Football Ground on Sunday night, when butterflies will be released and candles lit.

Other activities on Sunday include a Remembrance Service at Kinglake West Uniting Church and Victorian Governor David de Kretser and his wife Jan will open a memorial bell and gateway in a reflective garden at Kinglake West Mechanics Institute Reserve.

There will be a combined church service and community reflection for Marysville residents at Gallipoli Park, which became the refuge for those who stayed and tried to defend their properties.

Services are also being held in Flowerdale, Whittlesea, Toolangi, Bendigo and Gippsland among many others in bushfire-affected communities across the state.


Today (for all of us not in those areas) at midday there will be a minutes silence to remember the people & events of this very sad & tragic day.

Wishing you all a safe & peaceful day.

3 comments:

Dawn T said...

Hasn't the year gone by so quickly... it is pleasing to see on the news the other night that some of the courageous stories of renewal and replacement.... sad for those families that lost loved ones and homes. My thoughts are with them.

Kathy Jones said...

A sad day indeed. It is remarkable the way the communities affected have pulled together to rebuild after the tragedy that hit their lives. It is something that neither they, nor the rest of the country will ever forget.

Dotty Jo said...

Gosh Paula, I can't believe it was a year ago that we watched those terrible pictures on our TVs. What a sad day. Hugs to you, Jo x