black saturday - 2 years on

The 7th February, 2011, two years on from Black Saturday, is a day of contemplation and a day of remembrance. I will be taking some time today to remember those terrible events of two years ago. Thoughts turn to the tragic loss of life, the devastating loss of people’s homes and the shocking and extensive loss of wildlife and bushland.

The tireless efforts of the CFA volunteers were heroic, there were amazing gestures of generosity from near and far as people responded to the tragedy that was unfolding before us. We see that same generosity of spirit today as Australians open their hearts to those affected by flood, cyclone or bushfire in various states across the nation.

Two years on, we see recovery, rebuilding and regeneration. People continuing their journey to get their lives back on track, new houses built and the bush continuing with its regeneration.

It will take a long time to recover from such a tragic natural disaster, Black Saturday has affected many people in many ways. With understanding and care people are rebuilding their lives, overcoming the trauma and learning to live with the memories.

At this two year mark, my thanks again to all the volunteers who went well beyond the call of duty in responding to Black Saturday and still do to this day.

I also extend my thanks to all those volunteers who assisted the Shire over this weekend as we endured the onslaught of the tail end of Cyclone Anthony. I pay tribute to our community members who maintained their good spirits even when up to their knees in water, recognising that their plight was minor in comparison to the cyclone ravaged areas of Queensland.

On this second anniversary of Black Saturday I extend my heartfelt and sincere well wishes to all those people who lost loved ones in the fires, this day will be difficult for you but know that our thoughts are with you.