DRIVERS across the state have taken to the roads to support a good cause in this year’s Black Saturday Remembrance Cruise.
The cruise, on Saturday 2 February, was held in remembrance of Kate Ansett and Steve Fisher, who both died during the 2009 fires.
Hundreds of cars were involved in the cruise, which began at Lilydale at 4pm, meandered through some of the worst hit areas and finished at the Healesville Railway Station at 6pm with live music and a sausage sizzle.
The funds raised from the remembrance cruise will go to the Healesville CFA and last year’s cruise raised $9750 for the fire brigade.
The Healesville CFA ran the sausage sizzle at the event and Exploded View performed, along with bagpipe performer Roy Gilmour.
The event was capped off with a speech from event organisers Wendy Bennett and Troy and Stacey Bennett-Kinsmore and Casey MP Tony Smith.
“We’ve had a massive turnout,” Wendy said.
“Next year will be even bigger.
“We appreciate everyone bringing their pride and joys out today.”
Mr Smith donated an Australian flag to Troy and Stacey that was flown inside the House of Representatives chamber of the Federal Parliament in 2008.
“Black Saturday was more than 200 weekends ago,” Mr Smith said.
“But, of course, for everyone affected, it’s last week. It’s yesterday.”
Following the speech, Wendy, Troy and Stacey all lead a group in a remembrance walk around the Healesville Labyrinth at the Railway Station, in memory of Kate and Steve. They were draped in the Australian flag.
The fourth anniversary of the bushfires is this Thursday, 7 February.
