The wellbeing of people in communities affected by the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, and the emergency service and others involved, will be a priority as government bodies and communities plan to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the life-changing event.
The Victorian government today (Monday, 3 September) announced $4.4 million dollars in funding to support anniversary activities in the more than 78 Victorian communities directly impacted saying communities would have a voice in how that anniversary is observed.
The funding will support a state memorial service and a grants program for local community commemoration and creative arts projects.
A range of mental health and psychological services and support will also be provided throughout the commemoration period.
“These catastrophic events still impact on many of our communities today and it is important we allow those communities to commemorate this anniversary in their own way,” Minister for Emergency Services, James Merlino said.
“Remembering these tragic events is important so we can honour those who died, those who lost their homes and were displaced, and the people who prevented further loss and destruction.”
The CFA joined the government and other key stakeholders at the launch and welcomed the focus on the wellbeing of communities and emergency services personnel who were directly impacted.
CFA Chief Officer Steve Warrington said the CFA had commenced discussions with impacted brigades and communities to provide support as they prepare for what he described as a significant anniversary.
“As we approach 10 years since those deadly bushfires, CFA has our people and the communities we serve at the core of our commemoration planning.
“Our priority is to ensure CFA people have the support they need,” Chief Officer Warrington said.
He said while it was important to note that while the 2019 anniversary was a significant date of remembrance for the entire state, it will be challenging for those involved both on Black Saturday, and in the aftermath.
The Honourable Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria, has been appointed as the Patron for the state’s commemorations of the anniversary and in that role will visit bushfire-affected communities to hear about their challenges and help mark their achievements in recovery.
An advisory panel, chaired by former Premier John Brumby and including former Deputy Premier and Minister for Police and emergency Services Pat McNamara, Ms Susan Pascoe AM and Mr Ben Hubbard has been created.
The panel will provide advice to the Government on anniversary planning to ensure the needs of impacted communities, as well as the broader Victorian public, are met.
Additional resources have been made available for support throughout the anniversary period, including for schools and emergency personnel.
“We look forward to working closely with bushfire-affected communities and local government over the next six months to ensure the commemoration of this time reflects the community’s wishes,” Mr Merlino said.
Visit vic.gov.au/2009-bushfires for more information about the ten-year anniversary including grants programs, and details of the State Memorial Service.
