The bushfires that would become one of the worst natural disasters in Victoria’s history started their devastating path through Murrindindi Shire on 7 February 2009.
Mayor Sandice McAulay said the bushfires saw more than 100 people lose their lives in the shire, and 173 lives lost across Victoria.
“This is a difficult time for our community and other fire-affected communities across the State,” she said.
“More than 40 percent of our shire was burnt in 2009.
“And while we have often had occasion to celebrate the progress of our towns and the recovery of our communities since then – including welcoming many new residents – Murrindindi Shire and its communities were changed forever.”
Cr McAulay said that in the days and months that followed the fires, the people of Victoria, Australia and the world stood by the shire.
“To each and every one of you, we express our most sincere gratitude,” she said.
“We would also like to take a moment to again recognise the incredible efforts of emergency services personnel, including an incredible number of volunteers, who fought the fires valiantly despite the risk to themselves.”
Cr McAulay said the 10th anniversary was a time to reflect on the extraordinary goodwill and compassion shown after the fires.
“It’s also a time to remember those who were lost,” she said.
Murrindindi communities will hold commemorative events and activities.
View details at www.murrindindi.vic.gov.au/anniversaryevents.
For those interested in attending the State Commemoration event in Melbourne on Monday 4 February, the council is considering co-ordinating a bus service to and from Murrindindi Shire. Call 5772 0333 or email msc@murrindindi.vic.gov.au for more information.
