2009 Victorian Bushfire Memorials

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The project was delivered by Alpine Shire Council in consultation with the community.

Black Saturday Memorial Shelter On Saturday, 7th February, 2009, a severe bushfire ravaged sections of Happy Valley and Havilah. This BBQ shelter was erected from funds donated following the fire.
This facility will be of benefit to future generations, acting both as a reminder of that terrible day as well as a place for the local community to celebrate life in our beautiful valley.

The project was delivered by Alpine Shire Council in consultation with the community.

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The project was delivered by Alpine Shire Council in consultation with the community.

Memorial design by Challis Design and construction by Myrtleford Paving, with input from the community.

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The project was delivered by Alpine Shire Council in consultation with the community.

February 7, 2009
The Black Saturday Bushfires
Remembering heroes born and loved ones lost.
Susan May (Briggs) Wilson, b. 18 May 1961 John Maurice Wilson, b. 13 May 1957

Memorial design by Interpretive by Design and construction and installation by Don Downey Building Services, with input from the community.

Bunyip Ridge Fire
Impacted
Drouin West Community
Black Saturday
February 7th 2009

The Community Recovery Committee developed the concept drawings in consultation with the wider community.

Black Saturday
7th February 2009

The Community Recovery Committee developed the concept drawings in consultation with the wider community.

Black Saturday
7th February 2009

Local artists, school children and the Aboriginal community.

Bunyip Ridge Fire
Black Saturday
07.02.2009

The Community Recovery Committee developed the concept drawings in consultation with the wider community.

Left Side Inscription
On Saturday, 7 February 2009, Victoria experienced an unprecedented and catastrophic event as firestorms raged through much of the state. For many, this day will forever be remembered as Black Saturday.

In Bendigo, the Bracewell Street fire, as it came to be known, swept quickly and with little warning through the north-west of the city. Powered by wind gusts of up to 80 kilometres per hour and temperatures into the mid-40s Celsius, the fire took the life of one resident, along with numerous pets and wildlife. It destroyed 58 homes, countless sheds and outbuildings, cars, boats and caravans.
In a few short hours it devastated and area of almost 500 hectares, threatening to spread to the city's CBD, and changed the lives of so many residents forever.

Right Side Inscription
Less than two kilometres north-west of this site, Bendigo resident Mick Kane tragically lost his life - fighting, like so many others - to save the home and family he loved under impossible circumstances. Many residents were forced to flee for their lives or watch their precious homes and possessions burn.
Bendigo remembers all those whose lives were devastated on Black Saturday, and who fought back with immense courage and optimism in the face of adversity.
In the face of unprecedented disaster, Bendigo banded together like no other time in its history. This memorial acknowledges the bravery and ingenuity of our emergency service workers, including our firefighters, police and ambulance service; the local residents who banded together in horrific circumstances, not only to fight the fire, but to support one another in so many ways; the many relief aid organisations, recovery agencies, counsellors, businesses, media outlets and caring citizens who gave so generously in the days, weeks, months and years following Black Saturday.

Inscription in Proximity
BENDIGO BUSHFIRE MEMORIAL
A special place of reflection, this memorial was installed to commemorate the devastating Black Saturday fires in Bendigo on 7 February 2009.
This memorial is a lasting reminder of our community's incredible courage and spirit.
Bendigo will remember.

The memorial was created with contributions from:
Bendigo Bushfire Memorial Committee
State Government of Victoria
Community Bushfire Recovery Steering Group
Community Recovery Fund - Australian & Victorian Government
Bendigo Bushfire Action Group
Local artists, construction and fabrication companies

Dr. Anton Hasell - Sculptor, Fire Tree
Karoline Klein - Landscape Architect - design of memorial
The hand crafted ceramic tiles that were incorporated were produced by the affected community during art workshops.

Plaque 1: CARDINIA SHIRE COUNCIL BUNYIP BUSHFIRE MEMORIAL
Was dedicated on 7 February 2014 by
Mayor Cr Graeme Moore
CFA Regional Director Peter Schmidt AFSM
Local resident Mr Fred Wailes

Plaque 2: BUNYIP BUSHFIRE MEMORIAL – KOOLANGARRA PARK
‘STRENGTH IN COMMUNITY’
In memory of all those who lost their lives, and in recognition of all others who endured loss or were affected by the Black Saturday bushfires across Victoria on and around 7 February 2009.

Bunyip Ridge Fire
Thank you to those who came to our assistance:

• Emergency services
• Volunteers from near and far
• Government agencies
• Charitable organisations

Landscaping and construction by Citywide Contractors, with input from the community.

CARDINIA SHIRE COUNCIL
TONIMBUK BUSHFIRE MEMORIAL
Bunyip Ridge Fire 2009

Neighbours helping neighbours strengthens our community
Thank-you to all who assisted

The Pomberneit Recreation Reserve Improvement Project has been developed in memory of all those that suffered as a result of the Black Saturday bushfires that occurred on February 7, 2009.
The Recreation Reserve Committee invites you to enjoy the playground and picnic facilities or enjoy a walk through the reserve.
Thank you to the Victorian State Government, Corangamite Shire and the Pomberneit community for their generous contributions towards the improved facilities.

The project was delivered by Corangamite Shire Council in consultation with the community.

Raging fire, 
burning hot 
We pray to  
God, 
That it will  
stop, 
Destroying  
much 
that we hold  
dear 
2009 bush fires  
happened here 
JG

The sun’s eye 
with tears of 
sadness, 
at the destructive 
burning below. 
everything  
conspired, 
to review by fire, 
The sum of 
all men’s efforts. 
PS

The heavy pall
of Black Saturday
weighs over us.
Dad’s out there,
fighting it.
I call him,
“will we be okay?”
He says, “yes”
LJ

The brutal beauty
of the wild flames,
like a weaving
meanders through 
trees.
Leaving behind
a trail
of black landscapes.
Observe.
Exquisite beauty.
PS

Hot embers smoulder,
With searching eyes,
Red like rubies,
Silence of the night,
Snapping twigs on 
black.
Mark your space now,
stand in remembrance.
EP

Dr. Anton Hasell - Sculptor
Text and poetry, contributed by the community, laser cut in to tree trunk.

Located on the bank of the Wimmera River in a culturally significant Aboriginal area, the memorial is comprised of a metal sculpture, based on the natural elements of fire, water, flora and fauna, with a steel shelter to protect the artwork from direct sunlight. The sculpture is fitted to the poles of the shelter. The sculpture is fabricated on a sheet of 6mm stainless steel, 1700mm X 1200mm. There is also an information board providing a written description of the events of Black Saturday including a detailed map.

A native garden, seats and pathways linking the river with the southern part of Horsham.

The sculpture forms the image of a bird, the actual shape of the Remlaw Fire, as realised by a satellite photograph taken at 7 February 2009. Gum leaves on the sculpture symbolise regrowth while the flower motifs and the emu footprints are in reference to the natural landscape in the Wimmera.

Dónal MOLLOY DRUM
Ireland b.1965
The Urban Forest
2010
Steel, brass and copper
Commissioned through the Horsham Rural City Council Public Art Committee and funded through the Community Recovery Fund.

This memorial responds to the 2009 Remlaw Fire. It is an expression of our communities` appreciation for the strength of the people who have worked together to save lives and protect property, including sites of cultural significance.

This sculpture’s concept is based on the natural elements of fire, water, flora and fauna. The image of the bird is the actual shape formed by the Remlaw Fire (2218 hectares of land was burnt).

Kelvin Robinson - Design and construction of shelter.
Dónal Molloy Drum - Design, construction and installation of artwork.
Robin Barber - Initial design concepts for shelter.

In Memory of the Feb. 2009 Bushfires
Remember, Reflect, Move On
Funded by the Victorian Government

Installation and site preparation by Ross Bebbington.
Project management and artistic direction by Chris Dormer and Janet Sutherland.

Firefighters Tribute
Thank You
2009

Ben Gilbert
Installation and site preparation by Ross Bebbington.
Project management and artistic direction by Chris Dormer, Janet Sutherland and Ian Hills.

Black Saturday Bushfires
On and around 7 February 2009 deliberately lit fires devastated the Strzelecki Ranges.
11 lives were lost, many people injured, animals impacted, 32,860 hectares and 158 houses razed.

This place acknowledges the event, its effects, those who were lost and honours those who fought the fires and supported people and communities.

Rest, remember and reflect on those affected by this and other disasters.

Funded by the governments of Victoria and Australia through the Community Recovery Fund in partnership with Latrobe City Council.

Designs were developed by GHD, with input from the community. Construction by Filmer Group.

A stainless steel sculpture of a mythical phoenix, built onto a stone pedestal, with a plaque.

In the words of the artist, Benn Frederiksen: ‘The stone base represents our solid foundation. The phoenix speaks for itself - rising from ashes. Constructed from stainless steel - our strength. The circle is the circle of life, death and birth. The placement and orientation is towards the fire's origin and also the setting sun at that time of year when the firestorm came.’

PHOENIX RISING
In memory of those who perished as a result of the Black Saturday bushfires 7th February 2009
And
In recognition of those who gave of themselves to support our community
“Those who can, must”
Thank you to those who did
Erected by Traralgon South Fire Brigade

Benn Frederiksen

MEMORIAL GARDEN
In reflection of the Black Saturday Fires
7-2-2009

The Boolarra Bushfire Memorial Gazebo
To commemorate the Delburn Bushfires January 2009
This project was jointly funded by the Victorian and Australian Governments for the people of Boolarra

Local draftsperson, Chris Langridge drew the plans and designed the Gazebo.
The Apprentices Group Australia (Morwell) constructed the gazebo. Local men's shed members did the painting and finishes. TRY Australia constructed the tables and benches.
The Mirboo North Lions Club, the Salvation Army and Boolarra Primary School also contributed to the project.

This memorial was created by the people of Callignee in memory of those who lost their lives on Black Saturday 7th February 2009.

The memorial wall was inspired by artist John Mutsaers. The construction of the wall involved John Mutsaers, ceramist Sue Acheson and the wider community. Traralgon South Primary School students were involved in making the tiles.

The Koornalla monument site has been redeveloped following the devastating bushfire which raged through this valley on Black Saturday, 7th February 2009

Imagine a day that changed us forever – 7th February 2009

A catastrophic fire destroyed fourteen homes, a church, countless head of stock, thousands of kilometres of fencing, 10,000 hectares of pasture, outbuildings, plantations and gardens, in fires to the north of this township. Residents of this region with many others across the State of Victoria, were involved in an event that changed the way in which these people would live their lives from that tragic Black Saturday onwards….and the community rallied to help.

An enormous amount of support was given by the emergency services, CFA volunteers, families, friends, neighbours, businesses, clubs and societies, churches, local, state & Australian Government agencies and many anonymous total strangers – time, energy and money came from the rich, the poor, young, old, rural, suburban, even from those interstate and overseas.

FIRE BINDS BURNS A COMMUNITY

This mural, called AFTER: Art From The Extended Region, was conceived in the immediate aftermath of that devastating day, as a creative response to our neighbours’ plight and the witnessing of the public’s desire to be involved. Its vision was an inclusive display of strong community bonds and a symbol of transformation of lives and personal possessions into art.

Each dark tile represents a fire affected site, with black signifying loss and grey indicating a threatened home that was saved. Close neighbours are positioned nearby, with the colours becoming lighter the further away the support was from. Every tile contains a unique story, created from donated material from residents connected to our locals in one way or another.

This entire row from dark (close) to light (further away) has been dedicated to fire affected families from regions other than our own. The names of these contributors are listed with all of the many participants, and this being a memorial, some tiles are in memory of loved ones.

Artist, Kathryn Portelli, with input from the community.

A passive seating area composed of a stone seating wall with a stone bench, a memorial plaque displaying a map of the region and the time that the fire reached each town, and granite gravel paving with steel edging.

Black Saturday, 7 February 2009

The events of this day changed the lives of many residents of the Mitchell Shire forever.
The weather conditions leading up to this day were extraordinary - high temperatures for days and little or no rain for the preceding months and on the day, strong northerly winds exceeding 100 km/h. At 11.20am on Saturday 7 February, power lines fell and ignited the fire at Kilmore East. This fire moved initially in a south easterly direction through large pine and blue gum plantations, igniting spot fires along its path which hit Clonbinane at 12.16pm. Then rapidly headed towards the Wandong/Heathcote Junction townships. Accelerated by strong northerly winds, it reached that area at around 2pm and Upper Plenty at 2.45pm.
In the early evening a cool change hit the state with gale-force south westerly winds turning the long easterly flank of the fire into a larger flank impacting on towns that had escaped damage earlier in the day. The fire blazed a path of destruction through Clonbinane for a second time at around 6pm and then reached Reedy Creek at 7pm and Sunday Creek at 7.30pm.
Loss of life was devastating, with the Kilmore East fire claiming 119 lives and destroying thousands of hectares of land and hundreds of houses.
Memorials in Kilmore East, Wandong, Upper Plenty, Sunday Creek and Reedy Creek have been established as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives during this tragic event and recognise the contribution of the many people who assisted with recovery efforts.
The Mitchell Shire and its residents acknowledge the huge contribution of the Country Fire Authority, State Emergency Service, Victoria Police and many Services Clubs and groups for their support.

Bushfire Memorials Project Control Group.

Concept design by Urban Initiatives and Arterial Design, with input from the community.
William Thomas Jones & Sons Stonemasons constructed the memorials and Meridian Plaques provided the plaques.

A memorial composed of a stone seating wall with a timber bench, a memorial plaque displaying a map of the region and the time that the fire reached each town, and plaque integrated into a seating wall.

Memories of a milestone in time;
The seventh of February 2009
A summer of unrelenting heat,
Grasses cured like golden wheat.
Fuel-loads building to their peak -
And then, that scorching searing week.

The breaking of that fateful dawn,
Silent, still; the calm before the storm.
What would the day bring? What was The Plan?
C.F.A. primed for a Total Fire Ban.

Fire in the valley! A nuclear blast;
Headed south and travelling fast!
Whipped along on a freakish gale;
The spine chill of the siren’s wail.

Waiting for the wind to turn,
Hoping that we wouldn’t burn,
Putting fire-plans into place,
Waiting, watching – just in case.

The moment when the furnace hit:
The smoke, the roar, the day unlit.
Exploding, popping, steam-train in force;
A fiery monster on its course.

The choking smoke, so hard to breathe;
Decisions made, to stay or leave.
Pines and mountain up in smoke –
Shrouded in some surreal cloak.

Night turned on a flaming show
With trees and ruins all aglow.
Time to take in things we’d lost;
Tomorrow we would learn the cost.

Waking to an alien ‘scape,
Learning more of others’ fates.
Faces etched with disbelief;
The enormity of the public grief.

Dealing with the ‘after’ shock,
The stark crack of the rifle’s shot.
Houses lost and houses saved,
History gone to molten grave.

Regrets and flashbacks, ‘survivor guilt’,
Sifting through the rubble’s silt.
The stench, the filth, the charcoal hue,
No power; no water; no life-style ‘glue’.

Heroic tales of bravery,
The comfort of community,
Back to basics, a brand-new start;
The kindness of the human heart.

We will remember all that passed,
The day itself – the aftermath.
One day when day became the night…
That day we fought the Fight of Fights.

C. Soulsby

Concept design by Urban Initiatives and Arterial Design, with input from the community.
William Thomas Jones & Sons Stonemasons constructed the memorials and Meridian Plaques provided the plaques.

Mitchell Shire
Community Bushfire Memorial
February 7, 2009

Concept design by Urban Initiatives and Arterial Design, with input from the community.
William Thomas Jones & Sons Stonemasons constructed the memorials and Meridian Plaques provided the plaques.

Mitchell Shire
Community Bushfire Memorial
February 7, 2009

Concept design by Urban Initiatives and Arterial Design, with input from the community.
William Thomas Jones & Sons Stonemasons constructed the memorials and Meridian Plaques provided the plaques.

Mitchell Shire
Community Bushfire Memorial
February 7, 2009

Concept design by Urban Initiatives and Arterial Design, with input from the community.
William Thomas Jones & Sons Stonemasons constructed the memorials and Meridian Plaques provided the plaques.

Two stone seating walls facing each other with a memorial plaque, displaying a map of the region and the time that the fire reached each town, integrated into one of the seating walls.
The two seats are intended to honour the lives of the two locals who perished. Each seating wall includes an in memorium ceramic plaque.

In memory of David Stokes Saturday February 7th 2009

In memory of Steve Lackas Saturday February 7th 2009

Concept design by Urban Initiatives and Arterial Design, with input from the community.
William Thomas Jones & Sons Stonemasons constructed the memorials and Meridian Plaques provided the plaques.

A round stone pillar with a memorial plaque, displaying a map of the region and the time that the fire reached each town, on top.

The plaque was illegally removed from the pillar.

Mitchell Shire
Community Bushfire Memorial
February 7, 2009

Concept design by Urban Initiatives and Arterial Design, with input from the community.
William Thomas Jones & Sons Stonemasons constructed the memorials and Meridian Plaques provided the plaques.

BLACK SATURDAY 7th February 2009
Hottest day on record with a horrendous northerly
With winds gusting to over 100kph
The landscape was tinder dry due to prolonged drought
One spark ignited to join the northerly wind
Then the absence of birds, eerie
Within minutes flames were on the North West horizon
Wandong-Heathcote Junction is in trouble
Clouds of smoke thickened, visibility zero at times
Flames devoured farms and pastures
Destroying homes, livelihoods and dreams
The wind veered several times catching many by surprise,
some after thinking the fire had passed them by
A force beyond the power of man to contain was upon us
Sirens wailed, helicopters and planes flew while flames raged
Calls for evacuation, but many stayed and reached for their hoses
Some won, some lost
Many were injured, animals and pets too
Lost were 47 homes
And a life was too much to pay
While we sat within the blackened landscape
Our tears struggling to wet the scorched earth
Our towns thanked those who had come to help
We hugged those who shared our grief
But we were fearful for those still at risk
Our community was forever changed but not defeated

This plaque was unveiled by Councillor Sue Marstaeller on Saturday 8th February 2014. Five years on and many in our community have still not come to terms with this terrible day in our town’s history. The town is poorer for losing some residents who cannot return, forever fearful that this may happen again.

Concept design by Urban Initiatives and Arterial Design, with input from the community.
William Thomas Jones & Sons Stonemasons constructed the memorials and Meridian Plaques provided the plaques.

Composed of a large metal ring engraved with words of remembrance and acknowledgement, surrounded by 14 large rocks commemorating the 14 lives lost in St Andrews.

The memorial is intended to be a space for personal reflection and memory.

Remembering
The day of 7 February 2009 marked Australia’s worst natural disaster when the Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria claimed 173 lives.
In St Andrews fire killed 14 people and destroyed 65 homes and thousands of native and domestic animals.
Mid-afternoon as temperatures soared to 45.7C, embers scooped up in 150km/h winds were blown from as far away as 20km and started spot fires in the northern part of St Andrews. Here four people lost their lives.
Just before 6pm, as flames roared towards the main township where more than 600 people waited, a firefighter phone St Andrews fire brigade with the dramatic warning; ‘Two minutes, St Andrews.’ One minute later the wind changed and the township survived.
In taking a different direction towards Kinglake, the fire claimed 10 more St Andrews’ lives.
The Black Saturday fires destroyed areas extending some 100km from west to east, and affected countless people’s lives forever.

Finding your way
This site is dedicated to the memory of those who died on Black Saturday, and to their loved ones. It honours unique experiences, and a community that has been, and continues to be influenced by the events of 7 February 2009.
The middle path leads you to the top of the site where a silver ring bears a poem and circular imprints, commemorating each of the 173 people who died in Victoria. A surrounding circle of large rocks sits in memory of the 14 people who lost their lives in St Andrews.
The lower tier is a sacred pathway acknowledging each of the 14 people who died in St Andrews.

Devastation. Then silence.
In Nillumbik shire alone, 9,800 hectares were destroyed by fire. The impact on the people who lived here, and the many who still do, cannot be understated. People in St Andrews who have spoken of Black Saturday recall different experiences depending on where they were at the time.
Some remember grassfires racing across hilltop farmland in seconds. Others recall gale-force winds propelling flaming branches and fireballs overhead. Firestorms descended on people in the valleys without warning. The firestorms created their own weather, which intensified the heat and caused thunder and lightning. Some people were surrounded by blazing forests, as thick black smoke turned day to night.
People recall the deafening roar. It could even be heard many kilometres from the fire front.
After the fire passed, all that remained was blackened landscape covered in ash. People remember the eerie silence and the longing for the sound of a bird calling. The smell of burning remained long afterwards, a constant reminder that lingered not just for weeks but for years.

Hope and regeneration.
Slowly, signs of life began to appear. The first breakthroughs. A green shoot on a blackened trunk, a twitter from a high branch. The soothing orange moss the earth produces only after fire.
Animals began returning and people set about rebuilding their lives. The bush started regenerating, some plant species emerged after laying dormant for decades.
A stronger St Andrews community was forged with a renewing sense of hope.
This site still bears scars today. Burnt trunks stand in remembrance. And new growth witnesses the hope, courage and sense of community that has buoyed the people of St Andrews as they continue to rebuild and heal.

The RMIT Landscape Architecture Department, including Professor SueAnne Ware and Masters students, worked on the design process with the St Andrews Bushfire Memorial Working Group, with input from the community.

The metal ring is engraved with prose by Elizabeth Savage Kooroonya.

Memorial
In Memory of Black Saturday
7th February 2009

Installation of the water tank was done by Cobaeg Holdings Pty Ltd.

Memorial Garden: This garden is one element of the St Andrews Black Saturday memorial. It is dedicated to the memory of the events of 7 February 2009. A day of raging fires that claimed the lives of 14 people in St Andrews and forever changed our lives, our community and our environment.

Memorial Rock and Sculpture: Man and Fire - Shane McGrath and the Men's Shed at St Andrews 2013-2015

The task from the outset was to create a new work in collaboration with the Men’s Shed of St Andrews as part of the 2013 Laughing Waters artist residency of Shane McGrath.

The concept came out of the steam-bending workshop that artist Shane McGrath presented to the Men’s Shed as a way of experimenting with materials and techniques and introducing a new skill to the shed. The end result would be curved timbers of various lengths that would be used to create an organic sculpture to mark the opening of the new Men’s Shed. This became a successful trial and error exercise.
The concept and form is an abstract representation of the proximity of the sculpture to the shed as well as the recent history of the area and the work and social interactions inside the shed. The geometric symbol of the male is the upward pointing triangle, as is the symbol of fire and it is a form of strength and stability. The final installation of the sculpture is meant to encourage all of these readings and intended to symbolise a new beginning for the community and the shed. The shed has shown itself to be an invaluable part of the healing process following the fires, and even though fire can be destructive it is also around a fire that we come together for warmth, for sustenance and to share.

Nook: BLACK SATURDAY
We remember, and mourn the 14 people from our community of St Andrews who lost their lives in the fires of Black Saturday;
and with respect, we remember the 173 lives lost across Victoria.
we give tribute to those who have suffered so much grief, so much loss, and so much struggle.
we honour their courage in rebuilding lives, strengthening families and community.
we acknowledge with heartfelt gratitude the selflessness, the generosity and the tireless efforts of so many people, known and unknown, in acts of protection, of giving and supporting.
we celebrate the human spirit in adversity; the will to share and encourage each other, and for all that is good.
from these things we have embodied hope for the future.
remember, respect, tribute, honour, acknowledge, celebrate, hope

The choice of timber as a material is meant as a confident act of defiance towards the elements, while simultaneously acknowledging the fragility of the surrounding natural environment. The copper  helps to accentuate the suggestion of flames, but here they are contained and docile.

The RMIT Landscape Architecture Department, including Professor SueAnne Ware and Masters students, worked on the design process with the St Andrews Bushfire Memorial Working Group, with input from the community.

Leanne Mooney, artist - Dreaming Seat. R Hughes, artist -  Leaf Memorial Book. R Hayley, artist - St Andrews slumped glass bowl.

One of the circles includes individual plaques for each of the deceased.

A collaboration between Urban Initiatives and Arterial Design.
The memorial was designed with input from the community, who also submitted individual stories.

The front inscription, underneath the tree base reads:

I have risen from the flames
I have stretched across the earth
I am shining with your name

The Australian Blacksmiths Association (Victoria) Inc. coordinated the project in consultation with the community, and forged the trunk and the branches.
Various international blacksmiths crafted and donated hand-forged gum leaves.
Names and messages engraved on the leaves have been nominated by sponsors from fire-affected communities, recovery organisations, CFA teams, local businesses and others who wanted to express their support and empathy for the recovering communities

N/A

Southern Grampians Shire Council worked with the Coleraine Bushfire Recovery Committee, in consultation with the community.

Compassion in Adversity
Mirboo North and District was ravaged by terrible bushfires in late January and early February 2009, as was much of Victoria - including the horrific events known as Black Saturday. There were numerous acts of courage and care shown by volunteers during these fires and this sculpture has been produced to remember one such act: that of a Koala receiving a drink of water from a volunteer fire-fighter. This action by a volunteer during the 2009 bushfires captured the imagination of the world, and epitomises the natural generosity of people in a crisis.
Volunteers from many organisations and thousands of individuals gave selflessly with time, effort, money and gifts to people, communities and wildlife affected by these fires. This sculpture was commissioned by the community of Mirboo North and District and the local committee that re-established the track at the Lyrebird Forest Walk, which is close to the site of the act of kindness shown to the Koala.
The sculpture was unveiled on the 29 October 2011. The work was produced by Mr Michael Meszaros, with funds from the Victorian Government and with assistance from South Gippsland Shire Council.

Michael Meszaros, with input from the community.

POINTS ARBORETUM

Peter Francis Memorial Lookout

The Points Arboretum Memorial Lookout Platform Project was completed in 2011, through the Community Recovery Fund, an initiative of the Australian Government and the Victorian State Government.

Project coordination was provided by Southern Grampians Shire Council and the Coleraine Bushfire Recovery Committee.

Southern Grampians Shire Council worked with the Coleraine Bushfire Recovery Committee, in consultation with the community.

EAST PARK ROADSIDE STOP

A Bushfire Recovery Project

The Coleraine East Park Roadside Stop Project was completed in 2012, through the Community Recovery Fund, an initiative of the Australian Government and the Victorian State Government.

Project coordination was provided by Southern Grampians Shire Council and the Coleraine Bushfire Recovery Committee.

Southern Grampians Shire Council worked with the Coleraine Bushfire Recovery Committee, in consultation with the community.

Black Saturday
7 February 2009

In memory of those tragically taken from us and in recognition of the brave actions of all who helped.
“From adversity a renewed community spirit was born”
An initiative of the Balook Community Recovery Committee
This Bushfire Recovery Project was funded by the Victorian and Australian Governments through the Community Recovery Fund, the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund and supported by Wellington Shire Council

The project was managed by the Balook and District Residents Association, with input from the community.

Black Saturday
7 February 2009

- Gormandale Community Garden -
An initiative of the Gormandale Community Recovery Committee
This Bushfire Recovery Project was funded by the Victorian and Australian Governments through the Community Recovery Fund, the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund and supported by Wellington Shire Council

The project was managed by the Gormandale Community Recovery Committee, with input from the community.

Plaque 1: On February 7, 2009 devastating bushfires raged across Victoria.  173 people died.  This memorial is dedicated to the memory of twelve local people who lived and died in the area of Coombs, Humevale and Yea Roads. The impact of the bushfires changed the environment and our community forever.  Over 2000 homes were destroyed or damaged, and extensive damage occurred to infrastructure and community facilities.  430,000 hectares of bush and productive farmland were burnt.  The regeneration of the natural environment is visible and inspiring to those who continue on their life journey.  The generosity and goodwill demonstrated by the broader community in the days, weeks, months and years after the fires was overwhelming and greatly appreciated by those impacted.  A larger memorial and more detailed information about the local impacts of Black Saturday can be found at Toorourrong Reservoir Park on Jack's Creek Road, 7km towards Whittlesea on the right.

Plaque 2: Just as metals are bonded through intense heat, So too are we bonded with our families now passed away.  Strengthened in our hearts, their existence laminates every part of our being, How wonderful it is to still have you here within us.

Plaque 3: This place honours our memories of people from this local area taken by bushfires, February 2009

Lesley Maree Leahy 39
Kiona Isobel Gibson 4
Jye Vincent Gibson 3
Ava Beverley Gibson 22 months

Lloyd Martin 83
Mary Martin considerably younger

Barry Johnston 59

Brian Naylor 78
Moiree Naylor 78

Allan O’Gorman 55
Carolyn O’Gorman 50
Stuart O’Gorman 18

Concept design by Hatchling Studios Pty Ltd, with input from the community.
Detailed design and project management by Urban Initiatives Pty Ltd.
Construction and landscaping by Evergreen Civil Pty Ltd.

Black Saturday
7 February 2009

-The Station Art Project-
An initiative of the Yarram Community Recovery Committee
This Bushfire Recovery Project was funded by the Victorian and Australian Governments through the Community Recovery Fund, the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund and supported by Wellington Shire Council

The project was managed by the Yarram Community Recovery Committee, with input from the community.

Situated on the edge of the pond, the design is based on a seed-pod with two granite stone walls enclosing granite seats representing seeds dispersing out of the pod and into the pond, symbolising new life and regeneration.
This memorial honours 35 people who lost their lives, and who had strong connections to the Whittlesea area. A ‘narrative wall’ presents themes of fire, loss and the community spirit through image and text, while a ‘memorial wall’ is dedicated to remembering loved ones lost in the fires.

A reflective space in memory of the tragedies of Black Saturday February 7, 2009.

Concept design by Hatchling Studios Pty Ltd, with input from the community.
Detailed design and project management by Urban Initiatives Pty Ltd.
Construction and landscaping by Evergreen Civil Pty Ltd.
The Word Weavers Group provided some of the wording.

Dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives on 7 February, 2009

Design, development and installation by the community.

Plaque 1: ‘Black Saturday’ will remain in our minds forever. For those that lost so much on ‘Black Saturday’ we admire your resilience to move on.

Plaque 2: ‘Black Saturday’ was one of the worst natural disasters in Australia’s history and we remember those that were lost. Strength and resilience to all. History will remember you.

Plaque 3: ‘Black Saturday’ was a test of strength and character. For those that fought so hard to keep your community safe we admire and thank you.

Plaque 4: BLACK SATURDAY You are all remembered in our hearts and memories.

Drews Views Landscaping, with input from bereaved family members who also provided wording for the plaques.

“I remember … ” the stories begin, with different comments from community members etched into the metal.
“… The people I served and the mates beside me…”
“… Kangaroos trying to find something to eat …”
“… My sister phoning and crying and saying “you get out now!”…”
“… The generosity of strangers and the love of friends …”.

Ali Griffin
Local residents contributed their words to be used as part of the memorial.

In memory of
Charmian and Leigh Ahern
John and Jenny Barnett
And all who were lost.
7 February 2009
“Though their footsteps were hidden by ash and ember, the trees will return, but the land will remember.”

Drews Views Landscaping, with input from bereaved family members who also provided wording for the plaques.

Please Stop, Rest and Refresh
In memory of those who did not survive on Black Saturday,
Look around and take notice of the beautiful surrounds
Realise that Life is Wonderful.
Greg Lloyd, 22
Melanee Hermocilla, 23
Jaeson Hermocilla, 21
you are missed.

Rob Bast, with input from bereaved family members who also provided wording for the plaques.

Yarra Ranges
7th of February 2009
Temperature 47 °C

In the afternoon strong northerly winds carried embers from the Kilmore fires to the Yarra Glen district. By 3.30pm several fires had started.  A Southerly wind change redirected the fires, which developed into an inferno.  Thirteen lives were lost, 340 dwellings destroyed or damaged and 48,289 hectares of forest and farmland burnt with countless outbuildings, livestock and wildlife lost. Three days of heroic effort by the emergency services and members of the local community prevented an even bigger catastrophe.

Ernst Fries. Additional design, development and installation by the community.