10 Years on from 2009 Bushfires

10 years on 2009 bushfires - burnt log with new growth

Statement from Nillumbik Shire Council Mayor, Cr Karen Egan:

Ten Years on from 2009 Bushfires

“Today our community stops, reflects and sheds a tear as we remember the devastating loss of life and property caused by the 2009 fires that savaged our region,” Cr Egan said.

“It’s hard to believe that it’s been 10 years since Victorians experienced one of the worst heatwave and bushfires in our history. We reflect and remember those who died in the bushfires, learn about how the fires changed the lives of many, and how our resilient communities have rebuilt.

“The strong and consistent message from the community has been that any commemorative activities be carried out with the dignity and sensitivity in keeping with the solemnity of the occasion. We share this view and are supporting local commemorative activities in this way.

“I offer my sincere sympathy to the people across our Shire and Victoria who have suffered and continue to suffer from this tragedy. I recognise the first responders, the volunteers and the people who so bravely served our community during this time.”

A day that will live forever in collective memory, February 7 marks 10 years since Victorians experienced the worst heatwave and bushfires in our nation’s history.

Communities in Nillumbik Shire were among those most affected by this cataclysmic event. With this date approaching, various community groups and individuals will mark the date in different ways.

The strong and consistent message from the community throughout has been that any commemorative activities be carried out with the dignity and sensitivity in keeping with the solemnity of the occasion.

Council strongly shares this view and will support any local commemorative activities where needed. Again, this approach is the result of discussion with community groups.

On Monday 4 February Nillumbik Council’s Mayor, Karen Egan and CEO, Carl Cowie represented our Shire at the State Commemoration event.

On behalf of the state government Council is distributing 5000 commemorative yellow ribbons to the public. These will be available at a number of Council facilities, including the Civic Centre in Greensborough and the Hurstbridge Community Hub, see below for more information.

A number of arts-related activities, made possible through state government’s 2009 Victorian Bushfires Commemoration and Community Development Scheme grants initiative, will be held throughout the Shire. See Council’s media release announcing the grant recipients.

A film Forged from fire – The making of the Blacksmith’s Tree has been produced by local filmmakers and will also be screened at a number of sites throughout the Shire. More detailed information on these screenings can be found below.

People grieve differently. There will be those who do not want to be reminded of this day and it is important that everyone remain respectful and mindful of that.

This page carries information about the range of state government and community support services available to anyone who may need them.

Further information about known planned community commemorative events is also available below

Yellow ribbons

Yellow ribbons will be available from the following venues from the 29 January:

Council offices in Greensborough
Hurstbridge Hub
Eltham Community Reception Centre - ECRC
St Andrews Community Centre - Wadambuk
Eltham Leisure Centre

Do you or someone you know need more help?

If you or someone you know is finding this time difficult, it’s important to remember you are not alone.

There are many places you can go to for advice or help, including friends and family, your local doctor, mental health support services, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or online resources like the Better Health Channel and Sane.

If at any time you are worried about your psychological wellbeing or mental health of yourself or someone you know, there is always help available through:

Your GP
A mental health specialist, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, counsellor or social worker
Your community health centre
Lifeline 13 11 14
GriefLine 1300 845 745
BeyondBlue 1300 224 636
The Australian Centre for Post-Traumatic Mental Health (03) 9035 5599

Public events

10 Years on from 2009 Bushfires - State Commemoration

A State Commemoration event for the 10 Year Anniversary of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires will be held on Monday 4 February 2019.

Tagged as: , Talks, Tours & Workshops, Senior Events, Indigenous Events, Youth events

ELCG-Renewal, a Black Saturday memorial exhibition

Exhibitions by artists who live, work, study or have strong, ongoing links with the Shire of Nillumbik. 25 January - 25 February 2019

Eltham Library Community Gallery, 1 Panther Place, Eltham 3095

Tagged as: , Exhibitions

Forged From Fire (Diamond Creek)

Forged from Fire is a unique & important film documenting the transformation that took place among a small team of artisans in the wake of the Black Saturday fires. The film tells the story of how an Australian & international community of blacksmiths, welders, artists & volunteers responded to the devastating bush-fires by creating a three tonne, 9.8-metre tall stainless steel & copper gum tree.

Diamond Creek Uniting Church, 80 Main Hurstbridge Road, Diamond Creek 3089