One year ago today.
The anniversary of the Black Saturday bushfires will forever be a day of mourning, but the federal government says it’s also a day to reflect on the nation’s tremendous strength.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Families Minister Jenny Macklin, Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Parliamentary Secretary for Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction Bill Shorten on Sunday released a joint statement remembering the tragedy one year on.
“February 7 will be forever etched in the nation’s memory as a day of mourning but also one of tremendous spirit and inspiration,” it read.
“The tragedy brought out the best of the Australian character and inspired countless acts of bravery and generosity.”
The worst natural disaster since Federation, Victoria’s Black Saturday bushfires claimed 173 lives and destroyed more than 2000 homes.
Mr Rudd and his colleagues said their thoughts were with the survivors of the disaster, whose “quiet courage” inspired the nation.
Posted by Sim
On February 7th, 2010 under Unfiled.
Comments: 3
Comments
Comment from Kris, in New England
Time: February 14, 2010, 9:40 am
Wow – those images are terrifying. Can’t imagine how the survivors felt in those moments when they thought they wouldn’t survive. Courage indeed.
Comment from Sim
Time: February 15, 2010, 10:45 am
Kris-
The Govt. donated about 880 million, the Red Cross alone raised about 340 million in donations. The Govt relaxed planning rules to get people back in homes as soon as possible (takes time to rebuild about 2200 houses).
We’re Aussies, we’ll get back to the job and make it work, even if it’s something as small as making sure all their football teams have a ground and a team to field for their community.
We are strong and this setback (though terrible) will not deter us from our path.
Comment from Kris, in New England
Time: February 15, 2010, 5:24 pm
Sim – seems that Aussies and Americans have much in common. 
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