By Shelby Brooks
Firefighters who paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting their communities during the horrific events of the Ash Wednesday bushfires 40 years ago have been honoured in an anniversary commemoration in Cockatoo.
Hundreds of past and present firefighters, and community members, gathered on Sunday 12 February at the Ash Wednesday Bushfire Education Centre, to share in grief and appreciation for those who lost their lives in the fires on 16 February 1983, which is considered one of the worst natural disasters in Victoria’s history.
The Ash Wednesday bushfires were a series of devastating fires that impacted more than 200,000 hectares and led to the death of 47 people in Victoria, including 14 CFA volunteers. Many fatalities were a result of firestorm conditions caused by a sudden and violent wind change.
More than 180 fires occurred on that day across several towns and communities in regions across the state. More than 16,000 firefighters and other personnel were involved in the response.
Tears were shed and wreaths laid in memory of the 14 of those people who were CFA firefighters.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the state-wide memorial was a day to quietly reflect.
“This date is permanently etched into the minds of several generations of Victorians. For many, it still haunts them,” he said.
The sombre and special day was an opportunity to reflect but never forget and learn the lessons of the past, Mr Heffernan said.
“As we can see, the Ash Wednesday fires had a lasting effect on all firefighters, emergency service personnel and community workers in the community and it’s important, particularly for the 14 firefighters that perished on that day, that we have learnt and made improvements across the sector as a result,” Mr Heffernan said.
Hard lessons were learnt about how to combat fires, and improvements in the following years include command and control arrangements, training, latest technologies in firetrucks to ensure firefighters are responding are the safest they can be, the PPE that they wear and other technologies such as radio communication.
“Today is an opportunity to reflect but never forget and learn the lessons of the past,” Mr Heffernan said.
“Victoria is no stranger to fire; we are one of the most fire-prone places in the world, and we will continue to see fires, which is why it’s so important to commemorate these events, so the community understands the lessons of the tragedies of the past so we can continue to rebuild communities.
“There are so many people across our community that have bushfires, and the effects of bushfires, etched into their memories forever.”
Simon Wallace, captain of Panton Hill CFA, tolled the bell to mark each name from the Ash Wednesday Roll of Honour, which was read aloud by Travis Carter, Narre Warren CFA captain.
Nar Nar Goon CFA captain Justin Seddon, Upper Beaconsfield captain Ian Pinney, Cockatoo CFA captain Chris White and Macedon CFA captain Ross Luke all performed readings.
Many community members laid wreaths, which was assisted by junior members of the Beaconsfield Fire Brigade.
Monbulk MP Daniela De Martino represented the Minister for Emergency Services at the commemorative event.
She spoke to attendees about how far the emergency service sector has come since the events of Ash Wednesday and acknowledged the thousands of people who battled the fires.
“Ash Wednesday demonstrated the full horror of bushfires, the strength of communities and the courage of individuals,” she said.
“The community was devastated by the fires 40 years ago but subsequently drew closer and more resilient.”
Ms De Martino said despite 40 years passing, people’s grief at losing loved ones in the fires has never faded.
“Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Many are represented here today by loved ones. Forty years on your sense of loss is still profound and your love for them undiminished,” she said.
“They died trying to save others. They died protecting properties, animals, strangers, friends, family and communities.”
Support
Anniversaries of significant events such as the Ash Wednesday fires can bring up difficult memories and feelings including sadness, fear and grief.
If you find yourself experiencing strong emotions, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636, which offer support services nationwide.
CFA members and their families can contact the CFA Wellbeing Support Line for free, confidential 24/7 access to psychologists, counsellors, peers and chaplains.
