Across Victoria, many people in our organisation are marking the day in many different ways. Many are at different stages of the recovery process. Many are still grieving.
This is a deeply reflective time for many of us.
We reflect on the communities that lost so much. Our thoughts are with those who were involved in the fires, and particularly those who lost loved ones.
We also reflect on the outstanding dedication and commitment of CFA firefighters and staff, both on Black Saturday and in the weeks and months following. Everyone involved worked as hard as they could.
We all know Black Saturday has had a huge impact on the firefighting community and will never leave us.
Our focus is to keep changing and improving, to learn from the tragedy of this event. We feel an enormous duty to go forward, and our efforts this summer have shown this.
The conditions of 7 February last year were unprecedented. I hope we never face those conditions again. If we do, we will be even better prepared than last time, and I know that once again the people of CFA will be there
So use Sunday to reflect; share this time with your family, friends and community in a way that suits you. Your CFA family is there to be with you as well. There are a range of activities that you may wish to participate in.
In addition, all members of the community are invited to Sunday’s service at St Paul’s Cathedral, 11.45 for midday, cnr of Swanston and Flinders Streets Melbourne, to remember those who died and the communities impacted by the bushfires.
Russell Rees
CFA Chief Officer
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