On Sunday 7 February firefighters and community members from St Andrews gathered at the fire station to reflect on the tragic February 2009 fires.
We thought it was appropriate to hold an open house for everyone at the fire station to make people feel welcome.
The CFA has a very real connection with the community and the recovery period has reinforced our strong bond.
Black Saturday had a huge impact on the firefighting community and it has been a difficult time for brigade members.
It’s been a tough year but we are good at supporting each other in tough times.
I would like to thank my brigade for all their hard work and commitment.
We also thank all of the other brigades who came to our aid and helped us out during the fires. Their ongoing support is appreciated.
The brigade will continue working together and is ready to protect the community as we have always done.
Many brigade members shared their experiences in the book, Footsteps in the Ash, the story of the St Andrews and Strathewen experience in the 2009 bushfires.
Talking about what happened was a cathartic experience for many brigade members.
Footsteps in the Ash was written by local authors Jim Usher and Mac Gudgeon. We thank them for dedicating their time to telling the community's stories.
All proceeds from the sale of the book will be shared by the brigades at St Andrews and Arthurs Creek/Strathewen with contributions to other CFA brigades.
Bendigo Bank and its Community Branches helped make the book happen, thank you for your ongoing community support.
The book was launched by Julia Gillard, Deputy Prime Minster of Australia on Saturday 6 February, 2010.
Images by Blair Dellemijn & Keith Pakenham - CFA Public Affairs
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