Thursday, 9 February 2023

Ash Wednesday commemoration

Mary-Anne THOMAS (Macedon – Leader of the House, Minister for Health, Minister for Health Infrastructure, Minister for Medical Research) (09:50): I rise to mark the approaching 40th anniversary of the Ash Wednesday bushfires on 16 February 1983. This devastating day was one of the worst bushfire events in our history, claiming the lives of 47 Victorians. On that day across both Victoria and South Australia winds fanned fires in 40-degree temperatures, causing massive loss and destruction. Seventy-five lives were lost, 180 fires burnt, 2676 people were injured, 2545 homes were destroyed, over 8000 people were evacuated and over half a million hectares were burnt. We all remember where we were that day, and we are reminded of the fire’s fury by this quote from a survivor:

We were up at five o’clock in the morning and you knew something bad was going to happen. There were sirens going then and by 10 o’clock we could not see anywhere around here because of the dust and you couldn’t tell what was dust and what was fires …

… it was like getting a glimpse inside the gates of hell.

While more than 40 years may have passed since that day, the impacts on so many individuals, families and communities still resound. In my electorate of Macedon seven much-loved community members were taken that day and more than 400 homes were razed, including those of many members of the magnificent Mount Macedon volunteer fire brigade. I pay tribute to and honour those who died during these horrific events, and I stand alongside all who continue to grieve for what was lost that day.