reflecting and remembering

The 7th February, 2012, three years after the tragedy that was Black Saturday, is a day of reflection and a day of remembrance. I will be taking some time today to remember those events of three years ago with the communities of Healesville and Yarra Glen.

Thoughts turn to the tragic loss of life, the loss of people's homes, the ongoing impact on people's lives and the extensive loss of wildlife and habitat.

I will never forget the tireless efforts of the Emergency Services and Community volunteers and the incredible generosity from people near and far as they responded to the disaster unfolding in 2009. A generosity of spirit we still see today as floods devastate both Queensland and New South Wales.

Three years on, we continue to see recovery, rebuilding and regeneration. People continuing their journey to get their lives back on track and the bush continuing with its regeneration.

It will take a long time to recover from such a tragic natural disaster, Black Saturday has affected people in many ways. With understanding and care people are rebuilding their lives, overcoming trauma and learning to live with the memories.

On this third anniversary of Black Saturday, my thanks again to all the volunteers who assisted and continue to assist our community in bushfire affected regions and my heartfelt and sincere well wishes to all those people who lost loved ones in the fire, this day will be difficult for you but know that our thoughts are with you.