Aaron Violi (Casey, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This Friday, 7 February, marks the 16th anniversary of the Black Saturday bushfires. It's a day I remember all too well, as do many residents in my community. Today is a day we remember not only the 173 lives lost but also the many lives lost in the years following as a direct impact of the disaster. On that day, we tragically lost 35 children, and 16 were left orphaned. Today and always, we thank the volunteer firefighters and emergency services crews who showed tremendous courage and saved countless lives while risking their own.

While the burnt trees have new growth and townships have been rebuilt, the hidden scars of Black Saturday are still very raw and take a toll on the mental health of many in my community. In an instant, we can go right back there to 7 February 2009 and replay it in our minds. Hot days, strong winds, the smell of smoke and the sound of sirens all take us right back to that fateful day.

To all those with memories of that day, please reach out to friends and loved ones. Know that you are not alone as we reflect and remember a traumatic and tragic day for so many lives. It is a day when, as a survivor, I recommit to living my life in honour of those who passed on that tragic day.