Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Gippsland Portal Feature

Tribute Paid In Parliament To Bushfire Victims

Black Saturday Bushfires

Nationals Member for Morwell Russell Northe last night paid tribute to those impacted by the Black Saturday and January bushfires which affected the Gippsland region in 2009.

By Russell Northe - 8th February 2012 - Back to News

Mr Northe spoke in Parliament about the 3rd anniversary of the fires that affected the lives of so many Victorians, including those residing in the Morwell Electorate.

"Today is the 3rd anniversary of the catastrophic Black Saturday bushfires and it’s a time for reflection as we remember the 173 lives lost along with the many other Victorians who were impacted by that terrible event.

"Prior to Black Saturday Gippsland experienced the Delburn complex of fires in late January 2009 that destroyed many homes and assets in and around the Boolarra and Yinnar district and those communities are also in our thoughts today."

On Black Saturday many communities across the Latrobe Valley were devastated with 11 fatalities and countless assets, stock and wildlife lost.

"One cannot underestimate the role of our various emergency service personnel along with recovery agencies, service clubs, local businesses and the respective community recovery committees that have played such an integral part in the response and recovery phase," said Mr Northe.

"On Sunday I was pleased to join with the Premier and Deputy Premier to launch the Callignee Memorial Project which contains the contributions of many local community members of all ages who have been able to convey by way of "artistic tiles" their own personal stories. It is a credit to all involved and in particular Leanne Crowe and the Callignee Memorial Group for their tireless efforts.

"These attributes are reflective and typical of the leadership displayed across all our bushfire affected communities and on the 3rd anniversary of the Black Saturday fires we salute those who have played a key role as our communities recover whilst we also remember the lives lost and the families and communities who endured this tragedy."

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Nationals pledge to restore Parentline funding, criticise Labor's decision to axe vital family counselling service for Gippslanders
  The Nationals vow to reinstate Parentline funding if elected, condemning Labor's cut to the vital family counselling service that supports Victorian parents, particularly in regional communities facing limited access to services.
• Nationals' $100M Safer Communities Plan targets crime crisis with tough laws and prevention programs across Gippsland
  Martin Cameron backed a $100 million Safer Communities Plan, promising tougher laws and prevention programs to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, restore community safety, and support at-risk youth, contrasting Labor's cuts.
• Gippslander Scott Morris joins national bowel cancer advocacy push at Parliament House in Canberra
  Bairnsdale Scott Morris joined Bowel Cancer Australia's Call on Canberra, sharing his stage four diagnosis to advocate for earlier screening, better treatment pathways, and urgent national action on rising early-onset bowel cancer rates.
• Labor government's VicGrid laws pass with crossbench backing amid Nationals' warning of property rights erosion
  The Allan government's VicGrid laws passed with crossbench support, sparking Nationals' criticism over lost property rights, silenced regional voices, and overreach. The Nationals vow repeal in 2026 to restore landholder protections.
• East Gippsland Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee welcomes new members to strengthen engagement with farming
  East Gippsland's Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee welcomed new members, enhancing council's connection with farming communities while tackling key priorities like renewable energy, drought resilience, mental health, and pest animal challenges.
• Stroll among thousands of vibrant roses in full bloom at Morwell's International Rose Garden Festival, 7 - 8 November 2025
  The 2025 Rose Garden Festival features free family fun with blooming gardens, workshops, live performances, markets, aerial theatre, kids' entertainment, and the spectacular AGL Loy Yang Night Light Installation.