Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Ten Years on, We Remember…Tribute in the Parliament of Victoria, to the Gippslanders impacted by the fires of the summer of 2009 - including Black Saturday. By Portal Admin - 16th February 2019 - Back to News Member for Morwell Russell Northe yesterday paid tribute in the Parliament of Victoria, to the Gippslanders impacted by the fires of the summer of 2009 - including Black Saturday. These fires ravaged Victoria, leaving behind an unprecedented trail of death, destruction and devastation. There were many incidents, but the Delburn Complex and Churchill fires are events that are still so dreadfully raw for many in our community.
" Black Saturday is a rare day in our history where most Victorian’s can tell you where they were, who they were with, and what they were doing, when they first became aware of the emergency as it unfolded." said Mr Northe.
"Today we remember the pure devastation of the Black Saturday Bushfires and the lasting effects it has had on the so many within the Morwell electorate. Communities including Callignee, Jeeralang, Traralgon South, Koornalla, Hazelwood North & Hazelwood South were impacted heavily".
"For not only the Electorate of Morwell but for the State of Victoria, and indeed our nation – this as the worst fire event in history" Mr Northe said.
"The sheer magnitude of the experience is etched into the memory of survivors, helpers and witnesses many of them still recovering from the trail of loss, devastation and despair left in its wake".
"Local CFA brigades and their personnel were truly miraculous, incredible - their courage astounding.
Words cannot say how indebted we are to their work and as we commemorate and acknowledge the ten-year anniversary of their actions, it is not lost on me that they are out there right now currently fighting fires and protecting their local communities", said Mr Northe.
"I also think it’s important to acknowledge the activities of many of the workers and volunteers that supported our community during this time. The men and women of the SES, Victorian Police, DSE, Paramedics, HVP fire crews, our Hospitals, the AFP, Latrobe City Council, St John Ambulance, Lifeline Gippsland, Government Agencies, Community Groups, Service Clubs, Charities, Businesses and Residents, and many more whose contributions were enormous in addressing the immediate, and long term safety and recovery needs of Gippslanders"."In addition, the leaders within our smaller communities impacted by the fires such as Hazelwood, Jeeralang, Traralgon South, Callignee, Boolarra and Yinnar, have been nothing short of inspirational and exceptional. Ten years after this terrible event, many of these same leaders remain steadfast in support of their people and their community", Mr Northe said.
"We are all in their debt for their dedication, particularly during those tragic weeks ten years ago – thank you, just does not seem anywhere near enough".
"It took a disaster for a lot of us to experience total generosity, selflessness, comradery, resilience, determination and community spirit like we’d never seen before. I’ve always been so proud of the people of my electorate for that. In the face of complete devastation, we bound together. Perhaps that is the take home message, ten years on – that no matter what the elements throw at us, the people of Morwell, the people of Victoria will always rise above the challenge." said Mr Northe.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Melina Bath says after 11 years of Labor, Victoria’s public lands face neglect, higher risks, and degradation
The Silver Review recommends abolishing VEAC, a $1.4 million taxpayer-funded bureaucracy, as Labor’s ineffective agency failed to improve land management or address bushfire and environmental risks. - West Gippsland CMA celebrates 25 years of sustainable irrigation, transforming Gippsland farms, saving water and protecting local waterways
West Gippsland CMA's Sustainable Irrigation Program celebrates 25 years, with 1,200 projects saving 47 gigalitres annually, enhancing farm productivity, protecting waterways, and expanding beyond the Macalister Irrigation District. - Melina Bath honours Wonthaggi Rotary Club for 32 years recognising volunteers and strengthening Eastern Victoria
Melina Bath recognised Wonthaggi Rotary Club in parliament for 32 years celebrating local volunteers, presenting over 250 awards, and strengthening Eastern Victoria communities through service and dedication. - Parliamentary Inquiry into the 2026 summer fires across Victoria, make a submission by 15 March 2026
Parliamentary Inquiry launched to scrutinise Victoria’s 2026 bushfire preparedness, planning, and emergency response across regional communities. - Danny O'Brien says Gippsland roads among state's most dangerous after years of neglect under Allan Labor government
Danny O'Brien says new AusRAP data shows many Gippsland roads are unsafe after years of Labor neglect, criticising the government for lowering speed limits instead of properly fixing deteriorating roads. - Sale’s burnt police station must be cleared and redeveloped after 11 years of government inaction, says Danny O’Brien
Nationals MP Danny O’Brien urges Allan Labor Government to clear and redevelop Sale’s old police station site after 11 years of inaction, following its recent deliberate burning. - Danny O'Brien welcomes progress on Sealers Cove track repairs but slams years of Labor delays at Wilsons Prom
Danny O'Brien welcomed long-overdue progress on Sealers Cove track repairs at Wilsons Prom but criticised Labor for years of delays, saying Gippsland deserves timely investment in vital tourism infrastructure and facilities. - Darren Chester accuses Victorian Labor of endangering Gippslanders by delaying Mallacoota-Genoa road upgrades
Federal Member Darren Chester warns Victorian Labor’s inaction on Mallacoota-Genoa Road, despite $10 million funding, endangers Gippslanders, leaving critical safety upgrades delayed and road conditions increasingly unsafe. - Darren Chester urges young Gippslanders to apply for 2026 National Youth Parliament Leadership Program by 21 November 2025
Darren Chester is encouraging Gippsland students aged 16 - 17 to apply for the 2026 National Youth Parliament, offering a fully funded week-long leadership and democracy program in Canberra. - Victoria leaders tour proposed Hastings terminal highlighting region’s central role in offshore wind future
Regional leaders toured the proposed Hastings Renewable Energy Terminal, highlighting its crucial role in Victoria’s offshore wind strategy and clean-energy transition, with industry, government and communities collaborating for regional benefits. - Life Saving Victoria launches multilingual campaign to protect older adults around water, heat and rip currents
Life Saving Victoria has launched a multilingual campaign to help older adults, especially from multicultural communities, stay safe around water and during extreme heat across Victoria. - Life Saving Victoria urges water safety precautions as heatwave drives crowds to beaches and pools
Life Saving Victoria warns Victorians to prioritise water safety during this week’s 40°C heatwave, swim at patrolled locations, supervise children, avoid alcohol, and always swim with a friend. - Tim Bull says Victoria can’t manage current parks, criticising government plans to further expand network
Tim Bull says expanding Victoria’s national parks is irresponsible, arguing existing parks are neglected, understaffed and overrun by pests, weeds and feral animals, with reduced funding making effective land management increasingly impossible. - Darren Chester braces Gippslanders demand for safer roads as funding stalls while initiatives like Cycling Without Age grow
Gippslanders demand urgent road repairs, with Princes Highway neglected for years, while initiatives like Cycling Without Age provide older residents joy, connection, and community engagement across the region. - Melina Bath urges eastern Victoria residents to prepare properties and plans for heightened bushfire risk this summer
The Nationals’ Melina Bath urges eastern Victoria residents to prepare properties, review Bushfire Survival Plans, and stay informed to reduce risk and protect families, pets, and communities this summer. - Darren Chester welcomes St Paul's Anglican Grammar students to parliament house for insight into Australian democracy
Darren Chester welcomed St Paul's Anglican Grammar students to Parliament House, discussing democracy, civic engagement, and his role as Gippsland's representative while commending their enthusiasm and interest in national issues. - Peri Urban Councils Victoria reflecting on 2025 year of growth, advocacy, and stronger Peri-Urban communities
As 2025 ends, PUCV reflects on a productive year of growth, advocacy, and connectivity improvements, thanking member councils and supporters, while preparing an ambitious agenda for 2026 and beyond. - Gippslanders stand united, condemning violence and supporting victims of the tragic Bondi Beach attack
The Bondi Beach tragedy deeply saddens us. Gippslanders stand united, honoring victims, thanking brave responders, condemning violence, and calling for kindness, tolerance, and community support in the face of adversity.
|
|
