Ash Wednesday commemoration
Daniela DE MARTINO (Monbulk) (16:14): I would also like to acknowledge the upcoming 40th anniversary, next Thursday 16 February, of Ash Wednesday. Across the Dandenong Ranges alone over 11 000 hectares burned, 545 buildings were destroyed and, tragically, 27 people lost their lives. This Sunday I will attend the 40th anniversary commemoration at the Ash Wednesday Bushfire Education Centre in Cockatoo. It will be a day of reflection to pause and consider the tragedy which occurred, to give thanks to those who risked their lives to save others and to mourn those who were heartbreakingly lost.