General News
22 February, 2023
Memorial held to mourn Ash Wednesday
THE community turned out in numbers to pay respects to those who lost their lives in the Ash Wednesday bushfires four decades ago.
THE community turned out in numbers to pay respects to those who lost their lives in the Ash Wednesday bushfires four decades ago.
A memorial service was held in Panmure last Sunday following the 40th anniversary of the Ash Wednesday Bushfires last Thursday.
Country Fire Authority District 5 assistant chief fire officer Richard Bourke recounted the events of the hot, dry day 40 years ago.
More than 180 fires across Victoria sparked, leading to more than 200,000 hectares burned, more than 2080 homes destroyed and more than 32,750 livestock perished.
The memorial service honoured the 47 Victorians who died during the fires, including 14 CFA volunteers.
Members from the Country Fire Authority, including deputy chief officer Rohan Luke, attended Panmure from across the region to pay their respects.
Moyne Shire mayor Karen Foster laid a wreath on behalf of shire residents, and was joined by councillors Jim Doukas and Daniel Meade.
“On behalf of everyone at the Moyne Shire, I would like to say thank you to the CFA for hosting the event and bringing the community together,” Cr Foster said.
“Councillors send their condolences to all those who lost someone or who lost property.”
