When reflecting on the year that has passed since Black Saturday it is so hard to find the words that accurately describe the tragedy and devastation that the worst bushfires in Australian history brought to so many Victorian communities. Like most Australians, the images of the fires, the magnitude of the loss and the sense of sadness as a nation are still with me. We will not forget the people, towns and communities that were affected by the blaze; our collective national memory will forever carry the distress and heartbreak of Black Saturday.
Being amongst the people in communities affected by the fires gave me an insight into the enormity of the tragic events as they unfolded. But being amongst the people also helped me to feel and witness the true strength of the Australian community spirit. People from far and wide came together to aid those who had lost so much.
We understand that the depth of pain and grief of loss is impossible to measure or describe. Those who lost loved ones will never be the same.
The response to the bushfires was enormous; thousands of emergency service teams worked around the clock. Brave individuals and groups risked their own lives to save others and to limit property loss.
It was a privilege to be able to offer these people chaplaincy support as they gave their vital service to the community. Taking a personal approach and coming alongside people and providing emotional, spiritual and practical support is at the core of the work of The Salvation Army. Being there for people when they are in need is what we do, and I am proud we were able to be there during this critical time.
Our work also extended to assisting the people who lost so much. Our chaplains were on hand at all the relief sites, ensuring that people who needed someone to talk to found the support they needed.
During the last 12 months we have continued to stand beside communities affected by the bushfires. Please understand our depth of commitment to the people of Victoria. We are in this for the long-term. We understand a long-term and ongoing commitment is essential to help rebuild communities and lives.
The Salvation Army will remain connected with other service providers, governments, the business community and all whose desire is to work together over the months and years to come to restore life and vitality to these communities.
With the generous support of the Australian public, business community and people overseas we are able to stand beside people affected by the Victorian bushfires for the long term.
“For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.”- Psalm 33:4-5
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
It is hard to believe that a year has gone by since the awfulness of Black Saturday. Having recently driven up to Marysville and then on to Lake Mountain, the scale of the devastation was hard to take in. I am so glad that the Army is in it for the long haul, it seems that a year on, some of the people impacted by the fires are still only taking their first steps towards making decisions about rebuilding or moving on. They still need support and need not to be forgotten. God bless every person who is working with these communities.