Black Saturday Anniversary

[Heather]

Five years ago today that bushfires changed the lives of so many people. A day that brought terrible loss but also so much love and generosity and the many friendships that were forged. It's hard to believe that it has been five years already. On the whole life is back to "normal". It's a new normal, but it's normal.

One of my friends who lost her home posted this quote today:

"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I ended up where I needed to be."

Even though she lost everything she says she wouldn't change what happened because of the friendships that were formed because of that day.

[Neville Briggs]

That's a positive outlook Heather. Things can heal but I guess there are still scars left.

[Heather]

You never forget Neville, but you do move on.

[Terry]

Hi Heather I was down at Peaceful Bay at the time and really felt for all those involved.
I remember writing this little poem at the time after watching it all unfold on TV.
I'm sure there were many other poems written at the same time.

THE AFTERMATH

It looks so like a war zone strewn with ash and blackened wood,
the poignant piles of rubble where the houses had once stood.
The choking smoke has blown away; the killer fires now out,
but long will hearts be aching with so many lives in doubt.

We see your tear stained faces and the looks of disbelief,
eyes show the shock and horror mingled with your pain and grief.
We hear your gentle sobbing with so little we can do,
but try to offer comfort as Australia weeps for you.


Terry

[Heather]

I remember that one Terry. There was a lot of poetry after that day. One lady has written and published two books of poetry.

[Terry]

Hi Heather,
I also know of at least two others that were written by poets over here - no doubt there were more.

It was one of those days that for even people far removed from it, were shocked by what was happening.
And I'm sure the whole country will long remember and grieve for those lost during those terrible days.

Terry

[Maureen K Clifford]

The one thing that has forever stood out in my mind after that was the Flowerdale Tattoo...5 years has gone in a wink and I wonder if authorities learned anything from those terrible fires - I have heard that there are terrible fire loads again in those areas, and with the awfully hot days we have been experiencing that's a real cause for concern if true.


The Flowerdale Tattoo
Maureen Clifford © 11/11


They’ve done the hard yards, fought the fires and fears, gone on with life
and soldiered on as people do to through drought, floods, fires and strife.
A community has bonded, each becomes their neighbours strength,
and friendships forged then still hold fast, and time seems of no length.

They partied at King Lake one night for all had tales to tell,
of hope and love and courage – tales of hot black fiery hell.
Tales of losses shared and heartbreak, homes burnt down to tin and ash.
Tales of bravery whilst under fire – as fires turned towns to trash.

Dinner and conversation with Belly dancing just for fun.
There were those who swivelled hips and tits and those girls weren’t outdone.
The laughter was so needed ‘twas a chance of reconnection
and spirits undiminished meant they’d soon start re erection.

One lady told how her home burned down to the ground that night.
Her garden was her pride and joy – but now it looked a fright -
she said ' now golden daffodils are pushing through the soil
and this little touch of yellow gives reward for all the toil.'

Thirteen souls lost at Flowerdale. Two hundred homes were razed.
The enemy the fire whose breath set their small town ablaze
yet despite the black destruction that was seen for miles around
a symbol of hope flourished and now reunited the town.

A stark black skeleton appeared , a tree with but one leaf
of brightest green, to symbolize the hope and sheer belief
that from the ashes they would rise – go forth and carry on
the tattoo symbolized this, and gave honour to those gone.

Whole families embraced the cause – the oldest eighty five.
They had the symbol tattooed on their skin – wore it with pride.
It has helped bond the community – this black tree with one leaf
and they’ve started now rebuilding and that too helps ease their grief.

Such a very simple gesture, such a very simple thought
but ideas like this are often all that’s needed when we’re fraught,
to instil a sense of courage, determination to win:
which explains why Flowerdale folk have trees tattooed onto their skin.



Fires ravaged the areas around King Lake and Flowerdale in October 2009. The residents are now rebuilding their town, and the blackened trees that surrounded the area have started to regenerate – one leaf at a time.

[Mal McLean]

Which reminds me Heather. Where's that book?

Mal

[Heather]

Oh Mal, the book. Groan. My co-author's husband had a nasty head on collision with a truck on 8th October 2012. He is extremely lucky to be alive and was in a coma for quite some time. He is still in a wheel chair and hoping to be able to walk again this year - hopefully. His wife, my friend and co-author, Catherine, is his full time carer, nurse, cook, chauffeur, you name it. So, book on hold unfortunately but we do hope it will still happen. Catherine has put a lot of work into transcribing over 80 taped stories and has invested a lot of time into the project - but, her husband must come first. Sometimes life just gets in the way....

Maureen, unfortunately families, friendships and communities were more often fractured by the fire than brought together by it. Initially everyone is standing tall, arm in arm, "we will re-build", "we will support each other" but that sentiment is short lived. Within weeks the adreneline runs out and people are tired, over worked, over whelmed; having to make major decisions on the run, battling authorities and getting on with their normal work at the same time; their lives are out of control. People are let down by friends and relatives - but then they find new friendships and new support often in unexpected places. There is rivalry and jealousy between neighbours and communities are split. Retired people are forced to dig into their super to rebuild, women are forced back into the workforce to pay a larger mortgage (oh but you should be so grateful you have a nice new house!) Several of my friends say they are out of pocket by up to $400,000 after insurance and grants - and if they don't have that sort of money to replace what they already had - then they don't get back what they had. One of my lovely friends has built a gorgeous home but her husband has had several strokes, had to have a hip replacement and then lost his job - all at the age of 53. Their garden is far from what it used to be and they are now thinking of selling up and downsizing and wishing they had done that in the first place.

[Maureen K Clifford]

That's the harsh reality isn't it - similar things here happened/happening after the floods. Your life is never the same no matter how much you wish it so.

Sorry to hear about your friends troubles - family do have to come first that's for sure