Grant for Black Saturday memorial improvements

Published on 24 January 2019

A Black Saturday bushfire memorial in Kyneton has been upgraded following funding provided by the Victorian Government.

The Black Saturday mosaic mural dedicated to the 2009 Black Saturday fires north of Kyneton is located on the side of the historic Kyneton Town Hall on the corner of Hutton and Mollison streets. The mosaic mural commemorates the many homes and a church which were lost on that tragic day, together with the enormous support that followed.

Council applied through the government’s Commemoration and Community Development Grants Scheme for funding to make minor repairs to the memorial and for flood lighting to illuminate it at night.

The flood lighting has been installed in time for the 10th anniversary of the date of the fires, which falls on 7 February 2019.

Mayor, Cr Janet Pearce said the mosaic mural by artist Kathryn Portelli was a powerful creative work which demonstrated the region’s strong community bonds and indomitable spirit.

“Every tile contains a unique story, created from donated material from residents who were affected by this devastating event,” Cr Pearce said.

The 2009 Victorian Bushfires, known as the Black Saturday fires, were one of the most significant disasters Victoria has experienced.

The anniversary is a time to reflect and remember the 173 people who died in the bushfires, and to learn about how the fires changed the lives of so many, and how communities have rebuilt. Many Victorians still experience the effects of the bushfires and the severe heatwaves that occurred in early 2009.

The 2009 bushfires were a traumatic and distressing event. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is providing extra support in the lead-up to the 10 year commemoration, including counselling services. For more information on support services and recovery advice, see the Department Health and Human Services website