Surfers Point sundowner marks 10 year bushfire anniversary

A sundowner at Surfers Point in Prevelly will mark the 10-year anniversary of the 2011 Margaret River bushfires and provide locals with a chance to gather and reflect.

The event which will recognise recovery, resilience and community spirit will be held on Sunday 21 November 2021 from 4.30pm to 7.30pm.

The event will commence at 4.30pm with a connection to Country and community land art with Traditional Owners Dwardanan Vivian Brockman and Waljin Mitchella Hutchins and artist Elaine Clocherty.

Live music by Dan White and Emjay Angeni will follow at 5.30pm with the option to grab a bite to eat from food vans or to bring your own picnic.

There will also be the opportunity for local people to share their memories by recording their stories of ‘community spirit and resilience’ with Radio Margaret River.

Shire President Paula Cristoffanini said the sundowner provided a fitting way to reflect on how far the community has come since the 2011 bushfires which destroyed 47 homes and damaged a further 106 homes a decade ago. 

“It is so important that we continue to stick together as a community and to recognise the resilience of all those who were impacted,” she said.

Former resident John Bradbury who lost his home in the bushfires described 2011 as a sliding doors moment that once you step through you can never return.

“We never thought it would happen to us,” he said.

“We grieved for the landscape and the wildlife too, the whole time relieved knowing that no lives were lost.

“The lessons came loud and clear - be prepared for wildfires, do your maintenance and if it happens again then get everyone to a safe place.” 

John reflected on what he calls their ‘fire house’ and said they still feel the tremors in small ways, but the transition was cushioned by the people around them.

“Our hearts are forever grateful to those that lent a hand, however big or small,” he said.

While the focus of the event is to commemorate and reflect on the 2011 bushfires, information on bushfire preparedness will be available on the day with residents reminded of the 30 November deadline for prevention works for the upcoming season. 

2021-22 bushfire information can be found on the homepage of the Shire’s website www.amrshire.wa.gov.au.

For more information on the Surfers Point Sundowner event, please contact the Shire’s Community Development Team on 08 9780 5255 or email [email protected].