Black Saturday memorials
Permanent memorials of the 2009 Victorian bushfires have been established at significant locations in the City of Whittlesea and surrounding areas to honour and remember the people who lost their lives.
A permanent memorial has been created at the corner of Coombs, Humevale and Yea Roads, honouring the 12 local residents who lost their lives in this area.
Location:
Corner of Coombs, Humevale and Yea Roads
Kinglake West
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A permanent memorial has been created on the edge of the pond at Toorourrong Reservoir Park.
This memorial honours the 35 residents who lost their lives, and who had strong connections to the Whittlesea area.
The design is based on a seed-pod with two granite stone walls enclosing granite seats representing seeds dispersing out of the pod and into the pond. This is symbolic of new life and regeneration. The granite used is the original stone used in the reservoir and park construction from the late 1800s. Extensive work was undertaken with the community to develop the text and visual content of this memorial.
One wall displays the 35 names from 13 families. The other wall portrays the community impact of the fires through themes of fire, loss and spirit.
Construction of the memorial was completed in May 2015 and a private dedication ceremony was held with bereaved families.
The park is open to the public every day, including public holidays, from 9 am.
Location:
Toorourrong Reservoir Park
120 Jacks Creek Road
Whittlesea
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The Whittlesea Community Activity Centre and Walker Reserve precinct was also a significant site for people in the first days and weeks after the fires.
The Whittlesea Community Activity Centre has undergone an extensive redevelopment, increasing the size of the building, introducing new facilities and include some memorial elements to recognise its contribution during the 2009 Victorian bushfires.
Directly next to this development is the Whittlesea Community Gardens, which was used as a recovery program post the 2009 fires.
For more information, including utilising the gardens, contact:
Megan Smithwick
Email: communitygarden@whittleseach.com.au
Phone: 0407 699 775
Location:
57-61 Laurel Street
Whittlesea
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Hire the Whittlesea Community Activity Centre