25 Feb 2009

Black Saturday

I am Australian - the bushfire version

There are no words of comfort
That can hope to ease the pain
Of losing homes and loved ones
The memories will remain
We weep our silent tears and find
The strength to carry on
You're not alone
We are with you
We are Australian

There are so many heroes
Whose stories must be told
They fought the raging fires of hell
And saved so many souls
From the ashes of despair
Our towns will rise again
We mourn your loss
We will rebuild
We are Australian.

Bruce Woodley 2009




Black Thursday William Strutt 1864

The Black Saturday bushfires on February 7th took more than 200 lives and gutted communities across Victoria. More than 1,800 houses were razed to the ground, leaving 7,000 people homeless. But while these were the worst bushfires in Australia's history, they weren't the first - and they won't be the last.

This painting by William Strutt was painted in 1864. It depicts the devastating Black Thursday bushfire that struck Victoria back in February 1851. Many died in the fire, which was so fierce and far reaching that its glow could be seen by ships in Bass Strait.

You can view the original of the painting at The State Library of Victoria.

Explore it online here.

1 comment:

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