Chief Minister Katy Gallagher says after receiving a “wide variety” of suggestions from the public on how to mark the anniversary, it was decided a simple but significant commemoration would be “most appropriate.”

The commemoration will take place at the Bushfire Memorial, at the corner of Cotter and Uriarra Road in Weston at 10am on Friday, January 18 2013.

It will have the theme of “Reflection, Inspiration, and Looking Forward.”

“The commemoration at the Bushfire Memorial will provide our community with a way in which to reflect on the events of that day and the journey they have been on since,” Gallagher says.

“While commemoration of the events of January 18 are often difficult for those who lost loved ones or lost their homes, possessions and their pets that day, I hope that the sense of community that is often felt each time we mark the anniversary provides some strength and comfort to those affected.”

Gallagher says the 10 year anniversary also serves as an important reminder to our community of the importance of being prepared and ready to respond to emergencies should we ever face a similar situation again.

“A lot has changed in the decade since our community faced the most terrible day in our 100 year history,” she says.

“What we saw following the 2003 fires was a resilient community, one which came together under great tragedy and personal loss and importantly, one which was ready to make the changes we needed to be better prepared in the future.”

A print and radio campaign, supported by invitations to a wide range of community organisations will be used to advise people of the event.

If people wish to attend they are encouraged to RSVP to communicationsandengagement@act.gov.au
For more information contact Canberra Connect on 132281 or visit www.act.gov.au