07/02/2026
Remembering Black Saturday – 7 February 2009
Today we pause to remember Black Saturday, one of Australia’s darkest days.
We acknowledge the 173 lives lost, the families and communities forever changed, and the survivors who continue to live with the physical, emotional and psychological impacts.
We also recognise the first responders, firefighters, paramedics, police, SES, volunteers and support staff who ran toward danger that day, and who for many, carry the effects of what they saw and did long after the fires were out.
For some people, days like today can bring up strong memories and heavy emotions, especially for those who were directly involved, lost loved ones, or responded on the ground. If this day is hard for you, please know you don’t have to carry it alone.
Support is available:
• Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7)
• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
• Fire agency peer support networks – reach out through your brigade, station, unit or workplace
• 000 Foundation – support for first responders and their families
[email protected]
Checking in on a mate, making the call, or asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
Today, we remember.
Today, we honour.
And today, we continue to stand with those who serve and those who survived.
