Vic: Memorial services of solidarity across state

AAP General News (Australia)
02-15-2009
Vic: Memorial services of solidarity across state

By Edwina Scott

MELBOURNE, Feb 15 AAP - It was a phone call from Wandong resident Rose Dove that brought
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to church on Sunday.

For the first time since the Kinglake complex fire swept through the small town north
of Melbourne just over one week ago, hundreds of residents gathered for an open-air service
in a mark of solidarity and reflection.

The inferno that tore through Wandong destroyed 200 homes, with three people perishing
in the flames.

In Melbourne, several hundred people from 17 Christian churches across the city converged
in the Fitzroy Gardens after their Sunday morning services, praying for those who died
in the fires and those who lost their homes.

On the Wandong footy oval Reverend Carmel Hunter conducted the service on the back
of a Kenworth semi-trailer, flanked by Country Fire Authority (CFA) trucks from the Wandong
and Kilmore brigades.

Described by Mr Rudd as "a persistent lady", Rose telephoned Canberra on Friday and
invited him to the memorial service to ease the sense of desolation engulfing the tight-knit
community.

"[On] Thursday I saw people who were just so low ... He said he was very eager to come
down," she told AAP.

"I thought it was an impossibility ... I knew how busy his schedule was, but I said
it would mean a great deal to the community."

Rose, who works in diplomacy for the prime minister and cabinet in Melbourne, said
the non-denominational service was an opportunity to exchange stories and begin the healing
process.

"It's been very good for the people," she said.

"He [Mr Rudd] has recognised what we went through and also what our firefighters have done.

"I think the people who've lost the properties know now that they've got friends.

"I think it's to know that we're all willing to help.

"This doesn't stop here today, we'll be going on, we'll be fundraising..."

Religious ministers said a prayer for soaking rains and the bipartisan spirit of leadership
shown through the week was also acknowledged.

Mr Rudd joined locals singing Amazing Grace and placing gum leaves and flowers into
a bowl of water as a symbol of remembrance and rebuilding.

"What has happened here is the story of what has happened everywhere - but it's also
very special to you as a community," he told the crowd.

He vowed Wandong would be supported in their recovery.

"We will be with you every step of the way until this community is rebuilt," he said.

CFA volunteers, wearing orange overalls covered in ash, were thanked many times by
a grateful group during the moving ceremony.

"You put yourselves last and your community first," Mr Rudd declared.

On a lighter note, the prime minister remarked that Elvis was indeed still alive, referring
to the firefighting helicrane that dropped 9,000 litres of water as flames swept across
the region.

"Elvis is still with us," the PM said with a smile.

AAP ees/goc/de

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES VIC MEMORIA WRAP

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