By Laura Michell
Whittlesea residents gathered at a number of community events last week to mark the 10th anniversary of Black Saturday.
A remembrance service was held at the Whittlesea Community Gardens on Thursday night, featuring a minute’s silence, a community reading and songs from the Whittlesea Township Choir.
Victorian Governor Linda Dessau visited the town on Friday to hear about challenges facing the community and help celebrate recovery achievements.
Ms Dessau, who is patron of the 10-year anniversary of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires, and husband Anthony Howard visited the Reflections art exhibition at the Whittlesea civic centre before attending a community afternoon tea.
She also attended a commemorative service at Toorourrong Reservoir Park on Saturday.
On Sunday, the Whittlesea and Kinglake football clubs held a legends tribute match to recognise the clubs’ role in helping rebuild their communities.
Whittlesea mayor Lawrie Cox said that while 10 years had passed since Black Saturday, for many people who were impacted the recovery was ongoing.
“The community has been on a long journey of recovery, and while the physical scars may have healed in the landscape, the impact [on] community, business, families and individuals are significant, ongoing and diverse,” he said.
