Friday, 20 February 2009
The Premier, John Brumby, today inspected preparations for the National Day of Mourning – Together for Victoria, which will be held at 11am this Sunday, 22 February, at Rod Laver Arena.
Mr Brumby encouraged Victorians to join the service to show their support for bushfire survivors, their sorrow for those who died and their admiration for emergency service personnel.
“The National Day of Mourning this Sunday will give us all the opportunity to reflect on what is the worst natural disaster in the history of Australia,” Mr Brumby said.
“It will give us the opportunity to pay our respects to those who have been tragically lost. It will give us the opportunity to recognise the emergency service personnel who have done so much.
“And it will give us the opportunity to show our support for bushfire-affected communities as we begin the process of rebuilding.”
Bells peeling across Victoria will signal the beginning of proceedings.
“At 11am, the Federation Bells will be rung to mark the beginning of proceedings and I encourage bells at town halls, churches and other community facilities to also be rung across the State,” Mr Brumby said.
This will be followed by a traditional welcome to country by Aunty Joy Murphy.
The Premier of Victoria, John Brumby, will then deliver a Welcome Address.
The Federal Leader of the Opposition Malcolm Turnbull and the Victorian Leader of the Opposition Ted Baillieu each will deliver a Reflection.
The Together for Victoria Procession will take place, with representatives from affected communities, emergency service personnel, support services, youth and faith communities.
The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency Quentin Bryce AC and the Governor of Victoria David de Kretser AC each will deliver an Address, followed by an Expression of Compassion from the Most Reverend Denis Hart, Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne.
The Federation Bells will then be rung, between expressions of compassion from Murrindindi Shire Mayor Councillor Lyn Gunter and the Chief Commission of Victoria Police, Christine Nixon. Moments of Remembrance led by community faith leaders will be followed by a minute’s silence.
The Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd, will conclude proceedings with a Message of Hope.
The National Day of Mourning – Together for Victoria will be held at Rod Laver Arena from 11am. Gates will be open from 8.30am. Free travel from bushfire affected communities is available.
The National Day of Mourning – Together for Victoria will be broadcast live on television, as well as being shown live on big screens at Hisense Arena, the Rod Laver Arena precinct, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Federation Square and Waterfront City, Docklands.
