'The firestorm that ravaged the Australian state of Victoria on 7 February resulted in the greatest loss of life in the country in a single event since European settlement, as well as the loss of several thousand homes and other buildings, and the destruction of entire townships and vast areas of bushland. The terrifying winds and extreme temperatures fanned flames that defeated even the best efforts of the dedicated professional and voluntary firefighters who tried to control.
On behalf of my fellow Victorians, I would like to thank people all over the world for their expressions of sympathy and financial and financial and other support after this terrible event. In particular, Victorians greatly appreciated the encouraging message from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, delivered in Victoria by the Princess Royal, Princess Anne. We were impressed also by the personal, caring words addressed to us by Princess Anne and for her visits to some of the worst-affected townships, where they were warmly received by local communities.
A Royal commission is currently under way and will recommend ways to try to reduce the loss of life in the event of future firestorms. However, while similar conflagrations are still likely to to happen again, we must continue to try to find ways to minimise the extent of climate change.'
Although time has moved on from this event, many people in the area affected must still be trying to come to terms with rebuilding their lives following the loss of loved ones, homes and businesses. I continue to pray that they might continue to be given the support they need as they try to move on from what seems to be unimaginable tragedy. May we also learn from this situation that it isn't just a 'one off' event, we continue to be challenged about what we have done and are doing to the wonderful world we have been given and which our children and grandchildren will inherit.
