By Derek Schlennstedt
The Ash Wednesday Bushfire Education Centre (AWBEC) is commemorating the Anniversary of the Ash Wednesday bushfires by opening its doors to the public on 16 February.
The devastating Ash Wednesday Bushfires on 16 February 1983 caused widespread destruction across the states of Victoria and South Australia.Graham Simpson, who was CFA captain at Cockatoo during Ash Wednesday, and is now chair of the AWBEC committee management, recalled the Ash Wednesday fires. His memories were eerily familiar to this year’s bushfire events in Gippsland.
“Years of severe drought and extreme weather combined to create one of Australia’s worst fire days in a century,” he said.
Mr Simpson said that many fatalities were because of firestorm conditions caused by a sudden and violent wind change in the evening which rapidly changed the direction and size of the fire front.
“The speed and ferocity of the flames, aided by abundant fuels and a landscape immersed in smoke, made fire suppression and containment impossible.”
In many cases, residents had to fend for themselves as fires broke communications, cut off escape routes and severed electricity and water supplies. Up to 8,000 people were evacuated in Victoria at the height.
The ASH Wednesday Bushfire Education Centre details the devastation that occurred on 16 February 1983, not only in Cockatoo, but across the whole state of Victoria.
Because of the fires, a number of changes were implemented, including the transition of fire fighting vehicles to diesel.
The Centre features a number of those change but also includes photographs, interactive touch screens, news footage and many personal items donated by local residents.
A range of educational pamphlets surrounding commonalities between bushfires, and how to plan for evacuation are also available to visitors.
“It’s really a great resource and the information we have here cannot collectively be found on the internet,” Mr Simpson said.
“We have a lot of information from the CFA. Pamphlets and slips that people can pick-up and take with them. A lot of these include information on how you should prepare you property, and how to formulate your plan on bad days.”
“Your plan can be as simple going to Fountain Gate for the day … you evacuation plan doesn’t have to be complex.
The AWBEC gardens are home to a reflective memorial garden, which offers a quiet space to sit, remember and reflect. The gardens are also instructive and only native non-flammable plants were planted in the garden.
Staffed by many local volunteers, who are able to share their own experiences with you, the centre is an edifying experience into the history of Cockatoo and the Ash Wednesday Bushfires that affected the region and state.
In memory of Ash Wednesday, the centre will be open from 11am – 3pm on Sunday 16 February, free of charge, though donations are welcome.
The Ash Wednesday Bushfire Education Centre is located at 2 McBride St, Cockatoo.
