Ash Wednesday 40th Anniversary Commemorative Event
Channel: CFA (Country Fire Authority)
Date: 2023-02-12

00:13 - Welcome by MC Peter Shaw AFSM, CFA Board Member
03:45 - Welcome to Country, Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Perry Wandin
06:50 - Colour Party
14:50 - National Anthem
18:27 - Welcome of dignitaries 
21:02 - Call to Remembrance, VFBV President Samantha Collins
22:05 - Minister for Emergency Services Minister representative, Daniela De Martino MP,
25:25 - CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan
29:40  - Those who served on Ash Wednesday invited to stand for acknowledgement
33:50 - Spirit of CFA, reading by Nar Nar Goon Captain Justin Seddon
35:06 - Until We Meet Again, reading by Upper Beaconsfield Captain Ian Pinney
36:02 - Graham Simpson AFSM speaks on behalf of those who served on Ash Wednesday
44:44 - Firefighter's Prayer, read by Cockatoo Captain Chris White
45:40 - This Heritage, read by Macedon Captain Ross Luke
46:49 - Wreath procession, CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan and Beaconsfield Juniors
52:39 - Honour Roll Call - read by Narre Warren Captain Travis Carter, bell tolled by Panton Hill Captain Simon Wallace
55:34 - Laying of wreaths by dignitaries
1:01:50 - Laying of wreaths representing the 8 fires on Ash Wednesday
1:11:18 - Laying of wreaths by Brigade and Group representatives and families
1:17:22 - End of ceremony
1:18:53 - Colour Party exit
1:24:56 - Air crane flyover

2023 marks the 40th anniversary of Ash Wednesday, one of the most significant bushfire events in Australian history. More than 180 fires occurred on 16 February 1983, including 8 major blazes across many towns and regional communities throughout Victoria. It is estimated more than 16,000 firefighters were involved in the response efforts.

Forty-seven Victorians lost their lives including 14 CFA volunteers from the Panton Hill, Nar Nar Goon, Narre Warren and Wallacedale brigades.

CFA will commemorate this anniversary with a state-based memorial service on Sunday 12th February 2023 at the Ash Wednesday Bushfire Education Centre, McBride Street, Cockatoo.

More details about Ash Wednesday can be found on the CFA website - https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/about-us/who-we-are/major-fires/about-ash-wednesday

The program for the event can be downloaded here: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/ArticleDocuments/498/Ash%20Wednesday%20Program.pdf.aspx