BUSHFIRE DISASTER STATE MEMORIAL

24 January 2020

(See translation in Arabic section)

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons today announced a State Memorial for those impacted by the recent bushfires to be held on Sunday, 23 February at Qudos Bank Arena at Sydney Olympic Park.

Ms Berejiklian said the event will give members of the public from across NSW an opportunity to come together to recognise the lives lost, the sacrifices made and to think of those directly impacted by the fires.

“We will pay tribute to the brave firefighters who lost their own lives protecting the lives and properties of others,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“I know that many members of the public, the RFS, and emergency services personnel will want to come together as families and communities work their way through this unbelievable loss.

“There will be a separate opportunity for us to formally thank our volunteers and emergency services workers in the near future.

“In the first instance it is important for us to acknowledge the ultimate sacrifices made and to move forward together on the path to healing and rebuilding.”

Commissioner Fitzsimmons said the service will pay special tribute to those firefighters and emergency services personnel who lost their lives.

“NSW has, and continues to face, the most difficult and dangerous bushfire season in history,” Mr Fitzsimmons said.

“While we have seen tragedy, we have also seen the best of the community, working together to help each other when it matters most.

“This is especially true for those firefighters who have worked so hard to protect communities".

Further details about the memorial and how to attend will be available shortly.