Bushfires Memorial Service
31 March 2009 at 6:30 pm
A memorial service was held at Westminster Abbey on Tuesday 31 March 2009, to remember the victims and to support the survivors of the bushfires that ravaged the Australian State of Victoria last month.
The service, organised by a group of London-based Australians, invited people to join in an expression of support for those directly affected by the fires.
Proceeds from a collection taken at the service were donated to the Red Cross Australian Bushfires Appeal.
Kathy Lette, one of the organisers, said: ‘We have organised this memorial service as a mark of respect and to raise funds for the victims. Australians are hardened to bush fires, but nothing could prepare us for this gut-wrenching catastrophe. This service will show that tragedy will not dent an indomitable spirit.’
Dannii Minogue said: ‘I watched the bushfire disaster unfold first hand here in Victoria. There was a collective feeling of grief but also a compulsion to do something to help. The London service will provide everyone with an opportunity to gather as a measure of solidarity with our countrymen and women, and to donate to those in need.’
Jason Donovan said: ‘This service will give all of us here in London – Australian or otherwise – a chance to rally behind our fellow citizens who are suffering so badly.’
Elle Macpherson commented: ‘This will be a poignant event; a moment for ex-pats to support and help raise capital for the people whose lives have been devastated by the fires.’
Rolf Harris said: ‘As we watched in horror the television coverage of the appalling bushfire tragedy unfolding in Victoria, there was an overwhelming feeling of terrible grief. I hope this service will focus people’s attention on the disaster that has overtaken the people of Victoria and help to raise as much money as possible for the survivors.’ Geoffrey Robertson QC added: ‘By coming together in Westminster Abbey, we not only grieve for those who were lost in the bush, but also to give thanks for our distinctive heritage, our freedoms and our camaraderie as a people. This tragedy brings us closer together: expatriates we may be, ex-patriots we are not.’