This Saturday the Sarsfield community will come together to mark five years since the devastating Black Summer Bushfires hit their tiny town, a disaster which saw 80 homes lost and more than 200 properties directly impacted.
The event, which will be held at the Sarsfield Recreation Reserve from 4-8pm, aims to celebrate the town’s incredible journey of renewal, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of community.
“We’d like to acknowledge how hard the journey has been; the photos that pop up on your phone from five years ago bring memories back, so can days of extreme heat, a chopper overhead, we all have different journeys but thank heavens we woke up five years on to clear air and a cool breeze and a sense of optimism,” Sarsfield Community Association’s Cathy McLennan said.
“That terrible summer brought us together and has made us a stronger community.
“For those wishing to reflect on the journey Sarsfield has taken over the last five years, a timeline of significant events since the fires will be displayed at the hall. The community will also take a special moment to honour and thank the many volunteers who helped during the recovery process. This will be an opportunity to reflect not only on the loss experienced but on the strength and unity that has defined Sarsfield’s recovery.
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“The event promises to be a heartfelt celebration of resilience, community, and the power of coming together in times of adversity. Everyone is invited to join in and share in the strength of the Sarsfield community.”
The day’s festivities will offer something for everyone. Families with children will be able to enjoy fun activities, including free face painting, while food trucks provide a diverse selection of delicious treats. Live music will set the tone with performances from talented local musicians Christine Watterson and Emily Nock.
A twilight market will also be featured, showcasing unique stalls from local Sarsfield artisans as well as vendors from surrounding areas. The Sarsfield Cricket Club will be on hand running a sausage sizzle to raise funds for their continued support of the local club.
In addition to celebrating the town’s recovery, the Red Cross will offer support and disaster preparedness advice for anyone in need.
One of the key highlights of the event will be a major raffle, with fantastic prizes including:
– Red box firewood (valued at $400), donated by Bairnsdale Tyrepower and Bairnsdale Christmas Trees.
– A service voucher (valued at $350), provided by Greenwood Mobile Mechanical Repairs.
– A horticultural pack (valued at $250), thanks to Flanagans Trees and Gardens.
– Two large tubs of honey (valued at $70), donated by Gells Honey.
For those wishing to reflect on the journey Sarsfield has taken over the past five years, a timeline of significant events since the fires will be displayed at the hall.
The community will also take a special moment to honour and thank the many volunteers who helped during the recovery process. This will be an opportunity to reflect not only on the loss experienced but on the strength and unity that has defined Sarsfield’s recovery.
The event promises to be a heartfelt celebration of resilience, community, and the power of coming together in times of adversity. Everyone is invited to join in and share in the strength of the Sarsfield community.
