People who lost their lives in NSW bushfires ‘will not be forgotten’
This bushfire season has changed our state forever, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian writes. As people come together for the NSW Bushfire State Memorial to reflect on the unbearable human toll of 25 lives lost, she wants everyone to remember their bravery and sacrifice.
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Today, we will come together at the NSW Bushfire State Memorial to reflect on the unprecedented and horrific bushfire season and to acknowledge the devastating losses we have sustained.
Thousands of homes and livelihoods across our state have been reduced to ash, environments blackened and wildlife habitats destroyed, and most tragically there has been an unbearable human toll of 25 lives lost.
Three of those who died were brave young men, RFS volunteers, who spent their summer protecting the lives and properties of others.
Geoffrey Keaton, Andrew O’Dwyer and Samuel McPaul put everything on the line to help our community.
Their sacrifice has earned them and their families a cherished place in the hearts of all Australians. They were part of the tens of thousands who put their own safety at risk.
Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons led an army who kept going back to the fire front day after day, week after week, month after month. They were fatigued, traumatised and overwhelmed, but they didn’t stop. The bright yellow uniforms of our firefighters have become a symbol of comfort for grateful communities.
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Alongside our NSW firefighters were brave men and women from supporting agencies across Australia, the US, Canada and NZ. We are deeply grateful for their support. Captain Ian McBeth, First Officer Paul Clyde Hudson and Flight Engineer Rick DeMorgan Jr left their family in the US to support the firefighting efforts here.
They lost their lives protecting our people and our homes. Their bravery and sacrifice on our behalf will not be forgotten. We also thank today the selfless community members who came to the fore as the firewalls subsided and the newly blackened landscape emerged. Our people came together like never before.
It has been humbling to witness the fear and panic, felt by so many, turn to hope and relief as communities banded together. This has caused all of us to pause and think about the true meaning of family and community.
Rebuilding the physical structures that were destroyed is already under way, but healing the emotional trauma will be the most difficult task ahead.
Today, we wrap loving arms around all those who shielded us from the fire. For those who acted selflessly and generously for others. For those who have lost mates and loved ones. For those who have been shaken to the core.
We are here for you, just like you have been for all of us.
This bushfire season has changed NSW forever.
Through our collective grief we have the opportunity to build on the shoulders of our heroes; to ensure their legacy lives on by following their example of selflessness, duty, family and upholding community spirit.