Born a week after Black Saturday, Phoenix Macek remains a symbol of hope

Born a week after the Black Saturday bushfires, Phoenix Macek became a symbol of hope for a community that feared it may never be the same.

Born a week after the Black Saturday bushfires, Phoenix Macek became a symbol of hope for a community that feared it may never be the same.

A decade on, the Kinglake local is preparing to celebrate his 10th birthday in his home town that has risen from the ashes.

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the 2009 bushfires that claimed 173 lives and changed 78 communities forever.

THE HIDDEN TOLL FOR BLACK SATURDAY SURVIVORS

THE SOUNDS OF HOPE AFTER BLACK SATURDAY

NEWSMAN BRIAN NAYLOR’S SELFLESS LAST ACT REVEALED Phoenix Macek is preparing to celebrate his 10th birthday in the community that has risen from the ashes. Picture: Alex Coppel

Parents Craig and Bec fled Kinglake with just minutes to spare as the unstoppable fire front howled up the ranges.

Mrs Macek was in labour as the couple navigated down Heidelberg-Kinglake Rd to safety.

“Another five minutes and we would not have been able to get out of there,” Mrs Macek recalled. “We were extremely lucky to get out when we did.”

As Victorians came to grips with the extent of the disaster, the young mum endured an exhausting week-long labour.

Phoenix was born on Valentines Day.

The proud parents had intended to call their son Cooper, but opted for the name change in honour of those who lost their lives.

Bec Skepper with Phoenix as a newborn.

“Our older son Zander lost his best friend,” Mrs Macek said. “We knew of many people who died or lost everything.

“It was a really difficult time.”

But a decade later, the family have remained in the region they love.

Mrs Macek said the community was back on its feet, but a heavy burden remained.

Kinglake was fragmented, she said.

“Everybody grieves in different ways.

“Everybody’s loss was different … but we always tell our three kids how lucky we were.”

A memorial service in Kinglake is among several commemorations to be held across bushfires regions today.

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