© 2009 urNotForgotten

The issue is that 5 months after the fires, there are still families with toddlers living in conditions like this.

The February 2009 Black Saturday bushfires claimed the largest loss of life resulting from a bushfire in Australia's history.  173 people lost their lives in the fires and a further 500 or so were injured. Over 2000 homes were destroyed with many towns including Kinglake, Marysville, Flowerdale and Strathewen being badly damaged or largely destroyed.  Over 7000 people were left homeless, many seeking accommodation in caravans and tents, or with relatives and friends.

Due to delays in clearing blocks, processing insurance claims and obtaining clarity on new building codes, rebuilding remains for many a dream. Reality in mid-winter is harsh. As the media focus fades, so too does hope, and any sense that the rest of Australia remembers.