Mirboo North 2009 Bushfire Memorial Sculpture
25 Oct 11
Mirboo North 2009 Bushfire Memorial Sculpture featuring a Koala and Volunteer to be unveiled this Saturday (29 October) at Mirboo North.
A bronze bas-relief sculpture featuring a Koala (known locally as Sam) receiving a drink of water from a volunteer fire-fighter will be officially unveiled on Saturday 29 October at 11 am in Baromi Park, Mirboo North. The bas-relief is a significant and striking art work, being 2.4 metres wide and 1.5 metres high.
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There were numerous acts of courage and care shown by volunteers during the terrible fires that spanned Victoria in late January and February 2009. This action by a volunteer during the 2009 bushfires captured the imagination of the world, and epitomises the natural generosity of people in a crisis. The sculpture has been produced by Mr Michael Meszaros, one of Australia’s leading bas-relief sculptors. The choice of a subject to be developed as the Bushfire Memorial in this district was made by the Mirboo North and District Community Recovery Committee. |
| Orignal image of Koala and volunteer 2009 Bushfires |
Funds for the Memorial were provided by the Victorian State Government and the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund, and the South Gippsland Shire Council aided the local community by formally commissioning the work and supervising the production.
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The actual location of this act of generosity was near the Lyrebird Walk, a few kilometres north of the township Mirboo North, and near the epicentre of the bushfires that broke out on 29 January 2009.After the unveiling of the Memorial, a bus will be available to take people to the Lyrebird Walk to view the wonderful rehabilitation works that have been undertaken by local volunteers, with assistance from Parks Victoria and funds from a range of sources,including the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund and private donations.
For any enquires related to this event or the memorial please contact Ned Dennis, Chairperson Mirboo North and District Community Recovery Committee on 56629288, 0419 592 446 or email nedd@southgippsland.vic.gov.au