Tomorrow, Wednesday 18 January, will mark the 20th anniversary of the 2003 Canberra bushfires.
The public can pay their respects at the Canberra Bushfire Memorial, Stromlo Forest Park, throughout the day, or attend a ceremony in the evening.
“These fires greatly impacted all aspects of the Canberra community, particularly those who lost loved ones, lost their homes, or were involved in the territory’s response and recovery efforts,” Mick Gentleman, ACT Minister for Police and Emergency Services, said.
“Tragically, four lives were lost, 500 homes destroyed, and many members of the community were injured and displaced.
“The Canberra Bushfire Memorial at Stromlo Forest Park was unveiled in 2006, and is an important place for the community to continue to heal and recover.”
As Wednesday will mark 20 years, the ACT Government encourages those who wish to pay their respects and reflect upon the tragedy to visit the Bushfire Memorial, where rosemary sprigs will be available to place in the pond.
An official ceremony will be held in the evening between 6.30pm and 8pm, and will be live streamed online.
People visiting the site are welcome to stay and observe the ceremony from the grassed areas nearby. Large screens will stream the event. The public can bring camp chairs or picnic blankets for their comfort.
Artist dies
Tess Horwitz, the artist who designed the Bushfire Memorial, died this week.
The ANU School of Art and Design published this tribute:
“A skilled artist and educator, Tess taught at the School of Art & Design in Foundation/Core Studies, Drawing, Sculpture and Art Theory, between the years of 1991-2018.
“Tess collaborated widely across the ACT arts community, working as a community artist with her partner, Tony Steele, on a number of public art works; including at the Bimberi Youth Justice Centre and with Tony and Martyn Jolly on the ACT Bushfire Memorial at Mount Stromlo. She mentored many art school graduates, generously advising artists and opening and supporting graduate exhibitions, and exhibiting herself in many solo and group shows. Her wise, passionate, kind and inquisitive presence in the Canberra art scene will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.”
