Bushfire Prevention Week was initiated by the Forests Commission in 1930. Victoria’s State Governor, Lord Somers, the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sir Harold Luxton and the newly appointed Minister for Forests, William Beckett launched the innovative campaign with great flourish to 250 invited guests at Melbourne’s opulent Town Hall on Monday 13 January 1930. Special church sermons had been held previously on Sunday. The packed program of gala events included lavish luncheon talks at city clubs, scholarly lectures broadcast on the wireless, together with daily articles in the Melbourne and country press about the pressing need for fire prevention. The slogan for the ground-breaking campaign was… Prevent Bush Fires – It Pays… The Shell Petrol Company of Australia supplied 15000 windshield stickers, the British Australasian Tobacco Company donated a large supply of stamp stickers, while many other companies drew attention to the campaign in their newspaper advertisements. The Victorian Railways and many city firms displayed special fire posters, while Bryant and May posted messages on their limited-edition matchbox covers which are now highly prized by phillumenists (i.e. matchbox collectors). The Postmaster General's Department franked postage stamps and letters with special bushfire slogans. While plainclothes police were secretly deployed to the bush to arrest potential arsonists. Canvas and enamel fire prevention signs were erected on most roads leading to forest areas. Letters to the Editor later appeared in many city and country newspapers extolling the virtues of Bushfire Prevention Week and urging for its continuation as an annual event. Although a new idea for Australia, the Canadian Forest Service had been running a similar program for a few years. The Forests Commission in its 1929-30 Annual Report, under the title of "Propaganda", noted with some glee… "One of the most gratifying features of the ''Week" was its low cost to the Government, the major part of the publicity material being donated by private firms." And so for the next 50 years until the 1980s, Bushfire Prevention Week continued unabated with the Forests Commission producing a series of coloured “Magic Lantern” slides which were manufactured by Alex Gunn and Sons in Collins Street Melbourne for screening at Val Morgan cinemas. The slides famously introduced the menacing character, Willy Wildfire, warning motorists to be careful with matches. Now known as Fire Action Week, it remains a key event in the annual calendar for both DEECA and the CFA and is still going strong... These canvas fire awareness signs were used right throughout the period of the Forests Commission until the mid 1980sBushfire awareness signProtect your forests from firebushfire, forests commission victoria (fcv), forest signs

Bushfire Prevention Week was initiated by the Forests Commission in 1930. Victoria’s State Governor, Lord Somers, the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sir Harold Luxton and the newly appointed Minister for Forests, William Beckett launched the innovative campaign with great flourish to 250 invited guests at Melbourne’s opulent Town Hall on Monday 13 January 1930. Special church sermons had been held previously on Sunday. The packed program of gala events included lavish luncheon talks at city clubs, scholarly lectures broadcast on the wireless, together with daily articles in the Melbourne and country press about the pressing need for fire prevention. The slogan for the ground-breaking campaign was… Prevent Bush Fires – It Pays… The Shell Petrol Company of Australia supplied 15000 windshield stickers, the British Australasian Tobacco Company donated a large supply of stamp stickers, while many other companies drew attention to the campaign in their newspaper advertisements. The Victorian Railways and many city firms displayed special fire posters, while Bryant and May posted messages on their limited-edition matchbox covers which are now highly prized by phillumenists (i.e. matchbox collectors). The Postmaster General's Department franked postage stamps and letters with special bushfire slogans. While plainclothes police were secretly deployed to the bush to arrest potential arsonists. Canvas and enamel fire prevention signs were erected on most roads leading to forest areas. Letters to the Editor later appeared in many city and country newspapers extolling the virtues of Bushfire Prevention Week and urging for its continuation as an annual event. Although a new idea for Australia, the Canadian Forest Service had been running a similar program for a few years. The Forests Commission in its 1929-30 Annual Report, under the title of "Propaganda", noted with some glee… "One of the most gratifying features of the ''Week" was its low cost to the Government, the major part of the publicity material being donated by private firms." And so for the next 50 years until the 1980s, Bushfire Prevention Week continued unabated with the Forests Commission producing a series of coloured “Magic Lantern” slides which were manufactured by Alex Gunn and Sons in Collins Street Melbourne for screening at Val Morgan cinemas. The slides famously introduced the menacing character, Willy Wildfire, warning motorists to be careful with matches. Now known as Fire Action Week, it remains a key event in the annual calendar for both DEECA and the CFA and is still going strong... These canvas fire awareness signs were used right throughout the period of the Forests Commission until the mid 1980sBushfire awareness signbushfire, forests commission victoria (fcv), forest signs

Bushfire perimeter rather than bushfire area is the main control problem for firefighters on the ground. A conundrum rapidly compounded by spot fires. A small 5 ha fire can be nearly 1 km around the perimeter. That's a long way to build a control line by hand in rough bush. Dry firefighting techniques by hand were mostly confined to “knocking down” or “beating out” the flames, as well as "digging out". Digging or raking a “mineral earth” trail down to bare dirt proved most effective in forest fuels which, unlike grass, tend to retain heat and smoulder. Early tools were whatever happened to be close at hand. They were simple and primitive and included shovels, slashers, axes, hoes, beaters and rakes. A cut branch to beat the flames was often the only thing available. Farming and logging tools, developed over centuries of manual labour, and readily available at local hardware stores came into use, but little thought was given to size, weight, and balance. This leather beater was based on a century-old stockman's design which used green cow hide leather lashed to a broom handle. It's recommend that users lift no more than above knee height to conserve energy and let the beater to the work. For years foresters experimented with combination tools. In about 1952 fire beaters and other implements were being replaced with Rakuts and later RakehoesEarly firefighting toolBushfire beater - Leather with wooden handlebushfire, forests commission victoria (fcv)

Following the January 1962 bushfires in Warrandyte, affected land holders and residents made application for financial assistance. These records are a small part of more than 1,300 applications made at the time. Contents include: Approximately 200 applications for assistance which include details of property, residence (holiday, farm holding, main residence), residents and property loss Approximately 500 Council responses for each application Miscellaneous correspondencePovides a clear description of property ownership, type, size, holdings and people at the timeapplication form, assessments, bushfire relief, eltham shire council, north warrandyte, scan - tbd, victorian bushfires - 1962, warrandyte

Bushfire perimeter rather than bushfire area is the main control problem for firefighters on the ground. A conundrum rapidly compounded by spot fires. A small 5 ha fire can be nearly 1 km around the perimeter. That's a long way to build a control line by hand in rough bush. Dry firefighting techniques by hand were mostly confined to “knocking down” or “beating out” the flames, as well as "digging out". Digging or raking a “mineral earth” trail down to bare dirt proved most effective in forest fuels which, unlike grass, tend to retain heat and smoulder. Early tools were whatever happened to be close at hand. They were simple and primitive and included shovels, slashers, axes, hoes, beaters and rakes. A cut branch to beat the flames was often the only thing available. Farming and logging tools, developed over centuries of manual labour, and readily available at local hardware stores came into use, but little thought was given to size, weight, and balance. This canvas hose beater was based on a century-old design which used lengths of canvas fire hose rivetted together and lashed with wire to a broom handle. The hose was be soaked in water to improve its effectiveness. If the flames were more than a metre or so the user was generally not able to get close enough to extinguish the fire It's recommend that users lift no more than above knee height to conserve energy and let the beater to the work. For years foresters experimented with combination tools. In about 1952 fire beaters and other implements were being replaced with Rakuts and later RakehoesEarly firefighting toolBushfire beater - Canvas with wooden handleR P PWD (Public Works Department) The handle has painted markings which indicate which FCV District it belonged to.bushfire, forests commission victoria (fcv)

Crossways was built in the early 1920s. it was one of only a few Marysville buildings to survive the 2009 bushfires. Armed with only a bucket, co-owner Greg Cherry miraculously saved the building over a 12 hour ordeal. Crossways later provided a much needed refuge for the Marysville community and firefighters in the aftermath of the fires. A number of colour photographs of Crossways after the 'Black Staturday' bushfire.greg cherry, crossways county inn marysville, bushfire, black saturday

The skink was found in the garden on a property in Glenburn, Victoria, Australia. It was burnt during the February 2009 bushfires. Two specimens were found immediately after the bushfires however only one was locatable when donated.This specimen has historic significance for its association with the February 2009 bushfires. It is a rare, complete example of the impact of the bushfires on a diverse range of fauna in and around Yarra Ranges. Although many animals were affected by the bushfires, very few specimens were collected and preserved. This specimen is reliably provenanced to a property in Glendale (just outside the boundaries of the Shire of Yarra Ranges) which was affected by the 2009 bushfires.Fully grown, complete skink burnt during the Black Saturday bushfires in February 2009 in Glenburn, Victoria.fire, yarra ranges, skink, bushfire, bushfires, 2009, animal, glenburn

Linked to the 1983 Ash Wednesday BushfiresSmall metal lockable cash box with handle and tray insert This item was burnt in the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires which destroyed the FCV Office and nursery It was recovered from ashes of the building It was in the office safe and contained charred bank notes and a chequebushfire, forests commission victoria (fcv)

In February 2009 bushfires devastated Marysville, resulting in in nation-wide support enabling a rebuilding programme. A number of colour photographs documenting the remarkable recovery of Marysville after the 2009 Black Saturday Bushfires. Badly burnt trees reshoot, houses are rebuilt, but black scars remain on hillsides where the heat was at its hotest.marysville, bushfire, regrowth

Australia's worst natural disaster, fed by extreme temperatures, tornado-like wind speeds and tinder-dry land, culminated in the disaster we now know as Black Saturday, February 7, 2009. Before the sun would set on the blackest day in Australia's history, thousands of hectares would become blackened landscape and an unparalleled loss of lives could only mean that many areas would never be the same again.fay bridge collection, black saturday, kinglake, victorian bushfires - 2009

Built by James and Isabella Donaldson at the centre of their 1 square mile property southwest of the present day Presbyterian Church. The Donaldsons first arrived in Port Phillip on 17 December 1841. Their first house was a bark hut which was replaced by this substantial brick home around the mid 1840s. James Donladson died 1856. Kangaroo Ground Presbyterian Church http://kgpc.pcvic.org.au/history-2.html Pictures of the farm and homestead (rented by Mr E. Hobson) were published in The Weekly Times, 18 March 1911, p27 1911 'MR. E. HOBSON'S FARM AT KANGAROO GROUND.', Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), 18 March, p. 27. , viewed 29 Feb 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222243528 A letter from Mr Hobson published in the following edition clarified that he only rented the property and that the owner was Mr John Donaldson of Sandringham 1911 'KANGAROO GROUND.', Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), 25 March, p. 47. , viewed 29 Feb 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22224117935 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)bushfire, donaldson home, donaldsons road, isabella donaldson, james donaldson, kangaroo ground, kangaroo hall, victorian bushfires - 1969

Built by James and Isabella Donaldson at the centre of their 1 square mile property southwest of the present day Presbyterian Church. The Donaldsons first arrived in Port Phillip on 17 December 1841. Their first house was a bark hut which was replaced by this substantial brick home around the mid 1840s. James Donladson died 1856. Kangaroo Ground Presbyterian Church http://kgpc.pcvic.org.au/history-2.html Pictures of the farm and homestead (rented by Mr E. Hobson) were published in The Weekly Times, 18 March 1911, p27 1911 'MR. E. HOBSON'S FARM AT KANGAROO GROUND.', Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), 18 March, p. 27. , viewed 29 Feb 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222243528 A letter from Mr Hobson published in the following edition clarified that he only rented the property and that the owner was Mr John Donaldson of Sandringham 1911 'KANGAROO GROUND.', Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), 25 March, p. 47. , viewed 29 Feb 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22224117935 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)bushfire, donaldson home, donaldsons road, isabella donaldson, james donaldson, kangaroo ground, kangaroo hall, victorian bushfires - 1969

Built by James and Isabella Donaldson at the centre of their 1 square mile property southwest of the present day Presbyterian Church. The Donaldsons first arrived in Port Phillip on 17 December 1841. Their first house was a bark hut which was replaced by this substantial brick home around the mid 1840s. James Donladson died 1856. Kangaroo Ground Presbyterian Church http://kgpc.pcvic.org.au/history-2.html Pictures of the farm and homestead (rented by Mr E. Hobson) were published in The Weekly Times, 18 March 1911, p27 1911 'MR. E. HOBSON'S FARM AT KANGAROO GROUND.', Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), 18 March, p. 27. , viewed 29 Feb 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222243528 A letter from Mr Hobson published in the following edition clarified that he only rented the property and that the owner was Mr John Donaldson of Sandringham 1911 'KANGAROO GROUND.', Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), 25 March, p. 47. , viewed 29 Feb 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22224117935 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)bushfire, donaldson home, donaldsons road, isabella donaldson, james donaldson, kangaroo ground, kangaroo hall, victorian bushfires - 1969

Built by James and Isabella Donaldson at the centre of their 1 square mile property southwest of the present day Presbyterian Church. The Donaldsons first arrived in Port Phillip on 17 December 1841. Their first house was a bark hut which was replaced by this substantial brick home around the mid 1840s. James Donladson died 1856. Kangaroo Ground Presbyterian Church http://kgpc.pcvic.org.au/history-2.html Pictures of the farm and homestead (rented by Mr E. Hobson) were published in The Weekly Times, 18 March 1911, p27 1911 'MR. E. HOBSON'S FARM AT KANGAROO GROUND.', Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), 18 March, p. 27. , viewed 29 Feb 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222243528 A letter from Mr Hobson published in the following edition clarified that he only rented the property and that the owner was Mr John Donaldson of Sandringham 1911 'KANGAROO GROUND.', Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), 25 March, p. 47. , viewed 29 Feb 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22224117935 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)bushfire, donaldson home, donaldsons road, isabella donaldson, james donaldson, kangaroo ground, kangaroo hall, victorian bushfires - 1969

Built by James and Isabella Donaldson at the centre of their 1 square mile property southwest of the present day Presbyterian Church. The Donaldsons first arrived in Port Phillip on 17 December 1841. Their first house was a bark hut which was replaced by this substantial brick home around the mid 1840s. James Donladson died 1856. Kangaroo Ground Presbyterian Church http://kgpc.pcvic.org.au/history-2.html Pictures of the farm and homestead (rented by Mr E. Hobson) were published in The Weekly Times, 18 March 1911, p27 1911 'MR. E. HOBSON'S FARM AT KANGAROO GROUND.', Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), 18 March, p. 27. , viewed 29 Feb 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222243528 A letter from Mr Hobson published in the following edition clarified that he only rented the property and that the owner was Mr John Donaldson of Sandringham 1911 'KANGAROO GROUND.', Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), 25 March, p. 47. , viewed 29 Feb 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22224117935 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)bushfire, donaldson home, donaldsons road, isabella donaldson, james donaldson, kangaroo ground, kangaroo hall, victorian bushfires - 1969

Built by James and Isabella Donaldson at the centre of their 1 square mile property southwest of the present day Presbyterian Church. The Donaldsons first arrived in Port Phillip on 17 December 1841. Their first house was a bark hut which was replaced by this substantial brick home around the mid 1840s. James Donladson died 1856. Kangaroo Ground Presbyterian Church http://kgpc.pcvic.org.au/history-2.html Pictures of the farm and homestead (rented by Mr E. Hobson) were published in The Weekly Times, 18 March 1911, p27 1911 'MR. E. HOBSON'S FARM AT KANGAROO GROUND.', Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), 18 March, p. 27. , viewed 29 Feb 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222243528 A letter from Mr Hobson published in the following edition clarified that he only rented the property and that the owner was Mr John Donaldson of Sandringham 1911 'KANGAROO GROUND.', Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), 25 March, p. 47. , viewed 29 Feb 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22224117935 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)bushfire, donaldson home, donaldsons road, isabella donaldson, james donaldson, kangaroo ground, kangaroo hall, victorian bushfires - 1969

Built by James and Isabella Donaldson at the centre of their 1 square mile property southwest of the present day Presbyterian Church. The Donaldsons first arrived in Port Phillip on 17 December 1841. Their first house was a bark hut which was replaced by this substantial brick home around the mid 1840s. James Donladson died 1856. Kangaroo Ground Presbyterian Church http://kgpc.pcvic.org.au/history-2.html Pictures of the farm and homestead (rented by Mr E. Hobson) were published in The Weekly Times, 18 March 1911, p27 1911 'MR. E. HOBSON'S FARM AT KANGAROO GROUND.', Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), 18 March, p. 27. , viewed 29 Feb 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222243528 A letter from Mr Hobson published in the following edition clarified that he only rented the property and that the owner was Mr John Donaldson of Sandringham 1911 'KANGAROO GROUND.', Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), 25 March, p. 47. , viewed 29 Feb 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22224117935 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)bushfire, donaldson home, donaldsons road, isabella donaldson, james donaldson, kangaroo ground, kangaroo hall, victorian bushfires - 1969

Built by James and Isabella Donaldson at the centre of their 1 square mile property southwest of the present day Presbyterian Church. The Donaldsons first arrived in Port Phillip on 17 December 1841. Their first house was a bark hut which was replaced by this substantial brick home around the mid 1840s. James Donladson died 1856. Kangaroo Ground Presbyterian Church http://kgpc.pcvic.org.au/history-2.html Pictures of the farm and homestead (rented by Mr E. Hobson) were published in The Weekly Times, 18 March 1911, p27 1911 'MR. E. HOBSON'S FARM AT KANGAROO GROUND.', Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), 18 March, p. 27. , viewed 29 Feb 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222243528 A letter from Mr Hobson published in the following edition clarified that he only rented the property and that the owner was Mr John Donaldson of Sandringham 1911 'KANGAROO GROUND.', Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), 25 March, p. 47. , viewed 29 Feb 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22224117935 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)bushfire, donaldson home, donaldsons road, isabella donaldson, james donaldson, kangaroo ground, kangaroo hall, victorian bushfires - 1969

Built by James and Isabella Donaldson at the centre of their 1 square mile property southwest of the present day Presbyterian Church. The Donaldsons first arrived in Port Phillip on 17 December 1841. Their first house was a bark hut which was replaced by this substantial brick home around the mid 1840s. James Donladson died 1856. Kangaroo Ground Presbyterian Church http://kgpc.pcvic.org.au/history-2.html Pictures of the farm and homestead (rented by Mr E. Hobson) were published in The Weekly Times, 18 March 1911, p27 1911 'MR. E. HOBSON'S FARM AT KANGAROO GROUND.', Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), 18 March, p. 27. , viewed 29 Feb 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222243528 A letter from Mr Hobson published in the following edition clarified that he only rented the property and that the owner was Mr John Donaldson of Sandringham 1911 'KANGAROO GROUND.', Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), 25 March, p. 47. , viewed 29 Feb 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22224117935 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)bushfire, donaldson home, donaldsons road, isabella donaldson, james donaldson, kangaroo ground, kangaroo hall, victorian bushfires - 1969

Built by James and Isabella Donaldson at the centre of their 1 square mile property southwest of the present day Presbyterian Church. The Donaldsons first arrived in Port Phillip on 17 December 1841. Their first house was a bark hut which was replaced by this substantial brick home around the mid 1840s. James Donladson died 1856. Kangaroo Ground Presbyterian Church http://kgpc.pcvic.org.au/history-2.html Pictures of the farm and homestead (rented by Mr E. Hobson) were published in The Weekly Times, 18 March 1911, p27 1911 'MR. E. HOBSON'S FARM AT KANGAROO GROUND.', Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), 18 March, p. 27. , viewed 29 Feb 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222243528 A letter from Mr Hobson published in the following edition clarified that he only rented the property and that the owner was Mr John Donaldson of Sandringham 1911 'KANGAROO GROUND.', Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), 25 March, p. 47. , viewed 29 Feb 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22224117935 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)bushfire, donaldson home, donaldsons road, isabella donaldson, james donaldson, kangaroo ground, kangaroo hall, victorian bushfires - 1969

plaque

Purchased through the Horsham Art Gallery Trust Fund, 2013

Apple tree orchard after 1939 Fires at PomonalBlack and white photo of what looks to be an orchard as fruit on the ground.stawell

Acquired from the artist for Council's Cultural Collection in June 2022MVRbushfire in the australian landscape

The irresistible appeal of our unique Terrestrial orchids will often find native plant enthusiasts down on hands and knees following a hot summer bushfire surveying the forest floor where flowering colonies may emerge stimulated by the ‘Ash Bed’ effect and the symbiotic relationship with a particular soil Hyphae. Many like the small Hare orchid and Red Beaks depicted in this work may not be seen flowering again on the site until the next fire event.This work is one of a number painted by the artist after bushfires in the Grampians. Roger Edwards was a Forest Officer, posted to Cavendish, in SW corner of the Grampians, in 1975. He retired in 2018, enabling him to devote more time to his art.Environment, Wildflowers, Landscape, Botanic artGift of Rob Youl to commemorate artist, Betty Conabere.This painting shows orchids and other native plants regrowing densely in an ashbed after a Grampians bushfire. It is an aesthetic depiction of important ecological processes. wildflowers, lanscape, orchids, bushfire, grampians, environment, recovery after fire, botanic art