Victorians urged to wear yellow ribbons in honour of Black Saturday bushfire victims
Victorians urged to wear yellow ribbons in honour of Black Saturday bushfire victims
19 January 2010
published by www.heraldsun.com.au
Australia — Victorians are being urged to wear yellow ribbons in honour of bushfire victims in the lead-up to the first anniversary of Black Saturday.
The tribute to survivors and the 173 Victorians who died during during our state’s worst natural disaster will be launched today.
Premier John Brumby has backed the yellow ribbon campaign, which was first organised by the Herald Sun days after last year’s horrific fires.
The free ribbons will be available at selected Spotlight stores across Victoria.
With less than three weeks to go until the anniversary, families in bushfire-affected regions say the yellow ribbons are a symbol of unity and hope.
Karl and Karen Graf said the ribbons held a special place in their family’s hearts.
“It symbolises that even though we live far and wide, we’ve all got something in common,” Mrs Graf said.
Mr Brumby encouraged all Victorians to get behind the campaign. “The (first) anniversary will be an incredibly difficult and emotional time for those communities and wearing a yellow ribbon is one simple way to show we will never forget the people who lost their lives,” he said.
Herald Sun editor Simon Pristel said the campaign was an important way to recognise those affected by the tragedy.
“From today, we will be urging our readers to wear a yellow ribbon to remember the victims and honour the brave survivors of Black Saturday,” he said.
