Bushfires museum input

Yellow ribbons on trees throughout Marysville marked 10 years since bushfire tore through the town. 189781 Picture: ROB CAREW

 The community can soon have its say on plans for a museum and education centre to commemorate the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.

Eildon MP Cindy McLeish asked the Police and Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville about plans for the centre in Parliament.

“Prior to the 10th anniversary of the 2009 bushfires, the minister put out a press release stating that the government will create a new bushfire museum and education centre,” she said.

“Three months have elapsed since that announcement without a word from the government despite offering in the press release an extensive community consultation process.”

In response, Ms McLeish said Ms Neville indicated that consultation would start on 7 June and run for 10 weeks.

Consultation will run through engage.vic.gov.au and local councils will support the process.

A museum was a recommendation of the Bushfire Anniversary Advisory Group, after the idea emerged from community consultations.

The museum will focus on raising awareness of the history, stories and lessons of the 2009 fires as well as other significant bushfires that have impacted Victoria.

It will include a reflective space to commemorate the past and educate generations into the future.

Ms McLeish said she wanted to ensure all community members wanting to have their say on the development of the museum were able to do so.

“I am keen to support our community during this time and welcome any feedback that locals may have about the process,” she said.