NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmon said the fires caused extraordinary damage and destruction – and tragically, the loss of 25 lives in NSW, including frontline firefighters.
“That loss, as enormous as it is, would have been considerably greater if it weren’t for the efforts of the thousands of men and women operating on the frontline,” he said.
“NSW has, and continues to face, the most difficult and dangerous bushfire season in history.
“While we have seen tragedy, we have also seen the best of the community, working together to help each other when it matters most.
“This is especially true for those firefighters who have worked so hard to protect communities.”
The memorial will be held at at Qudos Bank Arena at Sydney Olympic Park on Sunday, February 23.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian says it will give the public from across NSW an opportunity to come together to recognise the lives lost, the sacrifices made and to think of those directly impacted by the fires.
“I know that many members of the public, the RFS, and emergency services personnel will want to come together as families and communities work their way through this unbelievable loss,” she said.
“There will be a separate opportunity for us to formally thank our volunteers and emergency services workers in the near future.
“In the first instance it is important for us to acknowledge the ultimate sacrifices made and to move forward together on the path to healing and rebuilding.”
