February 2009 Fires - Key Message Bulletins

National Day of Mourning

The Prime Minister's office has announced that A National Day of Mourning – Together for Victoria – will be held at Rod Laver Arena and surrounds at 11.00am on Sunday 22 February to honour the victims of Victoria’s bushfires and to recognise the courage and tireless efforts of emergency service workers.

This community memorial service aims to provide Victorians and Australians an opportunity to come together to mourn.

  • Transport
    • The Department of Premier & Cabinet have advised CFA that travel on all metropolitan trains, trams, buses and V-Line services will be free between 9am to 3.30pm on Sunday 22 February for people attending the service.
    • For more information regarding public transport arrangements visit Metlink on www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au for more information, or call 131 638.
  • Clothing
    • It is the discretion of the individual as to whether they chose to wear their CFA uniform or smart casual clothing – “smart casual clothing” should be considered relative to what is appropriate for the circumstances of the individual.
  • Arrival
    • CFA persons attending should aim to arrive by 10am. Tea & coffee will be provided in a separate area from the general public to registered persons/groups only.
    • The Rod Laver Arena gates will open at 8am.
    • The Doors to the Rod Laver Arena will be open at 10am
  • Allocated area for CFA members
    • A designated area for CFA members has not been allocated. The arena will accommodate for all persons registered (affected by the bushfires) as a priority. Overflow people will then be directed to the Hisense Arena once the Rod Laver Arena is at full capacity.
  • Duration
    • The duration of the service is expected to be 1.5 hours.
  • Roof
    • The roof of the Rod Laver Arena will be closed. Any burn victims of the fires will therefore be undercover (as they would have registered and therefore be at the Rod Laver Arena!).
  • Food
    • There will be non-alcoholic beverages and food for purchase at the Arena.

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