In August, more than 120 people gathered in Daylesford, Victoria for the premiere screening of the locally made film ‘Not Left Behind’.
The film shares the stories of residents who were forced to flee when bushfire hit the district following Black Saturday in 2009.
Located in Hepburn Shire in central Victoria, Daylesford is a former goldmining town, now renowned for its close proximity to natural spring mineral spas.
The ‘Not Left Behind’ film was inspired by an exhibition of the same name led by local artists in Daylesford, which explored what people took with them when they fled from the Musk Vale fire.
Hepburn Shire Mayor Councillor Janine Booth said the screening of the film was a great opportunity to reflect on the events of February 2009 and pay tribute to the volunteers, emergency service personnel and Council staff involved in fighting the fire and the recovery effort.
“Against the backdrop of the terrible Black Saturday bushfires, we were extremely fortunate that no lives were lost when fire hit locally on 23 February, burning some 2,300 hectares and directly affecting more than 60 properties,” Councillor Booth said.
“This film now provides a lasting insight into the very personal responses people have when faced with bushfire and the need to flee to safety.
“I congratulate both the Hepburn Community Recovery Committee for the backing they have given this project, and film maker Ivor Bowen for capturing so well the feelings of residents as they recount their fears and emotions and talk about what was important to them as they sought safety.”
The ‘Not Left Behind’ exhibition and movie was funded by the Victorian Bushfire Recovery and Reconstruction Authority’s Community Recovery Support grants.
The film screening was hosted by the Hepburn Community Recovery Committee and a number of local screenings in townships across the Shire are now being organised.
Residents and visitors can also purchase the DVD from Council’s customer service office for $10. All funds raised go towards supporting the Glenlyon CFA Group.
For further information or to obtain a copy of the DVD contact Council’s Communications Officer, Linda Newitt, on (03) 5345 2306.
