The 10th anniversary of the 2009 bushfires fast approaches.
There are many sensitivities that must be addressed.

According to meetings of local groups, especially around the Murrindindi region, about one-third of the local population would prefer to be left alone around the anniversary date on Thursday, February 7.
About one-third would prefer private, quiet, local observances. Many want these gatherings to NOT include the media.
About one-third have indicated that they would like to see public commemorations.

People who lived through the fires, and the recovery and reconstruction, need little reminding of the horrors of the time.
Media has a role to play – but what is that role?

Many local groups have indicated that they would prefer their observances to be ‘media-free’.
In all of these instances, The Local Paper is observing a policy that it will respect those wishes.
Unless expressly invited, The Local Paper will not attend the ‘media-free’ events on February 7.
As to other events, before and after February 7, if you would prefer The Local Paper not to be there, simply and politely tell us, and we will cheerfully respect your wishes.

We plan to publish a 10th anniversary commemorative section in our issue of Wednesday, February 6.
Local people are invited to participate. We will also fully respect people’s decisions to decline to participate.
Now, more than ever, it is about the community owning and controlling its own decisions.

Responsible local journalism is about living cheerfully alongside our neighbours.
It is not about turning the spotlight on ourselves. It is not about being abrasive to local people and groups who hold different points-of-views.
It is not about settling personal scores. The local media’s role should be about selfless community service.
It is of great regret that some media practitioners – minor and major, locals and outsiders – will grossly over-step the boundaries over the coming weeks.

As the Murrindindi region’s largest local media provider, we hope all can understand the reasons behind our thinking to fully respect the decisions of local people and groups. If you observe gaps in our bushfire anniversary reporting over the coming month, we hope you will understand the likely causes.

– Ash Long, Editor