Flowerdale couple Lyn and Brenton Gunter were last week recognised by Murrindindi Shire Council, ahead of the 10-year anniversary of the 2009 bushfires.

Mayor, Cr Sandice McAulay, said: “The 10-year anniversary of the 2009 Bushfires is fast approaching, and with it comes a difficult time for our community and other fire-affected communities across the state.

“The bushfires started on February 7, 2009, and weren’t officially contained until March. We saw more than 100 people lose their lives in the shire of Murrindindi and 173 lives lost across Victoria.

“Many homes, animals, businesses and other properties were lost as well. More than 40 per cent of our shire was burnt.

“And while we have often had occasions to celebrate the progress of our towns and the recovery of our communities since then, including welcoming many new residents, Murrindindi Shire Council and its communities were changed forever in 2009.

“With the help of funding from the Victorian Government, our communities have been given a chance to commemorate this anniversary with events and activities.

“We’re expecting more than 50 events to happen around the shire over the coming months.

“From Council’s perspective, there’s a couple of really important things I would like to make note of. I would like to recognise the extraordinary contribution of Lyn and Brenton Gunter.

“As many would remember, Ms Gunter was serving as Mayor of Murrindindi Shire Council during the time of the 2009 fires.

“Ms Gunter, a Flowerdale resident at the time, put her heart and soul into batting for the communities of shire to the State Government and other agencies which may not have been as familiar with the unique challenges we experienced.

“In the aftermath of the 2009 Bushfires, everyone gave 110 per cent, but Ms Gunter gave 120%. For this, we would like to thank Ms Gunter, her contribution is not forgotten.

“I would like to take a moment to reflect of the staff of Murrindindi Shire Council at the time. There were staff members who had defended their homes on the Saturday and Sunday, and were then at work on Monday ready to help with the emergency effort.

“In the aftermath of the fires, the staff of Murrindindi Shire Council put in hundreds and hundreds of volunteer hours. It was then, and remains today, an incredible and inspiring demonstration of the spirit of our community and organisation.

“Finally, on behalf of Council, I would like to once again recognise the astonishing efforts of emergency services personnel during the 2009 Bushfires, including an incredible number of volunteers.

“The women and men fought the fires valiantly despite the risk to themselves. So, as February 7 approaches, we all have a lot to reflect upon.

“As well as being a time to remember all those who were lost to the bushfires, this anniversary,” Cr McAulay said.