A book to mark the recovery of the Blue Mountains after the 2013 bushfires, which changed the lives of thousands of people will be launched at Winmalee tonight (Tuesday 5 August 2014). ‘As the Smoke Clears’ is a compilation of photographs taken during the aftermath of the three bushfires in the Blue Mountains in October 2013. The photographs depict the community and hope for the future, the resilience of the Blue Mountains bush and its people – not fire trucks and flames which were well documented at the time. The project was completed by Senior Constable Mary-Lou Keating of Blue Mountains Highway Patrol and a number of other volunteers from the local community. “After the fires devastated large areas in the Blue Mountains, I was amazed by the community spirit that remained alive, with everyone wanting to immediately get started on restoring the area and rebuilding their lives. “Fire can bring renewal and regeneration to bush areas and that was evident as the smoke cleared in the Blue Mountains. “This book represents not only the physical renewal of the bush and surrounding area, but the work of the community and hope for the future,” Senior Constable Keating said. All funds raised from the book will be donated to the Blue Mountains Mayoral Bushfire Relief Fund. Preface: ‘In October 2013, three bushfires changed the lives of thousands of people in the Greater Blue Mountains. These fires caused the greatest loss of homes that the Mountains had ever seen, killed and injured many animals, but not a single human life was lost. Along with homes, over 65,000 hectares of bushland were burnt, much of it within the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains and Wollemi National Parks. Despite the damage, it was clear that nothing would stop the bush and the local residents recovering. Fresh shoots and talk of rebuilding began within days. This book, put together by community volunteers, charts part of that journey.’
Posted on: Tue, 05 Aug 2014 01:32:43 +0000
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