Organisers admitted Black Saturday had forever changed the atmosphere surrounding the event.

Bendigo Easter Festival Committee of Management chairman Cr Rod Fyffe said the procession was important for everyone in Bendigo.

“We want them to come out and say, `Yes, we are part of this community, we are part of the whole story, we are part of the recovery’,” he said.

“I relish the opportunity for emergency services workers to be highlighted and applauded and acclaimed by our community.

“And we think it’s appropriate . . . to say thank you to those hardworking and selfless citizens within our community.”

Since 1891, the procession has acknowledged the efforts of our local heroes, but with Black Saturday still etched in the minds of locals, the event had extra meaning.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Simon Overland said he was grateful for the opportunity to pay tribute with the Bendigo community.

“We thought it was important to come and acknowledge the emergency services, and the fantastic work they’ve been doing over the past couple of months,” he told The Advertiser.

Mr Overland toured fire-ravaged zones in the week following Black Saturday.

“The difference with the fire here was it was in the suburbs . . . and it came so close to the city centre.

“It could have been so much worse, and I think the people that fought the fire here did a really good job,” he added.

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Kevin Gibbins said the city had gathered together to celebrate and commemorate.

“Unfortunately out of these fires we lost 60 houses, and they’re actually people’s homes not just a house,” he said.

“Sadly a person lost his life and we had 120-something properties affected.

“In anyone’s language, it’s just a huge loss.”

Cr Gibbins said the city had come alive with Easter festivities.

“Out of the fire came this overwhelming acknowledgment of generosity and compassion (and) now Bendigo is jumping . . . there is so much on, and there’s more crowds than ever before.”

Up to 50 community groups participated in the procession last night, with many more expected in the Bendigo Easter Gala parade to be held from noon today.

The event will draw to a close the city’s 2009 Easter Festival celebrations.