This week we will remember and honour the 173 people who lost their lives in the state’s most significant natural disaster as we mark the sixth anniversary of the February 2009 bushfires.

For many of our members, and the communities affected by the fires, this can be an extremely difficult time of year.

The anniversary can bring back memories and emotions associated with those fires.

As we reflect on the anniversary, it is important to acknowledge the courage and resilience shown by the local communities who were impacted by the fires.

We also want to recognise our CFA members who worked so tirelessly for their communities. Our crews did an outstanding job under the most challenging of circumstances.

Six years on, we continue to be encouraged by the ongoing strength of local communities, CFA members, their families and brigades who have been impacted by these fires.

While some people will want to reflect by themselves, others may want to gather with loved ones or with their communities to remember.

There are a small number of local services being held around the state and you can contact your district office for more information.

Some of our members will still need support during this time and we must do everything we can to look after each other.

All CFA members and their families can access a number of services for support, including:

         your local peer coordinator, or call the Member Assistance Program on 1300 795 711

         chaplains can be contacted directly or through Converge International on 1800 337 068

Our thoughts are with those who lost their lives, their loved ones, and all Victorians who have been affected by these fires.