Remembrance: Ash Wednesday | 1983-2026
Each year we remember Ash Wednesday, the day on Wednesday 16th February in 1983 when fire claimed 47 human lives in Victoria and destroyed countless homes.
Years of severe drought and extreme weather combined to create one of Australia's worst fire days in a century. More than 180 fires fanned by winds of up to 110 km/h (68 mph) caused widespread destruction across the states of Victoria and South Australia.
Many fatalities were as a result of firestorm conditions caused by a sudden and violent wind change in the evening which rapidly changed the direction and size of the fire front.
The emergency saw the largest number of volunteers called to duty from across Australia at the same time - an estimated 130,000 firefighters, defence force personnel, relief workers and support crews.
Ash Wednesday Bushfire Education Centre
The Ash Wednesday Bushfire Education Centre tells the stories of the 8 major fires in Victoria on 16th February 1983, not just Cockatoo.
In 2011 this building was saved from demolition by the Cockatoo community. In 2012 the building and grounds were Heritage listed for "significant" reasons.
Through the Cardinia Shire and the Cockatoo community working in partnership with Local, State and Federal funding grants the building has been restored as an education centre to tell the story of this significant part of Victorian history.
Today the building has many photos of the struggle by communities and individuals during and after the horrific bushfires.
Next Remembrance Day
❊ When ❊
Monday 16th February 2026
❊ Where ❊
⊜ 2 McBride St, Cockatoo Map❊ Web Links ❊
Advertiser:
awbec.webs.com
→ www.wikipedia.org/Ash_Wednesday_fires
→ www.visitvictoria.com
→ www.awbec.webs.com
❊ Also See.. ❊
Remembrance Black Friday | 1939-2026
Remembrance: Black Saturday | 2009-2026
Melbourne Dust Storm 1983-2026
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