40 years ago, Victorians and South Australians were confronting a bushfire crisis.
More than 300,000 hectares were burnt, destroying more than 2,000 homes and 1,700 other buildings. About 5,000 people were injured.
Most tragically, 75 Australians lost their lives — 47 in Victoria and 28 in South Australia.
This week many families will be remembering the loved ones they lost.
Others are still contending with the physical and mental scars left by those events 40 years ago.
As we look back to Ash Wednesday 1983, we remember the victims and survivors.
We extend our thoughts to their families.
And we thank the firefighters, police, defence force personnel and volunteers who were involved and epitomised the very best of the Australian character in the darkest of hours.