By Garry Howe
The horrific Ash Wednesday bushfires in 1983 changed Upper Beaconsfield.
Long-time locals are known to use a timeline pre and post the firestorm.
Although the damage and loss of life was horrific, many believe the fire event changed the town for the better.
The community was galvanised as a result.
“Everyone involved in Ash Wednesday has a deep connection and respect for each other,” resident Julie Coates said.
The popular and well-used community centre came out of the bushfire recovery effort, as did the town’s toy library.
Thursday 16 February 2023 will mark the 40th anniversary and townsfolk, led by the local fire brigade, are holding a special exhibition to commemorate the occasion.
“We feel that, as a brigade, it’s something we need to commemorate,” brigade captain Ian Pinney said.
“We have a number of members, who although not now active firefighters, turned out that day.
“People who had anything to do with it felt there was a need for some recognition. It’s not for the fire brigade; it’s for the community.”
Among those members are 90-year-old Eric Bumpstead, who was CFA captain at the time of the fires who famously showed the now King Charles and his wife Princess Diana through the devastation in the aftermath.
Another was Nancy Boura, 95, who with son Jon endured three burnovers. She was one of Upper Beaconsfield’s trailblazing female members back then, trained by Eric himself to bolster the brigade ranks. They earned the nickname Eric’s Angels – after the popular TV show of the time Charlie’s Angels.
The Ash Wednesday 40th Anniversary Commemorative Exhibition in the community hall will run from the anniversary day, Thursday 16 February, to Monday 20 February. The Sunday is the annual Village Fair, which will attract many visitors to town.
The organising committee has been collecting photographs of the time and any items of interest for display and would welcome more, but need them by next week.
“We are looking for items that specifically relate to Upper Beaconsfield, because that’s what the exhibition is about,” Captain Pinney said.
Upper Beaconsfield lost nine residents that day and 11 firefighters from the Narre Warren and Panton Hill brigades also perished in the area.
Upper Beaconsfield had 230 homes and lost 186 of them, representing a casualty rate of 76 per cent.
There are now 1100 homes in town.
“If it happened now, who knows what would happen?” Captain Pinney mused.
“There are so many who live here now who have no idea about that day. Unless you’re in your 50s you have no recollection of it.
“We hope this exhibition is an education process for the newer people in town as well.”
Among those returning for the commemoration events is Reverend Roger Rich, the local minister at the time. He knew the nine who died; they were all parishioners.
