VIC: Hundreds of bushfire survivors heading to city for ceremony
21 Feb 2009 2:32 AM
Survivors of the Victorian bushfires are preparing for the National Day of Mourning tomorrow .. with hundreds to be ferried into Melbourne for a memorial service at Rod Laver Arena.
Organisers are expecting around 100 thousand people to be at either the Arena or one of the five live sites around the city .. as they remember those who died and suffered during the ferocious fires two weeks ago.
Thousands more will either watch the ceremony on television or listen to it on the radio.
Buses will bring more than 500 survivors in from the fire-ravaged towns .. and they'll be given reserved seating for the ceremony.
The ceremony will begin at 11am (AEDT) tomorrow with the ringing of the Federation Bells in Birrarung Marr .. followed by a welcome address by Premier JOHN BRUMBY.
Speakers will include Governor-General QUENTIN BRYCE .. Victorian Governor DAVID DE KRETSER .. Murrindindi Shire Mayor LYN GUNTER .. Police Chief Commissioner CHRISTINE NIXON and Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne DENIS HART.
Princess ANNE is flying in for the service to represent the Queen.
