About Black Saturday After a period of prolonged drought and weeks of oppressive heat, the state of Victoria, Australia braced itself for extreme fire danger. On Saturday 7 February 2009, Victoria's nightmares were realised. The worst bushfires in the nation's history, Black Saturday claimed 173 human lives, injured 5,000 people, destroyed 2,029 homes, killed countless animals, and burnt through over 4,500 square kilometers of land. Among other areas, the north-eastern region of Kinglake was hit with special ferocity. |
About Jan Chambers
The home which Jan had rented with her family for eight years was totally destroyed in the fires. But Jan has had to cope with an even greater loss – her two daughters, Penny and Melanie died whilst sheltering in a 'safe house'. Jan's words express her inspiring attitude following the devastation of Black Saturday: 'Since the fires I’ve been the recipient of so much love and care for which I am very grateful... My faith in God has given me tremendous comfort throughout my grief and it’s also my source of hope for the future.' |
About the Jan Chambers Land Trust Fund
An initiative of friends in Jan's local neighbourhood of Kinglake, word has travelled far and wide and Jan is grateful for all the support and kindness offered by so many friends and strangers. Donations to the Jan Chambers Land Trust Fund can be made in various ways – click here for more details. |
