On Saturday 7 February 2009, the State of Victoria, Australia experienced the worst natural disaster in the country’s history— a raging fire so fast and so severe that many people were unable to get out of its path. Over 200 people have perished, 7000 are homeless, townships are destroyed and the grief in the affected communities is overwhelming.

To remember the people lost to the fires and our brave CFA men and women who battled the elements to protect our towns, the Australian Blacksmiths Association (Victoria) Inc. is inviting blacksmiths from across the country and around the world to contribute to The Tree Project. We are asking you, our fellow ‘smiths to contribute, not monetarily, but to help us to grow a tree from our forges and fires. We ask that you forge a gum leaf from stainless steel or copper to be added to a forged gumtree. This gumtree is to be erected in one of the affected townships as a memorial of these events, for the loss suffered and for the spirit of renewal.

Goto www.treeproject.abavic.org.au for more information