'Black Friday' - 1939 Bushfires online documentary
Black Friday summary | Black Friday maps | 1939 Black Friday photos
The widespread and devastating 1939 'Black Friday' bushfires remain, arguably, some of the most significant events in the history of park and forest management in Victoria. The 1939 fires also remain some of the most significant events in the recorded history of south-eastern Australia.
A unique on-line documentary has been produced about the Black Friday bushfires of January 1939 focuses on the tragic events and their aftermath.
Surviving participants in the 'Black Friday' events were interviewed, historic documents examined and key sections published, along with photographs and other important memorabilia. The path of the fires and the consequences have been analysed, and contributions from current 'players' in the bushfire management were obtained.
The resulting online documentary combines the immediacy and pathos of the recorded memories of those who took part in the events, along with a thoughtful and accessible analysis of the impact of the fires and their immediate aftermath. Importantly, the documentary also provides a vital link in terms of the 2003 bushfire experiences in the same part of Australia.
The online documentary can be viewed on the ABC website. The documentary was funded by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Film Victoria.
