MARCH Friday 30th saw the launch of Beyond the Smoke book at Willaura. A really memorable and inspiring night. Over 300 people attended from all sides of the Park, including some deeply suspicious of “greenies”. A few speeches, including by Bruce Esplin Emergency Services Commissioner and Danny Lannen who conducted the interviews. Music was provided by Rose Bygraves, Fay White and friends, Nick Shirrefs and the Jazz Traders with some pieces especially created for the occasion, and the Gariwerd choir under the leadership of Fay White with all original Grampians songs composed after the fires (their CD was also launched that night and is available from Janet 5356 4300).
This whole issue could be filled with reports from Beyond the Smoke – we had a travelling art exhibition, a science exhibition, drama and music events, workshops – but there is so much else to tell you about. We still have books for sale (in Halls Gap from Brambuk, in Melbourne from the VNPA and Unichurch Books). We are now in the black with all final costs in, and will be able to make some donations. 70% to SHARE appeal who so generously helped with the book and the festival for use in other bushfire-affected areas, and 30% to FOGGs for monitoring and recovery works. Anyone who wants a CD with the detailed final report can have one. Contact Sylvia.