CFA contributes to Black Saturday memorial

by Daniel Connell, CFA Public Affairs










An initiative from the Australian Blacksmiths Association has grabbed the attention of artists and citizens around the world. Blacksmiths from home and abroad are banding together to create a memorial to the victims and survivors of the Victorian bushfires. The call has gone out to blacksmiths worldwide to make gum leaves to add to a forged steel gumtree.

The Tree Project, as it has become known, involves Australian blacksmiths forging the stainless steel trunk and branches of the tree, while blacksmiths internationally will make the stainless steel or copper leaves.

CFA Diamond Creek volunteer Cliff Overton, who was involved in the Black Saturday fires, spoke to the ABC about his involvement in the initiative.

“Blacksmithing was probably the biggest step I have made in my own recovery,” Cliff said.

“I used fire to create something that will contribute to a memorial to those who perished. This was a very rewarding experience and one I would encourage others to consider; it helps.”

CFA volunteer Cliff Overton forged this gum leaf.

Remarkably, this was the first time Cliff had tried his hand at the art of blacksmithing. After hearing about the project, he used a day of leave to visit a blacksmith and learn the trade. After a practice run, Cliff forged a leaf that will be attached to the completed steel gumtree.

“Artists have a huge role to play in recovery from an event such as this, and I am a huge advocate for this project,” Cliff told Fire Flyer.

“We will need about 1,500-2000 leaves to complete the tree. The support internationally has been incredible.”

Blacksmiths from America and Canada have already contributed leaves to the project, and there has been more interest from UK, Germany, Finland, Ukraine, New Zealand and Sweden.

Project manager Paul Mills also spoke with the ABC, and you can listen to him explaining more about the project.

The steel tree will be erected in one of the townships devastated by the February 7 fires.

Leaves are available to be sponsored by members of the public, where you can have your or someone else's name or initials stamped on the leaf. More information is available on the Tree Project website.

View more extraordinary photos of Blacksmiths contributions to the Tree Project.