National Day of Mourning and Memorial Service
Sunday 22 February 2009
Rod Laver Arena
Melbourne
To support Victorians who lost loved ones and had their homes and communities devastated by bushfires, the Australian and Victorian Governments have announced a National Day of Mourning.
All are welcome to express your support and compassion.
Memorial services will be taking place around Victoria .
A live stream will be available on this website from 11am AEDT.
ENQUIRIES
Information is available by telephoning Information Victoria on 1800 136 762 (Victoria only).
PARKING
There will be no public parking on site at Rod Laver Arena, and the use Public Transport is encouraged.
Public parking is available (at a charge) from 8.00am on Sunday, 22 February 2009 at the MCG via Gate 3 off Wellington Parade.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Travel on all metropolitan trains, trams, buses and V/Line services will be free between 9.00am and 3.30pm on Sunday 22 February for people attending the Together for Victoria memorial service.
Visit Metlink
www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au for information or call 131 638.
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR PEOPLE IN BUSHFIRE-AFFECTED COMMUNITIES
Special arrangements are being made to allow people affected by the bushfires to attend either the Rod Laver event in Melbourne, or the events being held in bushfire-affected regions.
Rod Laver Arena event – It is important that you telephone Information Victoria on 1800 136 762 to register your intention to attend (to ensure space is reserved for you).
Public transport will be free from 9am to 3.30pm and also special buses to the venue have been arranged for bushfire-affected communities departing at approximately 7.30am and returning between 1pm and 2pm. Please register for these buses on 1800 136 762.
Day of Mourning events in fire-affected communities – Shuttle buses have been arranged to these events, departing between 9am and 10am and returning between 1pm and 2pm.
It would be helpful for planning purposes if people could register for these shuttle buses on 1800 136 762.
TIMES
Gates Open 8.30 am
Service Commences 11.00 am
Service Concludes 12.30 pm
ROD LAVER ARENA
Gates open from 8.30am.
Depending on numbers attending, additional provision to observe the service will be available at sites surrounding the Rod Laver Arena for the public.
MYER MUSIC BOWL
The public may also view the Memorial Service on a big screen at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
Gates open from 10.00am.
SEATING
Ushers will be on hand at the venue to direct the public to seating.
Seating cannot be reserved
PROGRAM
The program is finalised and there is not an opportunity to include additional performances or activities. An order of service will be available at the venue.
MEDIA
Questions regarding media are to be directed to Paul Barber, Media Liaison Officer, Department of Premier and Cabinet on 0413 756 023.
FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS
Floral arrangements may be placed at the base of flag poles at Rod Laver Arena. At the end of the Memorial Service they will be distributed to charities.
DONATIONS
By request, all donations should be directed to the Australian Red Cross ‘Victorian bushfire appeal 2009’ on 1800 811 700 or at
www.redcross.org.auBUSHFIRE MESSAGE BOOKS
Books will be available at the Service for people to complete.
CANDLES
Due to safety the public are requested not to bring candles as no naked flames can be lit inside the stadium.
REFRESHMENTS
Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available at the venue. All profits raised from the sale of food and beverages will be donated to the Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal.
ACCESSIBILITY
At Rod Laver Arena, Auslan interpreters will be present at the service near the stage. Wheelchair access, hearing loops, and space for people with mobility difficulties are also available. If you require these supports, please proceed to the Rod Laver Arena Information Desk (adjacent to Door 20) for assistance.
Closed captions will also be available on the ABC telecast of the service.
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