engaging communities - 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission

2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission—Interim Report
2 ENGAGING COMMUNITIES
EVIDENCE OF LAY WITNESSES
2.77
2.78
2.79
An important part of the evidence heard by the Commission during the first block of hearings came from 29
‘lay witnesses’ — people from all walks of life who were affected in some way by the 2009 bushfires. Having
experienced the devastating impact of the bushfires first hand, they were able to provide an account of that
impact on them personally, on their families, their neighbours and the communities to which they belong.
Lay witnesses who appeared before the Commission all lived or worked in areas affected by the 2009
bushfires, or else had loved ones who lived in these areas. A small number of lay witnesses experienced
the fires in a professional capacity, though all lay witnesses gave evidence in their personal capacity.
Their names and associated transcript references are outlined in Table 2.2.
The contribution of lay witnesses was extremely valuable, as will be apparent from the frequent references
to their evidence in the chapters that follow.
Identification of lay witnesses
2.80
2.81
2.82
2.83
2.84
2.85
2.86
2.87
The Commission identified lay witnesses in different ways, including through:
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attendance at the community consultations
applications for leave to appear received in March and April
submissions made by members of the public to the Commission
witness statements taken by Victoria Police following the bushfires
referrals from witnesses interviewed
media reports
individuals who contacted the Commission’s enquiry line.
During the first hearing block, the Commission investigated a number of issues, including warnings,
communications, and the ‘stay or go’ policy. Lay witnesses provided information to the Commissioners
about these issues by reference to their personal circumstances, their individual fire planning and
preparation, and their own experiences on 7 February and immediately following.
For some, giving evidence before the Commission enabled them to speak for family members who perished
in the fires. A number of lay witnesses gave evidence about how the fires affected vulnerable people, such
as the elderly, young children and people with disabilities.
Many lay witnesses told the Commission about their efforts to defend their homes against the fires.
Some stayed and defended their homes successfully; others saw their homes burn despite their best
efforts; all were able to share their experience to the benefit of the Commission.
Some witnesses told how they abandoned their plan to stay and defend when they realised the severity of the
firestorm. The Commission also heard from lay witnesses about their attempts to find shelter during the fires.
Other lay witnesses chose to leave rather than stay to defend their homes. Their accounts of how and
when they made their decisions to leave their homes have informed the Commission’s understanding of
the practical application of the ‘stay or go’ policy.
Some lay witnesses informed the Commission of their involvement with the CFA, either through being
a volunteer, attending community information sessions or becoming involved in a community fireguard
group. Several recounted their previous experience of fires in their area, which informed their response
to the 2009 bushfires.
The evidence of almost all of the lay witnesses included vivid descriptions of the fires. Many witnesses
also provided photographs and video footage they took during and after the bushfires. Combined with
their oral testimony, these photographs and video footage have greatly assisted the Commission in better
understanding the spread and severity of the bushfires.
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