Moved by generosity- Karen Randell, Mark and Nicky Johnson, Stuart Randell, Carol and Andy Mis

By Kelly Yates
SURVIVORS of the Black Saturday fire in Narre Warren South say they have been blown away by community support after a Dandenong business this week donated a bench seat to be used as a memorial.
Nicky and Mark Johnson from Affirm Welding in Dandenong decided to donate the stainless steel and red gum hardwood bench seat in memory of the fire victims after hearing that Carol Miszkowiec, Karen Randell and their families, who both lost everything in the Black Saturday fire, created a hand-made sign as a memorial to mark this weekend’s 12-month anniversary.
The families wanted a symbolic monument to be erected to remember the losses of the horrific day and as a thank you to the community for their ongoing support.
Ms Miszkowiec wrote a letter to Casey Council back in October last year after hearing about grants which were allocated to councils for bushfire memorials such as trees and park benches.
At that time, the Casey CEO Mike Tyler advised that available funds should be directed to more pressing needs in the bushfire-affected areas, in preference to erecting a memorial in Casey.
Ms Miszkowiec said she was still in awe that strangers were willing and wanting to help out.
“The bench will be the most perfect memorial,” she said.
The residents affected by the Narre Warren South fire on Black Saturday will gather at Amberly Park Shopping Centre on Sunday 7 February at 11am to mark the one-year anniversary.