Ash Wednesday Bushfire Education Centre

HISTORY: Black Tuesday, Tasmania, 7 February 1967

Not every major Australian bushfire happened in Victoria. On 7 February 1967, “Black Tuesday” struck southern Tasmania, killing 62 people in a matter of hours — the highest bushfire death toll Australia had recorded to that point. More than 100 individual fires, many deliberately or carelessly lit for land clearing, combined under hot, dry, gale-force winds and swept into the outskirts of Hobart itself.
It remains a stark reminder that bushfire risk isn’t confined to remote bush — it can reach right into a capital city when conditions align, a lesson later echoed in Canberra in 2003. (South Australia’s Wangary fire in 2005 was also locally known as “Black Tuesday” — the name has, unfortunately, been earned more than once.)

Ash Wednesday Bushfire Education Centre
2 McBride St Cockatoo
Open Sundays 11am-3pm

This coming Thursday, 30 July 2026, marks 10 years since the official opening of the Ash Wednesday Bushfire Education Centre in Cockatoo. What began as a determined community effort has grown into an important place of learning, reflection and remembrance.

Many people once believed the Centre would not survive for long, but thanks to the hard work of volunteers and the ongoing support of visitors, schools, community groups and emergency service organisations, it continues to stand strong.

The story began in August 2011, when the Cockatoo community rallied to save the building from demolition. State Heritage listing in 2012 helped secure its future, and after working with the Shire, construction commenced in 2015 and was completed in 2016. With the support of federal and Shire funding, the Centre was officially opened on 30 July 2016.

Over the past decade, the Centre has welcomed many visitors. Some have come to learn about the damage and heartache caused by bushfires, while others have found comfort and closure after the tragic events of 16 February 1983.

Visitors have included secondary and primary schools, Probus clubs, seniors groups, Rotary and Lions clubs, CFA brigades and other community organisations. The building has also been used by the Township Committee/Connecting Cockatoo Communities, Neighbourhood Watch, CRAG 21, Forest Fire Management and the CFA District Office.

As we celebrate this 10th anniversary, we thank everyone who has contributed to the Centre’s journey and invite the community to visit, remember, learn and be part of its continuing history.

Open Sundays from 11am to 3pm. Free entry.

👑 King's Birthday Long Weekend Closure 👑

As we head into the King's Birthday long weekend, the Ash Wednesday Bushfire Education Centre will be taking a short break.

The Centre will be closed on Sunday 7 June, but we will be back Sunday 14th June from 11am-3pm!

Whether you're spending the weekend exploring our beautiful local bushland, relaxing with family and friends, or simply enjoying some well-earned downtime, we hope you have a safe and enjoyable long weekend.

We look forward to welcoming you back when we are back next weekend.

🌿 Happy King's Birthday Weekend from the AWBEC team! 🌿

Unfortunately due to works at the Puffing Billy intersection, we will not be opening today.

Please come and say g'day to our volunteers next Sunday, from 11am to 3pm!

This National Volunteers Week, we proudly recognise and thank the amazing volunteers who support the Ash Wednesday Bushfire Education Centre. ❤️

Our volunteers play an important role in preserving local history, sharing stories, educating visitors, and helping keep the memories and lessons of Ash Wednesday alive for future generations.

Whether welcoming visitors, assisting with events, maintaining displays, researching history, or working quietly behind the scenes — every contribution makes a difference.

Your dedication, passion and commitment to community education and remembrance is truly appreciated.

Thank you to all our volunteers, past and present. 💙

Today, we celebrate all the incredible mums, grandmothers, carers and mother figures who nurture, guide and protect those around them. ❤️

At the Ash Wednesday Bushfire Education Centre, we recognise the strength, resilience and care that mothers show every single day — qualities that are also at the heart of strong communities.

Whether you are spending today with family, remembering loved ones, or simply taking a well-earned moment to yourself, we wish you a peaceful and happy Mother’s Day.

Thank you for everything you do. 🌿

🍂 Active Autumn in Cardinia Shire 🍂

Join us for a fantastic FREE community event this April!

🔥 Ash Wednesday Bushfire Education Centre Open Day 🔥

📅 Tuesday 14 April
⏰ 10:00am – 1:00pm
📍 Ash Wednesday Bushfire Education Centre
2 McBride Street Cockatoo

Learn about the history of Ash Wednesday and bushfire preparedness at the Ash Wednesday Bushfire Education Centre Open Day.

The Ash Wednesday Bushfire Education Centre pays tribute to the efforts of firefighters and other emergency services workers during the fires.

The Education centre was built in 2015 on the site of the former kindergarten in McBride Street, Cockatoo. The site has great significance to the local community as around 300 residents took shelter in the building during the fires.

The centre has retained the kindergarten’s original concrete slab and 12-sided steel framework. It features memorial plaques, historical and bushfire education displays, artworks and a barbecue and shelter.

A reflective garden has also been planted and landscaped; featuring a Corymbia ficifolia tree (red flowering gum) planted by the late Princess of Wales and Prince of Wales during their visit to Cockatoo in March 1983.