The Victorian Bushfires: A Service of Remembrance would provide an opportunity for Victorians to pay their respects to the 173 people who died in the worst natural disaster in Australia's history, Victorian Premier John Brumby said.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has declared February 7th a national day of mourning for those who perished in the fires, with the Australian flag to be flown at half-mast.
There will be a minute's silence at noon around Australia for people to remember the Black Saturday and Gippsland fires.
"We will never forget the people who lost their lives and the communities affected and we will never forget the courage and kindness of the firefighters and volunteers who helped them." Mr Brumby said.
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"The one year anniversary of the fires will be an incredibly difficult and emotional time and a range of private community gatherings are being planned across affected areas to commemorate the day."
The service is being organised by the Victorian Council of Churches and the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority and will be held at noon on February 7th at St Paul's Cathedral in Melbourne.
Some communities planning their own events have asked they be kept private.
