The 10-year anniversary of Victoria's devastating Black Saturday bushfires has passed, but the pain remains.
As affected communities aimed to resume day-to-day life following Thursday's commemorative events, a reminder was circulated that help is still available for those who need it.
Murrindindi mayor Sandice McAulay fought and survived the fires northeast of Melbourne and noted that the anniversary has been tough for her community and others nearby.
"This milestone meant different things to different people, but we all stand together on the other side of February 7," she in a statement issued on Friday.
"While the anniversary date has passed, support services will remain in place for some time yet. Our feelings rarely respond to timelines so if you're feeling down or distressed, I really encourage you to use the free support services."
On Thursday evening at Marysville, one of the towns destroyed in 2009, church bells rang and a minutes' silence was observed as part of the remembrance events.
Other towns including Kinglake, St Andrews, Strathewen, Flowerdale and Yarra Glen also held services.
"Hundreds of volunteer hours went into organising and running more than 50 events, often this was done by people who were feeling quite vulnerable themselves," Ms McAulay said.
"These events were a really important opportunity for communities and groups to come together and reflect on their shared experiences, all that was lost and how far they have come since."
Some residents from bushfire-affected communities refused to attend the anniversary events.
"Don't hesitate to reach out if you need a shoulder to lean on. If there's one thing we've learned from the 2009 Bushfires, it's that we are all in this together," Ms McAulay said.
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