People around Australia will pause for a minute's silence today, to mark the anniversary of the Black Saturday bushfires, as those who survived the blazes take part in memorial services.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Victorian Premier John Brumby will lead a multi-faith service of remembrance at Melbourne's St Paul's Cathedral, beginning with the silent tribute, at midday (AEDT).
In the towns worst hit by the disaster, which left 173 people dead, and thousands homeless, survivors will join in a host of smaller tributes.
In Marysville, where 38 people were killed, residents have appealed to be allowed to grieve in peace at a memorial on Sunday morning.
The ecumenical service will be held at Gallipoli Park, where hundreds of townspeople sheltered as the fire closed in on February 7 last year.
"We've asked that we be left alone, that people don't come to the town in the morning," chef Ashraf Doos told SBS. "We just need some time to ourselves, in private." he explained.
"Then later, anyone will be welcome - we need people to visit Marysville, to help the town recover, but we just need a few hours to ourselves to deal with it."
In Kinglake, the main commemoration will be held this evening, where butterflies will be released and candles lit at a community event.
Earlier in the day, at Kinglake West, Victorian Governor David de Krester and his wife Jan will open a memorial bell and gateway in a garden of reflection.
But while many of those who escaped the flames are expected to find comfort in the anniversary events, others were planning to stay away and spend the day in quiet contemplation, or with their families.
"I'm still not sure if I'll go to the service," Merran Guest, who lost her second home in Marysville on Black Saturday told SBS earlier this week.
"My husband will be there, and it would be lovely to see everyone together again.
"But I think I may prefer to stay here in Melbourne and have some quiet time to myself, because the service will be gut-wrenchingly emotional."
And chaplain Ian Findlay, who has spent the past year counselling young survivors, organising memorials, and helping the community move on, said he would be spending the day far away from the fire-hit region.
"We are having our memorial [at Whittlesea Secondary College] on Friday, and - don't take this the wrong way, but - I don't want to be anywhere near here on Sunday," he explained.
"There are various things going on here, but I am planning to spend the day with my family at the beach instead.
"A lot of people from outside are going to be coming in, and while we really appreciate everyone's support - and we couldn't have made it through without a lot of it - some people just want a bit of space.
"For those who were caught in the middle of it, many of us want to get away."
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