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Australia unites for fire victims Australia unites for fire victims
(about 8 hours later)
Thousands of Australians are expected to descend on Melbourne on Sunday for a memorial service to victims of the recent bushfires.Thousands of Australians are expected to descend on Melbourne on Sunday for a memorial service to victims of the recent bushfires.
Hundreds of survivors will travel from the fire zones to the memorial service, which will be attended by Princess Anne, on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II.Hundreds of survivors will travel from the fire zones to the memorial service, which will be attended by Princess Anne, on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II.
The ceremony is part of a national day of mourning for the bushfire victims.The ceremony is part of a national day of mourning for the bushfire victims.
At least 209 people died in fires that swept through towns in the state of Victoria on 7 February.At least 209 people died in fires that swept through towns in the state of Victoria on 7 February.
Organisers expect up to 50,000 people to attend the main ceremony - entitled Together for Victoria - at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.Organisers expect up to 50,000 people to attend the main ceremony - entitled Together for Victoria - at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.
Another 50,000 are expected to watch the event on giant screens at five other sites across the city.Another 50,000 are expected to watch the event on giant screens at five other sites across the city.
Church bellsChurch bells
The national day of mourning will begin at 1100 (0100 GMT) with the ringing of church bells across Victoria.The national day of mourning will begin at 1100 (0100 GMT) with the ringing of church bells across Victoria.
Buses will travel to fire-hit communities to collect people who want to attend the service in Melbourne.Buses will travel to fire-hit communities to collect people who want to attend the service in Melbourne.
Bushfire survivors and volunteers have been given priority seating at the event.Bushfire survivors and volunteers have been given priority seating at the event.
Some churches have already held memorial services for the victimsSome churches have already held memorial services for the victims
Victoria Premier John Brumby said the service would allow Australians to express their sorrow for those who lost their lives and show their support for the survivors and those who fought the fires.Victoria Premier John Brumby said the service would allow Australians to express their sorrow for those who lost their lives and show their support for the survivors and those who fought the fires.
"The loss of life, the loss of property and the pain has been immense but at the same time the extraordinary generosity and support of the Australian people... has provided support and hope to these people," he told Australia's Channel 10 television.
Those due to take part include Governor-General Quentin Bryce, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Victorian Governor David de Kretser.Those due to take part include Governor-General Quentin Bryce, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Victorian Governor David de Kretser.
Choirs from around Victoria will be among those providing music for the ceremony.Choirs from around Victoria will be among those providing music for the ceremony.
The 90-minute event will finish with a minute's silence and a message of hope from Mr Rudd.The 90-minute event will finish with a minute's silence and a message of hope from Mr Rudd.
Afterwards, Princess Anne is due to visit the bushfires Incident Emergency Control Centre in Melbourne and then on Monday to visit some of the areas devastated by the bushfires.Afterwards, Princess Anne is due to visit the bushfires Incident Emergency Control Centre in Melbourne and then on Monday to visit some of the areas devastated by the bushfires.
The raging fires destroyed hundreds of properties and left thousands of people homeless.The raging fires destroyed hundreds of properties and left thousands of people homeless.
Meanwhile, firefighters are still battling four bushfires across Victoria.Meanwhile, firefighters are still battling four bushfires across Victoria.
Forecasters warn that high temperatures and wind conditions expected on Monday could worsen the situation.Forecasters warn that high temperatures and wind conditions expected on Monday could worsen the situation.