Today my heart goes out to all those who lost someone they love in the Black Saturday bushifires. This is a very dark day for Victoria.

Today, my thoughts go out to the Victorian towns who suffered so much trauma in 2009 and lost so much history in the disaster. I'm in awe of everyone who has pushed through the struggle of rebuilding after that kind of devastation.

Black Saturday showed us in the most brutal way just how dangerous our country can be. But it also reminded us of the bravery and mateship that defines this country.

In the face of such a horrific disaster, we saw the very best of our citizens. The generosity, heroism and optimism shown by so many community organisations from the Lions Club to the Girl Guides, and particularly the CFA and SES, was astounding. I've never been prouder to be Australian.

Australians are tough, and the courage shown by those who put shattered communities back together will stay with me forever. I send my heartfelt condolences to those who still bear the burden of grief on this dark day.