Survivors of the Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria's are marking the second anniversary of the disaster that claimed 173 lives.
Small services are being held around the state to remember those who perished and support those who lost everything but their lives.
The greatest loss of life was in Kinglake.
Resident Karen Gunter told the ABC that the fires have changed the town forever.
"It will never be the same again. Too many people come and go and a lot of people can't rebuild," she said.
Another survivor David Matthews said people are slowly finding some strength.
"Everyone's slowly getting there, I think," he said. "There are still people in caravans; still waiting for their houses to be built. I can only imagine it would be pretty hard."
In Marysville, survivors will gather at Gallipoli Park where they sought refuge from the flames two years ago.
A minute's silence will be held there for the people who died.
Murrundindi Shire Mayor Peter Beales says the recent floods have brought back memories of the Black Saturday fires.
"I look at the TV and see those people's faces and I can see myself and I can see my friends in those faces and that brings it back to us all," he said.
Melbourne service
Prime Minister Julia Gillard attended a memorial service on Sunday in Federation Square, Melbourne.
Yellow ribbons were placed on a tree of remembrance to represent the 34 communities affected by the bushfires.
The service also heard a poem written by survivor Maddy Bartlett. It was recited by Carol Matthews, who lost her son Sam, 22, in the fires.
Deputy Premier Peter Ryan said none of the victims would be forgotten.
"We've undertaken to the Parliament that those 173 folk who lost their lives so tragically will never ever be forgotten," he said.
"There are many thousands who continue to suffer. We have to make sure we look after them."
