In quotes: Bushfire memorial service

Remarks given at a memorial service in Melbourne, as Australia observes a day of mourning for victims of this month's bushfires in Victoria state, which claimed at least 209 lives.

Let us resolve today that from this time forth, on every 7 February, this nation's flags will fly at half mast, this nation will pause for a moment's silence to honour those lost, and to reaffirm afresh this great rebuilding for the future, as we rise together in hope from the ashes of despair.

Individuals and towns have responded with resilience, ingenuity, courage and selflessness to situations that were changing at terrifying speed.

People from around Australia and across the world watched in horror but with admiration at their response.

We must pause to give time... to what has passed, to what has brought us to this point. The unthinkable, we must think. The unimaginable, we must see. The unspeakable, we must speak. The unbearable, we must weep.

Today we are united in grief, but we are also united in our determination to recover, to rebuild, and we will rebuild...

And we will remember today and into the future all of those who lost their lives, and who gave so much on Black Saturday.

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