Click here for the Invitation to the Roger Franklin lunch on Thursday November 14, 2009.

"Veteran journalist Roger Franklin has criticised many levels of Victorian bushfire management, and expressed doubt that anything will change for the better."

On February 7, 2009, 160+ people died in a 10 hour period during the worst bushfire disaster in Australian history. The Black Saturday fires as the day became known eventually claimed 173 lives, destroyed more than 2,000 homes and torched 430,000 hectares.

Families were torn apart, communities crushed, entire towns destroyed and millions of dollars worth of social and economic infrastructure reduced to rubble by an unstoppable sea of flames.

Written by veteran journalist Roger Franklin, Inferno is a classic blend of action, heartbreak, survival, love and community. The narrative brings to life individual tales of horror and heroism, recounts the devastation of Kinglake, Marysville and other beseiged Victorian towns, and salutes the generosity and unyielding spirit of humanity on the state's darkest day.

There were failings, too, on a day of unprecedented tragedy. Communication breakdowns, inadequate warning systems, bush left unburnt for years and lack of leadership were all factors when Victoria burned.

RSVP: By Sunday November 15, 2009.

Email: Stewart.McArthur@roymorgan.com; Sue.Renshaw@roymorgan.com

Phone: (03) 9224 5112

Replies: Stewart McArthur, Convenor: Stretton Group, 401 Collins St. (GPO Box 2282U), Melbourne, 3001.