THE grief of Black Saturday still lies in the ashes covering Victoria's scarred landscape.

It is a grief that will never end for thousands of Victorians. But the pain will ease.

The first anniversary of the inferno will be tough for those who lost children, parents, siblings and friends.

But while it may be a hurdle, the anniversary is also an opportunity for those who lost so much to once again share their grief and re-connect.

As Astrid Harris told The Weekly Times: "After the fires I was disconnected from everyone".

But Astrid, along with thousands of others who lost their homes, says she is now ready to re-connect with her schooling and friends.

It has taken almost 12 months for many Black Saturday survivors to make any major commitments. Others are still not ready.

Marysville, which was almost completely razed by the fires, needs investment, not just grants.

Both state and federal governments need to deliver tax and other incentives that encourage construction of desperately needed housing, otherwise Marysville will remain a day-trip town.

Given the slow pace of recovery the Victorian Government may have to consider continuing the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority's role beyond its two-year lifespan.

In other communities businesses and workers are battling to refinance and rebuild.

While Australians should be proud of their efforts in supporting Black Saturday's survivors we must never forget they will always need our support.

In the meantime it is obvious the Country Fire Authority, Government and the wider community still have a lot to learn about fire.

The CFA's computer and telephone alert system failures are not just embarrassing, they are frightening.

But what is just as worrying is the failure of many Victorians to take the time to understand the risks they face and prepare and practice their fire plans.

It is increasingly evident many Victorians still don't understand that when a catastrophe like Black Saturday hits you are on your own, so get ready.