AUSTRALIANS are observing a national day of mourning today on the first anniversary of the deadly bushfires that killed 173 people and decimated rural communities in Victoria.

To mark February 7, 2009, community events have been organised in bushfire-hit areas such as at the Kinglake West Football Ground tonight, when butterflies will be released and candles lit.

Other activities today include a Remembrance Service at Kinglake West Uniting Church and Victorian Governor David De Krester and his wife Jan will open a memorial bell and gateway in a reflective garden at Kinglake West Mechanics Institute Reserve.

Services are also being held in Flowerdale, Whittlesea, Toolangi, Bendigo and Gippsland among many others in bushfire-affected communities across the state.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Victorian Premier John Brumby is leading a multi-faith memorial service at St Paul's Cathedral in Melbourne today to remember those who perished.

Mr Rudd has declared today a national day of mourning with flags to be flown at half mast around Australia together with a minute's silence at noon for the Black Saturday victims.