In the Australian bush, fire is a sign of cleansing and new life.

Many animals of the bush are destroyed by fire. The trees have learnt to adapt to these changes and quickly regrow and thrive on the nutrients from the ashes.

New seedlings grow in the bed of the ashes. Ashes are a symbol of a new beginning. The ashes which will be placed on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday, are a symbol of change and a new beginning.

Just like the Australian bush the ashes are a sign of a new beginning and of renewed growth.