Updated: 9pm, 22nd February, 2009

DAVID ADAMS

Australians joined with people all around the world to mark a National Day of Mourning for the victims of Victoria's bushfires - the country's worst natural disaster.

Thousands - including survivors of the fires and firefighters - gathered to watch the national service at Melbourne's Rod Laver arena while other memorial services were held around the state - including in the regions worst affected by the fires.

The Governor-General, Quentin Bryce, told those at the service that the communities affected by bushfire would build no matter the cost while the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, said that every 7th February would now be a memorial day for victims of the fires, with flags across the country to fly at half mast and a minute's silence to be observed.

"In recent days we have witnessed unspeakable suffering,'' Mr Rudd said. "We have lost mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers...brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, the tiniest of children, family and friends and neighbours.

"All these are precious lives. No words can provide solace for grief so personal. But simply know this: you who suffer are not alone. This great Australian family here assembled and across the nation today is with you.''

The official death toll for the bushfires which raged in parts of Victoria on 7th February now stands at 210. More than 1,800 homes were destroyed in the blazes - including entire communities such as Kinglake, Flowerdale, Strathewen and Marysville - and more than 7,000 people were left homeless.

The national service commenced at 11am with the ringing of bells at Melbourne park Birrarung Marr.

Apart from the Prime Minister and Governor-General, among those who addressed the service were Princess Anne, representing the Queen and royal family, and Victorian Premier, John Brumby, who said the nation was deep in mourning.

"We are picking up the pieces after the worst natural disaster in Australia's history. Devastating fires that have taken family, friends, neighbours and workmates," he said.

A Bushfire Message Book has been started which was made available at sites across the country for people to sign.

Donations to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal have now exceeded a massive $139 million. Former Victorian Governor and Olympian John Landy has been appointed to chair the advisory panel that will oversee the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund.

A Royal Commission into the fires is expected to commence hearings within weeks.

The fires - which have affected large areas of the state ranging from Horsham in the west to Bendigo and Beechworth in the north and in an arc across the state's east from Kilmore and Kinglake through to the coast near Yarram - wrought their greatest devastation on the weekend when temperatures, backed by strong winds, moved into the high 40s in the state.

The victims of the blazes include high profile former television newsreader Brian Naylor and his wife Moiree who died at their property in Kinglake West as well as veteran actor Reg Evans who died at his St Andrews farm.

The blazes attracted global attention and messages of condolence have been received from leaders all around the world.

Debates are now raging about what can be done to prevent such a situation from happening again.

• People wanting to donate to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal can go to www.redcross.org.au or call the toll free number 1800 811 700.

• You can download pages for the Bushfire Message Book at www.pm.gov.au/bushfiremessagebook.cfm.

• A page of fundraising events for the bushfires can be found at http://vicbushfireevents.appspot.com

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