A state memorial service has been held for the 25 people who were killed during the unprecedented bushfire season in New South Wales.

Key points: The state memorial paid tribute to the 19 civilians and six firefighters who died this season

The state memorial paid tribute to the 19 civilians and six firefighters who died this season It was open to the public and attended by the Prime Minister, NSW Premier and NSW RFS Commissioner

It was open to the public and attended by the Prime Minister, NSW Premier and NSW RFS Commissioner All 19 bushfires still burning in the state are now under control

NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) personnel and members of the public attended the memorial, held at Sydney Olympic Park.

The service, also attended by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Premier Gladys Berejiklian and RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons, paid tribute to those killed since October 2019.

"To the families and loved ones of those that have been lost, and who are here today, we know your hearts have been broken over recent months and we are truly blessed that you've made the effort to be here today, particularly our colleagues from right across — over the other side — in the United States of America," Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

"We also know that healing them will take a lifetime, a long time."

Mr Morrison spoke of "a summer where the dark sky turned black and sunsets only signalled another night of terror". ( ABC News )

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said it had been "a black summer that started in spring … children kissing the coffins of their fathers, proudly wearing their helmets, mothers and fathers who should never have had to bury their children".

"A season of air you couldn't breathe and of orange skies that wouldn't rain, an unforgettable trauma absorbed into our very beings and of unrelenting grief, for our land, our wildlife and our families", Mr Morrison said.

He said among those at the memorial there were "thousands of stories of loss, grief, courage, generosity, and, above all, love".

"We've lost firefighters, aviators, farmers, and civilians alike this summer — all carried within them, even until the end, the DNA of our universal language: 'I love you'."

Six pairs of boots lined a table as Ms Berejiklian spoke, signifying the six firefighters who were killed. ( ABC News )

Ms Berejiklian expressed her gratitude for the tens of thousands of volunteers and emergency services personnel who "put their own safety on the line to protect the lives and properties of others".

"Fatigued, traumatised and overwhelmed, they kept going back, day after day, week after week, and month after month. Countless lives and properties were saved," she said.



Among the dead are 19 civilians, three volunteer RFS firefighters and three US firefighters.

(From left to right) Deputy Captain Geoffrey Keaton and firefighter Andrew O'Dwyer were killed when their truck rolled. ( Supplied: NSW RFS )

In late December, volunteer firefighters Geoffrey Keaton, 32, and Andrew O'Dwyer, 36 were travelling in a convoy to battle the Green Wattle Creek fire when they were struck by a tree and killed.

At Mr Keaton's funeral, his young son, Harvey aged 19 months, was presented with his father's posthumous medal by Commissioner Fitzsimmons.

Samuel McPaul was expecting a child with his wife Megan when he was killed. ( Twitter: NSW RFS )

Another volunteer firefighter, Samuel McPaul, 28, died less than two weeks later when his truck flipped in the Green Valley blaze in Jingellic in December.

Mr McPaul, from Holbrook, was killed when a fire tornado lifted the truck, inverted it and landed it on its roof, as he and his crew battled the blaze near the NSW-Victoria border.

(Left to right) Captain Ian McBeth, first officer Paul Hudson and flight engineer Rick DeMorgan Jr died in the crash. ( Supplied: Coulson Aviation )

In late January, Captain Ian McBeth, first officer Paul Hudson and flight engineer Rick DeMorgan Jr were killed when their C-130 Large Air Tanker hit the ground at Peak View during a firebombing mission.

All three men were experienced firefighters with decades of service in the Air National Guard, Marine Corps and US Air Force between them.

Among the 19 civilian deaths were father-son duo Robert and Patrick Salway, who died protecting their home in Cobargo.

Robert and Patrick Salway were discovered the next morning, having succumbed to the fire. ( Supplied )

In addition to speeches from leaders, the families of the victims lit candles and shared tales and thoughts about their loved ones with the large crowd of mourners.

Delta Goodrem performed Let It Rain, a song she penned after watching the bushfire devastation across Australia, while the Sydney Children's Choir and Aboriginal cultural group, Koomurri also performed.

Across Australia, a total of 33 people have died from bushfires this season, including eight firefighters.

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