On Saturday 9th April 2011 El Kanah Marysville began its rise from the ashes. Completely destroyed in the Black Saturday bushfires of 2009, El Kanah is the first large guest house to rebuild, in a $6M plus project.

El Kanah is just one of many building projects needed for Marysville to move forward financially and regain its prominence in the Tourist Industry.

The commencement of the rebuilding was celebrated by a ‘Turning of the Sod’ Ceremony. The Hon. Peter Ryan, Deputy Premier, and Mrs. Ryan together with Professor Graeme Clark, of bionic ear fame, Patron of El Kanah, were present along with Cindy McLeish MP, Member for Seymour.

Since the Black Saturday fires a small community, under the leadership of Vera and Peter Gill, past and present Directors of El Kanah, was established to undertake the rebuild. “It was so encouraging to see over a hundred local people come to support El Kanah on this very special day, the first step on the journey of our rebuilding program,” said Vera.

“This was a very significant and fulfilling day,” Peter said. “After experiencing many frustrations along the way it’s terrific to at last start the rebuilding process.”

Peter’s energy and enthusiasm for the project are infectious. The fires destroyed everything, with the exception of one building that remained amidst the devastation – the first staff cottage. “When we saw that little miracle cottage still standing we simply had to rebuild.”

The humble cottage offered enormous hope as well as a practical starting point for rebuilding.

Support from the local and wider community has been instrumental in resurrecting El Kanah. The El Kanah board and staff would like to warmly thank all those who have so generously offered their prayers, support and encouragement.