The Australian flag flew at half- mast as the crowd observed a minute's silence in memory of the 173 people who lost their lives on that day 12 months before.

Event organiser Sue Exell said the hour-long memorial was opened by master of ceremonies Kevin Lane and included speeches from Horsham mayor Michael Ryan and Agriculture Minister Joe Helper.

She said minister Jarrod Risson also led a memorial service.

"It was a reflection of everything that happened on Black Saturday," she said.

"We were thinking about the people killed in the fires throughout Victoria as well as the loss Wimmera residents experienced in the Remlaw fire."

Mrs Exell said the Remlaw Fire Community Recovery Committee unveiled the Haven time capsule during the ceremony.

The time capsule was secured inside a tree trunk-shaped sculpture which contained personal mementos from the Remlaw fire, including a melted lawnmower and tea set.

She said moisture trapped inside the sculpture caused condensation which prevented people from seeing through the perspex covering to view the items.

"We hoped the sun would dry it out but unfortunately that didn't work," she said.

"We will be getting it fixed and when people next look they will be able to see all of the items and experience the full impact of the sculpture."

Mrs Exell said the committee provided free bus tours of the Haven community and the areas effected by the Remlaw fire.

•For more on the Haven centenary and Black Saturday anniversary see Wednesday's Mail- Times.