24 Month Report February 2011
Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Message from Ian Dicker
Since starting in my role with the community, and with the Victorian Bushfi re Appeal Fund to Authority in August 2010, I have develop a medium-term fund that will guarantee fi nancial had the opportunity to visit many support for community recovery initiatives into the future. of the communities impacted by the 2009 Victorian bushfi res, and These programs will complement a range of existing to meet many of the people that services such as the free Rebuilding Advisory Service, have played an instrumental role community capacity and leadership program, bushfi re in the recovery process. recovery phone line, counselling support and small business mentoring. Community engagement support will also Two years have now passed since continue in bushfi re-affected communities until the end of the worst bushfi res in Australia’s 2012, ensuring that the close working relationship between history. While the ever-present communities and government continues. sight of reconstruction is a welcome reminder of how far communities have progressed in that time, it is clear that some With these services in place, the Authority is well on track people continue to face barriers to their recovery. to completing the task it was established to do in February 2009. Over the coming months the Authority will continue As individuals and communities continue to recover at their to work with councils, community groups and Victorian own pace, it is important to ensure that people have the right and Commonwealth government agencies to ensure the support available at the right time. continuity of services into the future.
In recent months the Authority has worked to develop a I would like to take this opportunity to commend the local number of initiatives aimed at the medium-term recovery communities for the hard work, dedication and sacrifi ce that of individuals and communities. These include a range they continue to bring to this recovery process. Together of grants targeted at small business recovery and the with the leadership of local councils, and the cooperation of establishment of new businesses and industries in bushfi re- the Victorian and Commonwealth governments, they have affected communities. The Authority has also worked with come together to articulate and implement a community- the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement to establish led recovery that has met the unique needs of the many ongoing psychological support for members of the bereaved individuals affected by this tragedy.
Ian Dicker Chair, Victorian Bushfi re Reconstruction and Recovery Authority
Cover Photograph: The ‘ThankYou’ campaign was launched by bushfi re-affected communities to show Australians their appreciation of their support after the fi res. Pictured from left are: Warwick Leeson of St Andrews, Pam Pattison of Balook, Liam Sheahan of Strath Creek, Ange Gordon of Traralgon South and Tony Thompson of Marysville. Message from Christine Nixon
Twelve months ago, I wrote that It is important to remember that for many, this hard work the delivery of infrastructure and of recovery has come at a personal cost. As the Authority services would guarantee that begins to wind down in 2011, one of our primary concerns communities devastated by the is to ensure that individuals receive the right assistance to 2009 Victorian bushfires would support them emotionally through the recovery process. once again thrive, and be great places for those returning. Now Since starting in my new role as the Victorian Government’s two years on, these communities Adviser on Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery, I have are bustling with the sounds and been privileged to have the opportunity to continue to work sights of reconstruction. The with members of the bereaved community. vast majority of residents have In the past year, working closely with the Australian Centre returned, many have completed for Grief and Bereavement, the Authority has supported the their rebuilding and new residents are now being warmly bereaved community with a number of forums, events and welcomed into these communities. advisory group meetings, in addition to Royal Commission Perhaps most encouragingly, communities have undertaken feedback sessions, which together have informed the this process in a way that is timely, efficient and responsible. development of a range of support services that will continue Throughout the recovery process they have worked together into the medium-term. in ways that are respectful of the past and appreciative of This work, undertaken by many individuals still in the individuals’ varying needs. process of rebuilding their homes and communities, is Twelve months ago I also pointed to the wonderful indicative of the resilience, courage and commitment of all work being undertaken by the 33 Community Recovery those in bushfire-affected communities who have dedicated Committees in articulating their plans for the future. As we themselves to this recovery effort. In articulating their own commemorate the second anniversary of the fires, many of vision of the future, they have ensured that their communities these committees have now wound down their operations, will once again thrive. while others are planning for their transition to new or existing community groups with a broader focus of activities.
Christine Nixon APM Adviser to the Victorian Government on Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Contents
Communities and People ...... 5-12 Reconstruction...... 13-15 Local Economies ...... 16-19 Environment ...... 20-23 Transition ...... 24-25 Impact of the Bushfi res ...... 26-27 Community Recovery Committees – Progress and Transition ...... 28-103 Abbreviations and Acronyms ...... 104 Terms of Reference ...... 104 Key Events Timeline ...... 105 Key Contacts ...... 107
Recovery and Reconstruction Framework
The Authority is using a recognised disaster recovery Guiding Principles As a starting point for the framework and has designed some overall guiding framework the following guiding principles will principles to govern activities. govern the overall activities of the Authority through the recovery process: Welfare The safety and welfare of people in the local community including householders, People volunteers and workers will be the top level Safety, Health, Welfare, priority and will not be compromised. Wellbeing Meeting Needs Resources for recovery will be focused on areas of greatest need in each community. Environment Biodiversity and Community Engagement Community involvement Ecosystems, Reconstruction Amenities, Waste Local Residential, is key and will be pursued through all activities and Pollution Community Commercial, Rural, with management at the local level empowered to Management, Public Buildings deliver results. Natural Resources Integrity Provision of services and resources will be governed by the principles of fairness and equity. Economy Individuals, Tailored Solutions The needs of each community Business, affected by the fires are different and the recovery Infrastructure, solutions will be tailored to the specific needs of Government each community. Communities and People
Two years after the 2009 Victorian bushfi res, signifi cant progress has been made in rebuilding homes, lives and communities. A range of services will continue to be made available to ensure people have access to the emotional and practical support they need to continue their recovery. Communities are seeing the results of their hard work through the Community Recovery Plan (CRP) process, with a large number of priority projects funded, delivered or underway.
Community Programs and Initiatives directing community rebuilding and recovery, through a focus on the needs and priorities of each individual community. Community Recovery Plan Projects With around 1100 projects and ideas identifi ed in the plans, Community Recovery Committees (CRCs) and the Authority the Authority estimates that around 800 of these have been have worked in partnership with the community, government addressed in varying ways. With the current focus on project departments, local councils, the philanthropic sector and planning and the release of funds, many of the projects have private donors, including the Victorian Bushfi re Appeal Fund either been delivered or are underway. (the Appeal Fund) to deliver outcomes for the vast majority of recovery projects proposed in the 33 CRPs developed after CRPs developed 33 the bushfi res. The plans have been pivotal in driving and Total projects funded or supported 782
Community Recovery Committee Events Two signifi cant events have been held to bring leaders together from affected communities. CRC representatives from 32 communities, members of the bereaved community and staff from 15 local councils attended a forum in the Yarra Valley in July 2010. This was an outstanding response, demonstrating the communities’ desire to come together to refl ect and share experiences of what happened and how best to move forward. Sharing stories and experiences, connecting community members, enhancing skills and capacity for the future and providing information and reassurance about longer term support for bushfi re-affected communities were among the objectives accomplished at the forum. A collection of personal stories told at the event,IntheirOwnWords, was published and made available publicly. CRC members, local councils and representatives from the Victorian Government and not-for-profi t organisations met again in Healesville in December 2010 to share their experiences, discuss the lessons learned during the rebuilding and recovery effort and talk about ongoing support for communities as they continue to recover. CRC members were also recognised and publicly thanked for their hard work and dedication in what Community leaders come together to refl ect, share stories and look forward has been an incredibly challenging time.
24 Month Report | Communities and People p.5 Support Services
Victorian Bushfi re Case Management Service In a joint announcement on 10 February 2009, the Victorian and Commonwealth governments stated that all those people affected by the bushfi res would be offered a case manager to help them in their recovery. The Victorian Bushfi re Case Management Services (VBCMS) was established three days later by the Victorian Government to assist bushfi re-affected people to locate and access the information, support and services they needed to pursue their individual recoveries.
At its peak in May 2009, over 78 agencies across Victoria were funded to meet demand for the service. Case managers were recruited from a diverse range of units and agencies, including the Commonwealth Government, Housing, Disability Services and Family Services. These were community service organisations accustomed to working with vulnerable people in sensitive situations. They had the knowledge and experience to deal with the tragedy of the 2009 Victorian bushfi res.
Over 5500 bushfi re-affected households have received case management. Most of those are back to managing independently, which is a positive sign of recovery.
Temporary Accommodation The Bushfi re Housing Services Unit was established to provide direct accommodation assistance and indirect fi nancial assistance to over 1300 households following the bushfi res. Over 500 bushfi re-affected households were housed in temporary accommodation, including public and community housing, donated caravans and movable units in temporary villages. Moving to permanent housing is recognised as an important step on the road to recovery, and the number of people moving from temporary accommodation to permanent accommodation is increasing steadily.
Community Service Hubs Ten Community Service Hubs were established in the most bushfi re-affected areas to help coordinate services and supports in affected communities. These hubs jointly averaged 800 contacts per week in the fi rst few months and peaked at 1000 per week. The number of visitations each week to the hubs has reduced markedly, indicating that most people are now accessing their pre-fi re information points or services.
New services were brought into the hubs as and when required. At times, more than 40 services were provided in hubs and access was provided to over 200 services external to the hubs because staff were able to broker access to a wide range of government and non-government services on behalf of bushfi re-affected people. Hubs also enabled government to gather knowledge of the emerging and unmet needs of bushfi re-affected communities.
Flowerdale Hub Support Service workers Kinglake Ranges Temporary Village
p.6 Victorian Bushfi re Appeal Fund Community Projects Bushfi re Infrastructure Program The Appeal Fund allocated $43 million in RebuildingTogether to The $4.6 million Bushfi re Infrastructure Program supports the fund CRP projects. All of this money has now been allocated to provision of physical infrastructure and community capacity 219 community projects. building in bushfi re-affected communities. To date, approximately $4 million has been approved from this fund, Community Service Hubs including $435,000 to support the rebuilding of the Horsham Golf Club clubhouse, which will provide a base for community Hubs remain open in Flowerdale, Hurstbridge, Kinglake, functions and community events, and $120,000 to cover Marysville and Whittlesea. The services and operating hours stages one and two of the refurbishment of the Marysville of Community Service Hubs continue to decrease in line with Historical Society. the changing needs of the community. Hubs are scheduled to operate until March 2011, with continued support to be provided through existing service providers. Arts Recovery Quick Response Fund The Arts Recovery Quick Response Fund has provided Local Bushfi re Memorials 43 grants to assist local artists to contribute to their community’s recovery. The identifi cation and development of bushfi re memorial projects is continuing across all bushfi re-affected local government areas, with communities and councils at varying Health and Support Services stages of this process. Victorian Bushfi re Case Management Service Preliminary planning underway for bushfi re memorials: The VBCMS has assisted individuals and households to Mount Alexander, Whittlesea and Yarra Ranges access the support, information and services they need. Community consultation in progress: Case managers are assisting clients to manage their Alpine, Cardinia, Hepburn, Mitchell, Murrindindi and ongoing recovery and linking them to specialist support Nillumbik where required. Bushfi re memorial projects underway: Baw Baw, Corangamite, Latrobe, Southern Grampians and Case managers operating 50.5 EFT South Gippsland Active cases 20 Bushfi re memorials nearing completion: Cases in transition to closure 380 Greater Bendigo, Horsham, Indigo and Wellington Closed cases 5122 Opening/launch held: Baw Baw, Latrobe and Macedon Ranges Community Capacity Building The Commonwealth Government funded Community Support Community Recovery Fund Training project aims to build community capacity, allowing Assistance of $2.75 million is being provided through grants people to support other community members. One of the from the Victorian and Commonwealth government funded partners in the project, beyondblue, is working with bushfi re- Community Recovery Fund. This includes grants to support affected communities to recognise and respond to early signs community information, regeneration of community spaces, of emotional distress. recording of bushfi re history, activities for young people and additional community projects. In total, there are 153 projects Workshops held 47 being supported across 19 municipalities. Participants 836
Clean-up Almost 3000 damaged and destroyed properties were cleared in just fi ve months, under the government-funded clean-up program. Beginning in early March 2009, the clean-up resulted in the removal of more than 400,000 tonnes of bushfi re-damaged material, by around 600 workers, with 150 crews working at the height of the operation. The clean-up program was instrumental in assisting people through the grieving
Christine Nixon discusses the work ahead process by co-ordinating the clean-up of their properties and paving the way for with a Grocon employee them to start rebuilding their homes and communities.
24 Month Report | Communities and People p.7 Strathewen Letterboxes Deliver Healing The small hamlet of Strathewen lost 27 people from a population of approximately 200, more than 80 homes were destroyed and approximately 10,000 hectares of land were burnt representing 23 per cent of the land area of the municipality of Nillumbik. From this heartache and devastation a survivor’s group of women began to meet regularly to share their stories, offer consolation and support each other. Led by Marion Oakley, a local artist who lost her ceramics studio and gardens in the fi res, the group identifi ed letterboxes as a proud sign of a resilient community, ready to receive postal deliveries as houses were repaired or rebuilt. Mosaic was chosen for the letterboxes which are large, sturdy models suitable for rural properties. Each week bushfi re-affected locals cut and pre-glaze ceramic shapes, undercoating and sealing the letterboxes and selecting beautiful colours from the various tiles. A total of 60 letterboxes were created and the Strathewen Letterbox Project was supported by a number of partners including the Victorian Government through Regional Photographer: Silvi Glattaeur Arts Victoria, Nillumbik Shire Council and Bunnings Warehouses.
Meeting Accommodation Needs The Authority conducted a Housing Survey in August 2010 to People who lost their homes continue to be supported determine the accommodation arrangements of homeowners with suitable accommodation while they rebuild or make who lost their principal place of residence and identify barriers permanent arrangements. Department of Human Services to establishing permanent housing arrangements. (DHS) housing offi cers have been assessing accommodation needs of households and sourcing suitable accommodation. Rebuilt, purchased new property or started 72% the rebuilding process Households assessed 1354 Intend to rebuild but not yet commenced 17% Not rebuilding 8% The number of households using medium-term housing continues to decrease as more families and individuals Undecided about rebuilding 4% move to permanent living arrangements. Of the households To provide additional support with making permanent assisted, 393 have settled into permanent living arrangements arrangements, the Appeal Fund released a new Financial including: HardshipandinNeedofPermanentAccommodationGift. Long-term public housing 126 Purchased new home or rebuilt 189 Emotional Wellbeing Long-term private rental 63 Counselling Support Other arrangements 15 Affected individuals continue to access the Bushfi re Medium-term, low-cost housing options and support provided Psychological Counselling Voucher program; the extended to households includes: program provides up to 12 free counselling vouchers per individual. The program allows people to visit a counsellor of Public or community housing 17 their own choice in their own time until August 2011.
Temporary villages at Marysville, People who have received counselling Flowerdale, Kinglake and Whittlesea 91 vouchers 1900 Caravans 20 Total counselling vouchers provided 11,400 Moveable units at private addresses 2 At the request of communities, noted trauma psychologist, Private rental support (bonds) 266 Dr Rob Gordon, has visited affected communities to provide Private rental support (Housing information and education sessions about coping after the Establishment Fund grants) 150 bushfi res and, more recently, emotions around the two year anniversary of the fi res.
Community sessions held 41 Attendees in 2010 490
p.8 The Skills for Psychological Recovery program trained Funding for services to support the bereaved community has 385 counsellors to provide psychological support to those been extended until June 2013. recovering after the fi res. The training was targeted to help counsellors be better equipped to deal with future disasters. Support groups 12 The project is now complete. Support group membership 118 A program to support parents and carers of children and teenagers (aged 0 to 18) affected by the 2009 bushfi res was Restoring Community Health Services available in local communities throughout 2010. The program Community health services continue to operate in affected helps parents to manage stress and anxiety and assists areas, supporting individuals to build community capacity children to gain skills and confi dence. The program has now and resilience. Alexandra District Hospital is rebuilding concluded. its community health services as part of the Marysville Community Centre. A temporary service has been established Men’s Getaways at Kinglake and arrangements for a long-term service are being explored. As part of the Appeal Fund’s family support package, $525,000 was allocated for Men’s Getaways. The Authority has organised a number of events to allow men to relax in a Youth Support Services supportive environment and establish social networks across The Commonwealth Government provided community bushfi re-affected communities. organisations with funding for counselling and community development support services for young people and for local Men’s Getaways held 47 youth events. YourBushfireSpace is an online youth support Attendees 2062 program funded by the Appeal Fund. It was designed for young people as a place for them to share experiences, ask questions and fi nd information about how to cope with their Support for the Bereaved experiences. The website is funded until October 2011. A number of services are in place to support the bereaved following the fi res. A Bereaved Community Advisory Group Young people accessing program 215 comprising of community members was established in Family members assisted 118 December 2009 to advocate for the needs of those who had lost someone close to them in the fi res. A Reference Participants attending community events 7000 Group and a Project Committee were also established to Hits to YourBushfireSpace website 6600 ensure coordination of services and quick response to emerging needs. These groups consisted of government Support for Schools and Early Childhood Communities representatives and members of the Advisory Group. A Student Support Services Offi cers (SSSO) continue providing number of forums and gatherings have been held to connect specialist assistance to early childhood and school communities. the bereaved community with support services as well as A total of 340 SSSOs have received training to date. Additional each other. Support groups have also been established workshops on Mental Health and Psychological First Aid have where people can meet regularly and access information on been made available for SSSOs in Term 1 of 2011. coping with grief. A dedicated newsletter called Stayingin Touch is regularly produced to help the bereaved community Targeted training continues to be provided to school and stay informed. Bereavement counselling has been provided early childhood staff so they can effectively support impacted to more than 100 children and adults, and over 600 hours of children, young people and their parents. A total of 1132 staff community capacity building activities have been delivered. have received training to date, including 67 teachers who
Men’s Getaways In order to allow men to relax in a supportive environment and establish networks across bushfi re-affected communities, the Authority organised a number of Men’s Getaways. Events have included a V8 ride day at Winton Race Track, supercars event at Phillip Island, HSV factory tour at Clayton, skiing and quad bike weekend at Mt Buller, golf day at Cape Schanck and musicians’ getaway at Queenscliff. The events have been well received by bushfi re-affected men with feedback from the Queenscliff musician’s getaway attendees overwhelmingly positive. One participant said: “It was personally very rewarding and helped me deal with and express my feelings about my experiences in a safe and secure environment with Men’s Getaway - Mt Buller Snow-Skiing and Quad Biking Getaway people who came from similar backgrounds.” All Men’s Getaway events have been funded through the Appeal Fund’s family support package.
24 Month Report | Communities and People p.9 attended Secondary School Resiliency workshops held across Grants and Other Personal Support the Hume, Northern Metropolitan, Gippsland and Grampians regions. These workshops focus on areas such as personal Distribution of Material Aid resilience, embedding resilience skills into the curriculum, Holders of Referral Cards can continue to access material aid emotional intelligence, trauma recovery and creating a from a number of organisations across affected communities. resilient school community. Further workshops are being held When the Referral Card program winds down at the end of in the Loddon Mallee and Eastern Metropolitan regions in March 2011, material aid will be offered to those in fi nancial need Term 1 of 2011. through The Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul.
Staff attending training 1132 Financial Hardship and In Need of Permanent Additional information sessions have been held for parents Accommodation Gift to help them understand and address the bushfi re-related In response to the results of the Authority’s Housing Survey, fears of their children. A recreational weekend camp was also the Appeal Fund approved a new gift of between $10,000 provided for young people to increase resilience and develop and $25,000 for those households still living in temporary stronger peer networks. accommodation and experiencing fi nancial hardship.
Parent information sessions 35 Assistance Provided
In November and December 2010, resources focusing on In the aftermath of the bushfi res a range of fi nancial building adolescent resilience were distributed to teachers assistance was offered by the Victorian and Commonwealth and SSSOs as part of the Secondary School Resiliency governments to affected individuals and communities. Workshops. These resources provide strategies that promote problem solving skills and skills for coping with life’s Victorian Government Funded adversities. Further resources have been developed and will be distributed to schools and early childhood services Stamp duty relief to purchase a new property $5.4 million prior to the second anniversary of the bushfi res. These resources focus on strategies for planning for the anniversary. Land tax waived on damaged properties $147,100 A resource for parents and carers has also been developed Motor vehicle tax waived to purchase giving them information on how to effectively support their a new vehicle $179,000 children during this time. Payroll tax waived for affected businesses $30,000 Number of transactions 537 Resources developed 53
The YMCA, with funding from the Appeal Fund, operated a Commonwealth Government Funded number of free holiday programs and activities, including 10 Income Recovery Subsidy for those who 6932 primary programs and four secondary programs during the lost their income ($15.9 million) Term 4 school holidays in 2010. Special Child Care Benefi t payments 1414 covering fees for childcare services ($4.65 million) Programs held Total attendance Disaster Recovery Payments issued 57,100 at programs ($65.4 million)
Prep to Year 8 programs 62 21,071 Funeral and Memorial Assistance 178 Payments issued ($890,000) Years 9 to 12 programs 23 3665
Twenty20 Cricket Match at Strath Creek A community cricket day featuring Merv Hughes, other cricketing stars and members of bushfi re-affected cricket clubs was held at the Hume and Hovell Cricket Ground in Strath Creek in October 2010. The event was funded by the Appeal Fund in association with the Authority, Country Fire Authority (CFA), Cricket Australia, Cricket Victoria and the Australian Cricketers Association. Around 450 people attended and all funds raised from a sausage sizzle were donated to the Strath Creek and Reedy Creek CFA, while all drinks proceeds were donated to local Merv Hughes and Pete Lazer proudly display the cricket clubs. The game was played in a great spirit with Merv Hughes’ Bush All Stars team uniform in front of the Strath Creek Hume and Hovell Cricket Ground Bush All Stars just getting over the line on the last ball of the day.
p.10 Joint Victorian and Commonwealth Government Funded Re-establishment Grants 1868 Bushfi re Assistance Loans to re- 52 ($12.5 million) establish fi re-damaged businesses ($6.2 million) Temporary Living Expenses Grants to 1088 Clean-up and Restoration (Initial) cover essential items ($4.4 million) Grants for small business and primary 1791 Personal Hardship Grants 8311 producers ($6.8 million) Emergency Grants issued ($6.3 million) Clean-up and Restoration This is in addition to the numerous grants that have been (Supplementary) Grants, needs based, 1102 allocated by the Appeal Fund, which raised more than $391 on top of the initial grants ($17.3 million) million via generous donations from people and businesses Special Circumstances Bushfi re Relief from Australia and around the world. Grants for businesses unable to 196 access other grants ($973,380)
Material Aid and Donations Management The overwhelming outpouring of generosity in the immediate aftermath of the fi res resulted in the donation of more than 21,000 pallets of goods to assist bushfi re-affected people. Up to 1000 people each week accessed material aid from a warehouse in Clayton leased by the Authority, which was also the central point from where items were distributed to 46 material aid shopfronts across bushfi re-affected areas. As the supply of goods reduced, the warehouse and shopfronts closed with the remaining material aid provided to the Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul and other local outlets for continued distribution to bushfi re-affected households in need. The Donations Management system was put in place in July 2009, to ensure that around $8 million worth of high value donations such as shopping vouchers, electrical goods, free fl ights and holiday accommodation, were distributed as fairly and effi ciently as possible to eligible individuals and families. These donations have been just one part of the package of assistance made available to help bushfi re-affected individuals and families get back on their feet, including material aid for essential items and a wide range of other fi nancial assistance. The Authority also worked extensively with corporate, philanthropic and not-for-profi t donors who combined to pledge almost $20 million in cash and services for community-focused projects. These generous contributions supported many projects including the establishment of the Kinglake Ranges Business Enterprise Network hub, kitchens at the temporary villages and the Rebuilding Advisory Centres and Community Facilities which are in Marysville and Kinglake.
Material Aid - Clayton Warehouse
24 Month Report | Communities and People p.11 The Bereaved Community
The Bereaved Community Advisory Group was established in December 2009 and is made up of 12 members of the bereaved community. The Group was established to advocate for the needs of the bereaved and to provide guidance on the bushfi re reconstruction and recovery effort.
The group also provides a safe and supportive environment where members can come together and talk, share their experiences and emotions and relieve the sense of isolation. The group has played an important role in providing vital information, counselling opportunities and has been a “haven for those who didn’t want to burden others – a place of confi dentiality.”
Members of the group believe the recognition of a bushfi re bereaved community was a signifi cant acknowledgement that not all who were bereaved have returned to their communities and that many of those had no connection to any bushfi re impacted area.
A total of 12 bereaved support groups and two children’s support groups have been established, which members of the Bereaved Advisory Group say have been an important outlet for people to share their stories, grief, tears and laughter.
The group provides advice to the Authority and the One Year On Commemorative Service at Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement on St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne issues and challenges that may impact the bereaved community. The group has assisted and participated in the commemoration events to mark the fi rst and second anniversaries of the bushfi res, Bereaved Community Recovery Forums, the Royal Commission process, community gatherings and the Staying In Touch newsletters.
Funding to support the bereaved community, including the Advisory Group, has been extended until 30 June 2013 through the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement. “Therealisationthatthereisanother distinctcommunityinrecovery-thebereaved Members of the bereaved community with Christine Nixon and Ian Dicker. community-hasnowbeenacknowledged andthatissoimportanttous.”– CarolMatthews,MemberoftheBereaved AdvisoryGroup
p.12
Reconstruction
The reconstruction of homes and major community infrastructure is continuing, with more than 2000 building permits now issued for houses, sheds and commercial buildings as well as other key projects under construction across all fi re-affected areas. The Marysville and Kinglake Rebuilding Advisory Centres and Facilities are proving popular with those needing advice and information on rebuilding. The Mobile Rebuilding Advisory Service continues to provide face-to-face assistance to those rebuilding. Affordable Building Expos held in Whittlesea, Marysville, Kinglake and Gippsland have provided additional support, advice and information to those seeking affordable building solutions in bushfi re-affected areas.
Rebuilding Homes and Communities Building permits approved 2373 Building permits approved for new Building Permits dwellings, commercial buildings, shop/ Many families and individuals seeking to rebuild and repair restaurants and accommodation 764 destroyed or damaged homes have been lodging planning and building applications with councils.
Sculpture Mould Unveiled for Gallipoli Park At an event in September 2010, Marysville sculptor and painter Bruno Torfs unveiled a clay mould that was then used to create his bronze ‘New Life Sculpture’ which will form a symbolic part of the restoration of Gallipoli Park. The ‘New Life Sculpture’ is a fi gurative sculpture of a young girl releasing a bird, and symbolises new life within Marysville. The sculpture refl ects the community’s creativity and strength and is deeply signifi cant and playful at the same time. The project concepts were largely driven by the community and Bruno Torfs has developed the concept for the ‘New Life Sculpture’ with the support of the Triangle Arts Group (TAG). The sculpture was funded by the Appeal Fund with support from the Marysville Arts Company. Standing 1.2 metres high, the bronze sculpture will be set on a plinth, on an elevated spiral path and surrounded by a landscaped garden. It will be located between the Kin Playspace and the Refl ective Garden in Bruno Torfs unveils the clay mould to be cast in Gallipoli Park. bronze, creating his “New Life Sculpture”
24 Month Report | Reconstruction p.13 Affordable Building Expos The Authority held a number of Affordable Building Expos in November 2010 for bushfi re-affected people looking for low-cost rebuilding options. The expos assisted people who were considering rebuilding in bushfi re-affected areas by providing information about affordable homes, specialised products and fi nancial advice. The expos were very popular and more than 700 people attended events Affordable Building Expo at the Whittlesea Show at Callignee, Kinglake, Marysville and Whittlesea.
Building Permits by Municipality Rebuilding Advisory Service Information, advice and assistance on all aspects of Building Permits rebuilding is available through the free Mobile Rebuilding for new dwellings, Advisory Service operating in all affected areas. Total Building commercial Shire Permits buildings, shop/ Consultations provided by the service 2890 restaurants and accommodation Rebuilding Advisory Centres and Community Facilities Alpine 25 6 Two Rebuilding Advisory Centres and Community Facilities Baw Baw 25 9 in Marysville and Kinglake were opened in mid 2010, and continue to prove popular with those seeking rebuilding Greater Bendigo 95 22 advice and meeting-room facilities. The centres also house Latrobe 263 73 government and non-government support services, including Mitchell 180 53 the Community Service Hubs. Murrindindi 1427 496 Visitors to Marysville Rebuilding Advisory Nillumbik 127 40 Centres and Community Facility 2948 Wellington 17 3 Visitors to Kinglake Rebuilding Advisory Centres and Community Facility 3479 Whittlesea 68 19
Yarra Ranges 126 36 Rebuilding Fences Other Shires* 20 7 Good progress has been made in rebuilding fences, with 94 per cent of all destroyed fences now repaired. Councils TOTAL 2373 764 have been continuing the volunteering fencing program after *OtherShires:Cardinia,Casey,Corangamite,Macedon-Ranges, a government-funded volunteer fence rebuilding program SouthernGrampians,Wangaratta,Indigo,Horsham,SouthGippsland concluded in December 2009.
Boundary fences destroyed 8696km Boundary fences repaired or restored 8223km
Callignee Community Centre The $3 million Callignee Community Centre was built after the Callignee Public Hall and CFA Station were destroyed in the Black Saturday fi res. The new multi-purpose facility includes a community hall with a stage, meeting rooms, a kitchen and large patio. The new centre is an important resource where local people have come together regularly since it opened in November 2010. The Victorian Government provided $2.5 million and the local council and corporate donors contributed more than $500,000 Callignee Community Centre towards the facility.
p.14 Strathewen Primary School The rebuilding of the $3.2 million Strathewen Primary School was completed in time for pupils’ return on the fi rst day of Term 4, 2010. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including a modern library, art and science centre, two learning studios, covered outdoor learning centre, multi-purpose community hall and staff administration facilities and amenities. The school also benefi ted from generous donations, with Jim Kidd Sports providing $200,000 towards activities to benefi t pupils and $20,000 coming from students of the French village of Strathewen Primary School Villers-Bretonneux, which will go towards building a giant outdoor chess set in the school grounds.
Affordable Demonstration Homes for Bushfi re-Affected Communities As part of a competition to design affordable homes for bushfi re- affected communities, Victorian builders and architects were invited to submit tenders for the design and construction of three-bedroom homes that were six-star energy rated and BAL-40 compliant. Two teams of builders and architects developed designs that met these criteria and, as part of the competition, have completed display homes in Marysville and Kinglake. Until May 2011, people rebuilding can access the designs at a set price of $150,000, excluding consultancy fees and external works. Both display homes are open for inspection. The two separate designs will offer home builders choice; each having a different design and construction approach. The designs are fl exible, to allow for either Affordable Demonstration Home in Marysville additional living space or bedrooms.
Toilets and Showers Program Dwellings Temporary Village Residents in village The free toilets and showers program, funded by the Appeal occupied Fund, will operate until 31 March 2011. Bushfi re-affected Flowerdale 10 20 people rebuilding on their property will now have the use of portable toilets and showers until this date. Marysville 45 85 Kinglake 31 69 Total registrations 461 Whittlesea 5 10 Units delivered 450 TOTALS 91 184 Units removed 148 The Victorian Government is committed to assisting bushfi re- Temporary Villages Occupancy affected residents of the temporary villages to move to permanent housing. DHS housing offi cers are helping Temporary Villages in Kinglake, Flowerdale and Marysville residents to identify suitable permanent housing options, and self-contained units in Whittlesea have enabled people to and residents’ plans indicate that most will have moved to concentrate on rebuilding their homes or deciding on longer- permanent accommodation by mid-2011. A plan has been term living arrangements. The villages cater for families and developed to remove units from temporary villages, as current singles, with a mixture of self-contained one and two bedroom residents move to permanent housing arrangements. moveable units and single and double room accommodation. The Kinglake, Flowerdale and Marysville villages have shared amenities including public toilets, shower blocks, laundries and communal kitchens which can be used by members of the local community.
24 Month Report | Reconstruction p.15 Local Economies
Local economies are continuing to be revitalised across bushfi re-affected areas. Recipients of grants from the $10 million Victorian Bushfi re Business Investment Fund have been announced, with work commencing on a number of projects. Together with ongoing support from the $10 million Tourism Industry Support Package and the Small Business Support Package, these measures are assisting communities to restore their local economies.
Business Regeneration
Victorian Bushfi re Business Investment Fund The Victorian and Commonwealth governments established the $10 million Victorian Bushfi re Business Investment Fund in March 2010 to encourage private sector investment and job creation in areas affected by the bushfi res.
In October, 31 successful recipients were announced, receiving grants of between $50,000 and $500,000.
The Hon Peter Ryan MP and Marysville local, Small Business Support Program – Marysville and Andrew Clayton open the Marysville Pharmacy Kinglake Announced in June 2010, the program is a partnership between the Victorian Government, The Salvation Army and Pandora Jewellery, with $1.35 million available to encourage Victorian Bushfi re Business the return of small businesses that were damaged or destroyed in the February 2009 bushfi res. Two grants were Investment Fund initially available under the program: The $10 million Victorian Bushfi re Business Investment Fund was established by the Victorian and • Small Business Regeneration grants for Marysville and Commonwealth governments to encourage private Kinglake sector investment and job creation in areas affected • Rebuilding the Marysville Village Centre grants for specifi c by the 2009 Victorian bushfi res. businesses in the main street of the township More than 30 businesses across the bushfi re-affected areas received capital grants of between $50,000 Applications have now been approved with funding provided and $500,000 from the fund to re-establish existing to 34 businesses. businesses or establish new businesses. Small Business Regeneration grant Signifi cant business support has also been made to recipients 28 small businesses and primary producers in the wake Rebuilding the Marysville Village Centre of the bushfi res via the provision of various grants, grant recipients 6 mentoring and advice services, low interest loans and support for tourist marketing campaigns in bushfi re- affected areas.
p.16 BIGFI$H Competition The Lake Eildon and Goulburn River BIGFI$H competition involved four tagged fi sh worth $50,000 each being released into local waterways to encourage anglers back to the region. The fi rst $50,000 fi sh was caught in mid October 2010 on the banks of the Goulburn River in the heart of Alexandra by local lad Ronald Clarke. The competition drew large numbers of tourists and anglers to the region, and generated more than $500,000 in publicity via television, radio and print media coverage for the bushfi re-affected regions of Murrindindi and Mitchell Shires. The competition was organised by the Murrindindi Mitchell Bushfi re Tourism Recovery Group which received funding from the $10 million Tourism Industry Support Package. A survey conducted by the group following the competition showed visitor expenditure in the bushfi re-affected regions across BIGFI$H competition winner Ronald Clarke the 16 days of competition at more than $600,000.
After feedback from the local business communities in Marysville Business Recovery Program and Kinglake, the Small Business Support Program has been The Business Recovery Program provided funding to councils refi ned to incorporate three new initiatives – a Traineeship and and other bodies for a range of activities including business Apprenticeship Subsidy, a Small Business Planning Initiative and events, recovery workshops and ‘Buy Locally’ initiatives. a Business Development Fund. Outcomes from this program are These activities will continue until June 2011. expected in late February 2011. Funding provided to councils to date $500,000 Commonwealth Government Jobs Fund In addition, a Small Business Mentoring Service has been The Latrobe Bushfi re Community Jobs Project is restoring assisting hundreds of businesses by providing mentoring community parklands and public spaces in the Latrobe City services and business advice on grants. region. The project commenced in April 2010 and by December 2010, 27 jobs and 14 traineeships have been created. The Small businesses to have received mentoring 630 Kinglake Sustainability Leadership Outdoor Recreational Training Facility project commenced in late May 2010, and 20 jobs, two work experience positions, two traineeships and six Marysville & Triangle Economic Leadership Group apprenticeships are expected to be created. The Economic Leadership Group and other business leaders from around the immediate region are participating in a Local Business Support for Marysville program to strengthen their leadership capabilities, and help defi ne their medium to long-term economic vision for the Marysville Central region. This program commenced in December 2010, with 15 participants. Four sessions have been held with two more The opening of the Marysville Central shopping centre in planned for February 2011. December 2009 was a signifi cant milestone in Marysville’s business recovery, and the facility continues to provide Marysville Golf and Bowls Club temporary accommodation for local businesses. The Victorian and Commonwealth government’s investment of $2.3 million The Marysville Golf and Bowls Club was the only community was used to purchase and refurbish an old motor museum – asset in Marysville to survive the February 2009 bushfi res. one of the remaining commercial buildings in the township. The Victorian Government, together with the Appeal Fund, While initially intended to accommodate destroyed businesses announced a $3.5 million package to transform the Club including a supermarket, the centre has opened its doors to new into a key sporting, community and cultural precinct for the businesses including a pharmacy which has been established Marysville and Triangle Region. The redevelopment of the in the township for the very fi rst time. The centre, which is also Club will involve renewal of the course, a new clubhouse, home to the visitor information centre, has provided a major community facilities including specialist areas for visual and boost to the economic recovery of the area and helped to get the performing arts, a bar/restaurant and a pro-shop. The project Marysville business community back on its feet. will be funded by the Appeal Fund, the Victorian Government and private donors. Shops operating in the centre 9 Staff employed at the centre 14
24 Month Report | Local Economies p.17 New Tourism Guide for Murrindindi A new tourism guide for Murrindindi was launched in August 2010 to help visitors discover the region and continue its strong rebuilding and recovery. The guide provides tourists with the latest information on the best places to visit, stay, eat, shop and relax in the region, including popular towns like Yea, Marysville, Kinglake and Alexandra. The guide and Offi cial Visitors Maps were distributed to Visitor Information Centres throughout the region and in neighbouring areas. The guide and visitors maps were part of the $10 million Tourism Industry Support Package to increase tourism to bushfi re-affected areas.
Marysville Conference Centre Marysville & Triangle Marketing Activities $19 million has been committed to rebuilding a regional The Authority has worked with the Mystic Mountain Tourism conference centre in the Marysville region. The joint Victorian Association to develop tourism packages with local tourism and Commonwealth government Victorian Bushfi re Business operators, and showcase the region’s accommodation and Investment Fund will contribute $3.8 million toward the activities. Packages are available on the Marysville Tourism project. The project will help drive the next stage of economic and Watch Us Grow websites. The Marysville Tourism website recovery in the region, by creating new jobs and attracting has received more than 20,000 hits over the past six months. major new business and tourism opportunities.
Reviving Tourism Marysville and Surrounds Tourism Events and Marketing Package 2011-2014 Tourism Industry Support Package In addition to the initial $10 million Tourism Industry Support The $10 million Victorian and Commonwealth government- Package, the Victorian Government has committed $1.7 funded Tourism Industry Support Package continues to be million towards a program to promote the Marysville region rolled out to assist bushfi re-affected areas to revive their and attract visitors on an ongoing basis. This program will tourism industries. Initiatives to date include : support the development of a sustainable tourism event calendar including event management expertise, the Marysville Sparkling Wine Festival marketing and promotion of the region and, ultimately, a planned relaunch of the region in 2013-14. The inaugural Marysville Sparkling Wine Festival was attended by more than 1000 people and included a sold-out business breakfast and dinner.
Kinglake Fuel The Authority secured a local petrol supply for residents of the Kinglake Ranges, opening a temporary petrol station in March 2010.
After losing its only petrol station in the February 2009 bushfi res, Kinglake was left without fuel for a number of months before the Authority, working closely with Murrindindi Shire Council, secured the lease of private land on Whittlesea- Kinglake Road and established the facility.
First Kinglake Fuel customer Kate McDonald and Fuel The service station, consisting of three tanks and one petrol Station co-owner Paul Duhig do business bowser, offers unleaded and diesel fuel and is being run by the operators of the former petrol station.
p.18 ‘Thank You’ Tourism Marketing Campaign
Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority
‘Thank You’ Tourism Marketing Campaign As part of a campaign to thank Victorians for their support during the bushfi res and encourage them to visit bushfi re- affected areas and support local economies, half page print advertisements highlighting Community Recovery Committee areas ran in seven regional daily newspapers. These newspapers reached the largest population centres in Victoria, including Leader newspapers (33 publications), TheAge and TheWeeklyTimes. The advertisements also ran as part of Fire Action Day supplements during Fire Action Week in October 2010.
Education Support and Other Assistance Education and Training Fund The national board of the Australian Council for Private Study Scholarships Education and Training established a fund to provide Skills Victoria offers $500 scholarships to bushfi re-affected educational opportunities for individuals affected by the people for skills training to help them gain employment or bushfi res, drawing on the support of its member colleges participate in the rebuilding of their local communities. across Australia. The program is now closed.
Scholarships awarded 90 Enquiries about courses 280 Scholarships remaining 160 Scholarships offered 40 Scholarships accepted 23 Victorian Bushfi re Appeal Fund Scholarships The Appeal Fund has established a $3 million scholarship Adult Education Programs program to support bushfi re-affected students undertaking A number of courses are being provided in the Marysville and tertiary studies. Applications were called for in November Triangle area to improve people’s skills base. These include 2009, with a panel of representatives from the Appeal computer courses and basic cookery classes. Fund, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and the Australian Red Cross selecting People accessing program 149 scholarship recipients. The successful recipients received their scholarships at an awards ceremony in May 2010. Funding for Murrindindi Shire Council As the most bushfi re-affected municipality in Victoria, Murrindindi Scholarships awarded 60 Shire Council was provided with an additional $9.7 million to assist with its medium and long-term bushfi re recovery.
Payments have now commenced, and the funds are helping to offset the council’s shortfall in rate revenue over the 2009- 2013 period and to aid capacity building operations such as grant and record management programs and the installation and upgrade of IT systems.
Murrindindi Shire and Local Government Victoria will continue to work together to deliver key outcomes from the package.
24 Month Report | Local Economies p.19 Environment
Despite more than 287,000 hectares of Victoria’s public land being burnt in the 2009 bushfi res, fl ora and fauna is fl ourishing across bushfi re-affected areas. Work is continuing to rebuild and improve visitor facilities, protect threatened species and restore the natural environment. For more information on environmental fi re recovery projects being undertaken throughout Victoria, visit www.dse.vic.gov.au/naturalvaluesrecovery
Regenerating the Environment Protecting Threatened Species A total of 31 programs have commenced to assist threatened Reseeding Burnt Forests species to recover and to monitor sites for the occurrence and Following the reseeding of close to 4500 hectares of forest by existence of species as they recover. the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and VicForests, natural and artifi cial regeneration has been more Funding allocated to threatened species $1.5 successful than predicted. Additional reseeding is planned for recovery projects million winter 2011 for sites that have not regenerated suffi ciently. Control of Pests and Weeds Forests resown 4500 ha A new project which aims to minimise the spread of new Seed used 3500 kg and emerging weeds in bushfi re-affected areas is underway throughout Victoria. Local contractors are currently working Seedlings planted where regeneration has been 80,000 with Parks Victoria and DSE staff to control infestations of unsuccessful weeds including Flax-leaf Broom, Japanese Honeysuckle and English Holly.
New Homes for Bendigo Wildlife Birds, possums and other wildlife have received new homes with the installation of nesting boxes in the Wombat State Forest in Bendigo to address the impacts of the February 2009 fi res on native wildlife habitat. The DSE and Parks Victoria, in partnership with the North Central Catchment Management Authority and Conservation Volunteers Australia, have installed more than 150 nesting boxes to encourage birds and wildlife back to the area.
Wombat State Forest Bendigo - Brush-tailed Phascogale Possum
p.20 Recycling for Recovery Ongoing Works at Visitor Facilities $1.5 million in grants for Landcare and other community groups Replacement and rebuilding works are continuing at the have been made available for projects ranging from preventing following sites: pest animals and weeds in burnt areas to replanting to prevent erosion. More information on the project can be found at: Kinglake’s premier visitor site, Mason http://www.landcarevic.net.au/resources/funding/recycling-for- Falls Picnic Area, is being rebuilt recovery-program/recycling-for-recovery-program to a new design developed from the Kinglake National Park Master Work for the Dole Program Plan. Accessibility to the site will be improved with additional visitor Yarra Valley Railway Bushfi re Restoration Work for the Dole Kinglake facilities, and the site is expected to participants are assisting with the restoration of railway lines National Park re-open in late 2011. Like Masons for the Yarra Valley Railway between Healesville and Yarra Falls, Jehoshaphat Gully remains Glen. Over two kilometres of track and six bridges between closed for restoration works and Tarrawarra and Yering were destroyed by the bushfi res. improvements to accessibility of the Participants are providing the labour components of civil and picnic area and walking loop. These construction works required for the restoration. works are anticipated to be completed Participants in the Whittlesea Block Aid program are assisting in mid to late 2011. with fi re restoration works in Whittlesea. Assistance includes Recovery works continue at Wilsons land management, erosion and weed control and re- Promontory National Park, 24 months vegetation works. Wilsons Promontory after wildfi re burnt approximately 50 National Park per cent of the park. The majority Participants involved in Yarra Valley Railway of visitor facilities have now been Bushfi re Restoration Works 11 repaired or replaced. Participants involved in the Whittlesea Block Aid 8 Recent developments include the construction of a permanent toilet block, several pit toilets, a suspension Parks and Waterways Murrindindi Scenic bridge and several footbridges, picnic Reserve tables and campsites. Stage 1 was Steavenson Falls reopened for campers in time for the The Stage 1 redevelopment of Steavenson Falls was opened Melbourne Cup weekend 2010. in September 2010. Stage 1 marks the completion of the visitor Works are continuing on the Rainforest car park, a short walking track and a viewing platform at the Yarra Ranges Gallery toilets, Goldfi elds Walk and base of the falls, which are open to the public on weekends. National Park Upper Taggerty Road. Stage 2 works are now underway on weekdays, and include The Friends Nature Trail re-opened in additional footbridges, track works and the replacement of the December 2010 and all boardwalks toilet block that was destroyed in the February 2009 bushfi res. Cathedral and bridges have been rebuilt. Access Range State Park issues are being resolved. New Re-opening Roads, Tracks and Parks decking and railing for the Cooks Mill The DSE and Parks Victoria online fi re recovery map provides Heritage Area has been completed. an overview of which track and visitor sites are open at Extensive rehabilitation works have Toorourong http://nremap-sc.nre.vic.gov.au/MapShare.v2/imf.jsp?site=paim been delayed due to works to raise Reservoir Park the height of the reservoir holding wall. Re-opening Parks and Restoring Visitor Facilities Construction of Keppels Hut has been All of the 22 parks and reserves impacted by the fi res completed. Installation of signage and have been completely or partially re-opened, except the erection of a communications tower is Toorourrong Reservoir Park. Visitor asset replacement also complete. Gate entry upgrading Lake Mountain programs are 85 per cent complete. All facilities at Cathedral works are proceeding and works have Range State Park are complete apart from minor works at commenced for the construction of a Sugarloaf Saddle. Most facilities are completed with minor new visitor building, expected to be works at a small number of sites continuing. These works are complete by June 2011. scheduled to be completed by June 2011. Planning for works Further works are scheduled to Marysville at Jehosaphat Gully and Masons Falls is continuing. commence after the summer school Caravan Park holidays.
24 Month Report | Environment p.21 Cultural Heritage National Green Jobs Corps Projects
The National Green Jobs Corps is a program to offer young Protection Works at Historic and Indigenous Sites people work experience and training for employment in The fi res are estimated to have affected more than 200 emerging green and climate change industries. Participants historic places on public and private land, as well as over 200 are involved in the rehabilitation of the Scouts Australia facility places of recorded Indigenous heritage. One hundred and at Camp Warringal in Whittlesea. Participants are also planting seven previously recorded heritage sites have been assessed, native trees, constructing walking and nature tracks and another 31 new sites have been assessed and 18 new sites installing picnic tables and interpretive signage at Robin Hood, have been partially assessed. Cultural Heritage Management Picnic Point, Glen Cromie and Nanagara Reserve in Gippsland. Plans (CHMPs) have been approved for Sugarloaf Saddle in the Cathedral Range State Park, Whisky/Picnic Point in National Green Jobs Corps Volunteers 17 Wilsons Promontory National Park and Lawsons Falls in Bunyip State Park. A CHMP is being developed for Masons Falls in Kinglake National Park.
Restoration works to Steavenson Falls, including the new viewing platform
Steavenson Falls
Major recovery works have been undertaken at Steavenson Falls in Marysville in order to restore the site to its former glory and entice visitors back to the Marysville and Triangle region. Steavenson Falls was hit with the full force of the February 2009 bushfi res which destroyed visitor facilities and the reserve. A new viewing platform at the base of the falls, visitor car park and new road to Steavenson Falls have been completed. The next stage of works involves construction of toilet and visitor facilities, walking tracks and a spectacular viewing platform at the top of the falls, and these works are expected to be completed by winter 2011. The $2.5 million restoration of Steavenson Falls and expansion of its facilities is funded by the Victorian and Commonwealth governments through the $193 million RebuildingTogether package to drive the economic, environmental and social recovery of bushfi re-affected towns and communities.
p.22 Upgrades for Labertouche Creek Bushland Reserve The Authority provided funding for the upgrade of a number of walking tracks in the Labertouche Creek Bushland Reserve. Two kilometres of track within the reserve were severely affected by the February 2009 bushfi res and local residents and Friends of Labertouche were actively engaged in the management and maintenance of the walking track and reserve. It is a popular recreational area for the Labertouche community and provides vital habitat for the rare Warragul Burrowing Crayfi sh. New signs have also been installed along the walking track to inform visitors to the region about the reserve.
New Walking Track at Labertouche Creek Bushland Reserve
Farm Land Management Farm Visits DPI has undertaken a number of farm visits to bushfi re- Controlling Weeds and Pests affected properties to address soil conservation and pasture Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is continuing to observe recovery problems with landholders. all bushfi re-affected areas for the presence of high priority weeds, and is educating landholders and the community on Visits to bushfi re-affected properties 245 the destruction they can cause. Training sessions have also been held by DPI with water authorities, DSE and Parks Victoria Agricultural Community Liaison to educate these agencies on identifi cation and reporting DPI has held a number of capability-building fi eld days and of invasive weeds. DPI has undertaken control programs of workshops for local government, Landcare groups, Port Isolated Serrated Tussock infestations in Nillumbik Shire, as Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority well as control of priority weeds on roadsides. To date, a total and Melbourne Water to educate agencies on land recovery of seven properties are awaiting ripping of rabbit warrens when issues, including soil conservation. In November 2010 a weather conditions improve, and wild dog control programs are Bushfi re Preparedness project manager and a Natural underway in various areas including Big River, Rubicon River Disasters Communication Advisor were appointed. These and Snobs Creek catchments. roles will develop a cross-sectoral communication strategy for provision of timely and up-to-date messages for landholders Assistance Provided to Landholders and develop emergency information resources that are easily DPI provided support to over 4700 properties immediately accessible to the agricultural community. after the bushfi res, and in conjunction with the Victorian Farmers Federation distributed donated fodder to landholders Attendance at capability-building for one month after the bushfi res. In the fi rst six months fi eld days and workshops 86 since the bushfi res, DPI provided information, advice and assistance to 3207 landholders on land management and stock issues. Since then, a total of 10 six-hour whole farm planning sessions have been delivered to landholders. These sessions have helped landholders address a number of land recovery and farm layout issues including weed and pest control, water quality in dams, pasture re-establishment and management, soil conservation and erosion control and animal health issues.
Number of attendees at farm planning sessions 121
24 Month Report | Environment p.23 Transition The Future In the aftermath of the devastating 2009 Victorian bushfi res, signifi cant resources were allocated to the rebuilding and recovery of impacted communities from a range of government, non-government, corporate and philanthropic donors, and hundreds of services and programs delivered through a wide range of organisations. The Authority was established by the Victorian and Commonwealth governments in February 2009 to work closely with affected communities and to coordinate and oversee this effort. Signifi cant support will remain in place as affected individuals and communities continue to recover, with a comprehensive transition plan being implemented to ensure the delivery of important services beyond the life of the Authority. By the end of March 2011, the Authority will transfer responsibility for the oversight of all existing services and programs to other government departments, councils or not-for-profi t organisations and will cease to operate on 30 June 2011.
Community members from Callignee and Traralgon South celebrate the opening of the new Callignee Community Centre on Australia Day 2011
p.24 The Government has also identifi ed the Rebuilding Advisory Service need for a range of ongoing initiatives to DPCD will assume the management and operation of the Rebuilding Advisory Service from the Authority in March 2011, aid the medium and longer-term recovery and the service will be available into 2011. The service covers of communities. These initiatives include: all bushfi re-affected areas, and is available to meet clients on their properties or at the Marysville or Kinglake Rebuilding Appeal Fund Medium-Term Fund Advisory Centres and Community Facilities. In 2011, a new Community Advisory Committee (CAC) will be Support for the Bereaved established. It will be made up of members from bushfi re-affected areas and will provide advice to the Appeal Fund’s Advisory Panel Support provided by the Authority for the bereaved community on the identifi cation and development of future community-based will continue, with the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement projects and other initiatives designed to assist medium to funded until June 2013 to continue delivering a range of grief and long- term recovery. For more information on the Appeal Fund bereavement services to those who lost loved ones in the 2009 go to http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/bushfireappeal/home. bushfi res.
Victorian Bushfi re Case Management Service Community Engagement Coordinators Community Engagement Coordinators have provided face- The VBCMS, established in response to the 2009 fi res, to-face support to communities and acted as an important will operate until March 2011. Case managers are working interface between impacted communities and government. with individual clients to plan their ongoing recovery. Most Three Community Engagement Coordinators will continue individuals still using the service are moving towards self- to provide this important support until December 2012. management, or being linked in to specialist supports where They will provide advice and support with applications to necessary. Following closure of the service, bushfi re-affected the Appeal Fund Medium-Term Fund, as well as the people will still have supports available to help them continue Community Leadership and Capacity Building Program. their recovery. These include: They will assist with the resolution of any issues and help to deliver community rebuilding and recovery projects. • Counselling support and support for the bereaved
Council Capacity Development Program • The Victorian Bushfi re Information Line
Throughout 2011, Department of Planning and Community • Supports through local government agencies, Development (DPCD) will develop and implement a program community service organisations and health services for the 10 most impacted councils. The primary focus of the in the local community. program will be to support the development of resources to assist councils to work with communities to progress recovery. New Contact Guide This program also aims to strengthen communities by helping An updated contact guide will be issued in March 2011, to to build their relationships with local councils. Emphasis will provide communities with the necessary information to access be placed on community engagement and capacity-building, the services they need to assist with their longer-term recovery. to help communities with the prevention of, preparation for, The guide will be sent directly to bushfi re-affected residents response to and recovery from future events and challenges. who are registered with the Authority and will also be available It will also help councils to work within communities on the at council offi ces, the Kinglake and Marysville Rebuilding delivery of the many funded bushfi re projects. Advisory Centres and Community Facilities and community centres and houses. Community Leadership and Capacity Building Program
The Authority has been working in partnership with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) on a Community Leadership and Capacity Building Program. The program aims to contribute towards the ongoing development of communities, by building community leadership capacity, expanding community relationships and networks and providing practical support for those involved in community recovery activity. The planned commencement of the program is for the fi rst quarter of 2011.
24 Month Report | Transition p.25 Mildura !
MILDURA Mildura ! Ouyen ! SWAN HILL
Swan Hill ! N
N E W S O U T H W A L E S Kilometers
Kerang 0 25 50 100 ! MILDURA GANNAWARRA
BULOKE Ouyen Yarrawonga ! ! Key HINDMARSH YARRIAMBIACK SWANE cHhIuLcLa MOIRA Wodonga ! ! ! Towns WODONGA Corryong Warracknabeal INDIGO ! ! Shires Swan Hill Wangaratta CAMPASPE ! ! Severely burnt - crown burn LODDON GREATER S!HEPPARTON TOWONG N Moderate - minor crown scorch Benalla ! Lightly burnt St Arnaud ! BENALLA WANGARATTAN E W S O U T H W A L E S Kilometers N E W S O U T H W A L E S Public land Horsham Bright WEST WIMMERA ! ! Kerang ! 0 25 50 100 GREATER BENDIGO STRATHBOGIE ! NORTHERN GRAMPIANS GANNAWARRA HORSHAM ALPINE Seymour CENTRAL GOLDFIELDSMOUNT ALEXANDER ! Mansfield Stawell ! ! BULOKE ! ! Maryborough Castlemaine Omeo ! Yarrawonga MITCHELL Alexandra ! ! Key HINDMARSH YARRIAMBIACK MOIRA Ararat Echuca Wodonga ! MANSFIELD ! ! ! MURRINDINDI WODONGA Towns PYRENEES MACEDON RANGES Corryong HEPBURN EAST GIPPSLAND ! Warracknabeal INDIGO Shires ! Marysville ARARAT BALLARAT Kinglake Ballarat ! ! Wangaratta ! WHITTLESEA CAMPASPE ! ! Severely burnt - crown burn SOUTHERN GRAMPIANS HUME LODDON GREATER SHEPPARTON TOWONG MOORABOOL NILLUMBIK Moderate - minor crown scorch MELTON YARRA RANGES Orbost Hamilton BRIMBANK B!enalla ! MANNINGHAM ! ! Bairnsdale Lightly burnt St Arnaud ! BENALLA WANGARATTA ! KNOX Lakes Entrance GOLDEN PLAINS WYNDHAM ! GLENELG Melbourne B WELLINGTON Public land HorshamGREATER GEELONG Bright WEST WIMMERA A ! GREATER DANDENONG BAW BAW ! ! GREATER BENDIGO Sale STRATHBOGIE CASEY CARDINIA ! Geelong FRANKSTON Warragul MOYNE ! NORTHERN GRAMPIANS ! Traralgon ALPINE HORSHAM Morwe!ll CORAN!GAMITE ! Camperdown Colac SURF COAST MOUCNT ALEXLAANT!RDOEBRE Seymour Portland ! MORNINGTON PENCINESUNLATFRRENACHL I SGLAOND L(UDNINFCI)ELDS ! Mansfield ! Stawell ! Churchill D ! WARRN!AMBOOL ! !Castlemaine MaryboroLuegohngatha Omeo Warrnambool ! G ! COLAC OTWAY MITCHELL Alexandra BASS COAST ! Wonthaggi Ararat ! ! SOUTH GIPPSLAND MANSFIELD PYRENEES MACEDON RANGES MURRINDINDI HEPBURN EAST GIPPSLAND B A S S S T R A II T Marysville ARARAT BALLARAT Kinglake Ballarat ! ! ! WHITTLESEA SOUTHERN GRAMPIANS HUME E MOORABOOL NILLUMBIK PRODUCED BY GIS UNIT, TRARALGON. JAN. 2010. MELTON YARRA RANGES Orbost Hamilton BRIMBANK F ! ! MANNINGHAM ! Bairnsdale ! KNOX H Lakes Entrance GOLDEN PLAINS WYNDHAM ! GLENELG Melbourne WELLINGTON GREATER GEELONG GREATER DANDENONG BAW BAW Sale Geelong CASEY CARDINIA Warragul ! MOYNE ! FRANKSTON ! Traralgon Morwe!ll CORAN!GAMITE ! Camperdown Colac SURF COAST LAT!ROBE Portland ! MORNINGTON PENINSULAFRENCH ISLAND (UNINC) Churchill ! WARRN!AMBOOL Leongatha Warrnambool COLAC OTWAY ! BASS COAST Wonthaggi ! SOUTH GIPPSLAND
BBAA SS SS SS TT RR AA II TT
PRODUCED BY GIS UNIT, TRARALGON. JAN. 2010.
p.26 Mildura Impact of the Bushfires ! This map shows the results of the bushfi re severity mapping and municipalities impacted. The mapping was undertaken by the Department of Sustainability and Environment.
Work Areas MILDURA A Horsham G Murrindindi B Greater Bendigo H Yarra Ranges Ouyen ! C Mount Alexander I Baw Baw SWAN HILL D Mitchell J Latrobe Swan Hill E Whittlesea K Wellington ! N F Nillumbik L Alpine
NNEE WW SS OO UUTT HH WWAA LL EE SS Kilometers
Kerang 0 25 50 100 ! GANNAWARRA
BULOKE Yarrawonga ! Key HINDMARSH YARRIAMBIACK Echuca MOIRA Wodonga ! ! ! Towns WODONGA Corryong Warracknabeal INDIGO ! ! Shires Wangaratta CAMPASPE ! Severely burnt - crown burn LODDON GREATER S!HEPPARTON TOWONG Moderate - minor crown scorch Benalla ! Lightly burnt St Arnaud ! BENALLA WANGARATTA Public land Horsham Bright WEST WIMMERA ! ! ! GREATER BENDIGO STRATHBOGIE L NORTHERN GRAMPIANS HORSHAM ALPINE Seymour CENTRAL GOLDFIELDSMOUNT ALEXANDER ! Mansfield Stawell ! ! ! ! Maryborough Castlemaine Omeo G ! MITCHELL Alexandra ! Ararat ! MANSFIELD PYRENEES MACEDON RANGES MURRINDINDI HEPBURN EAST GIPPSLAND
Marysville ARARAT BALLARAT Kinglake Ballarat ! ! ! WHITTLESEA SOUTHERN GRAMPIANS HUME MOORABOOL NILLUMBIK MELTON YARRA RANGES Orbost Hamilton BRIMBANK ! ! MANNINGHAM ! Bairnsdale K ! KNOX H I Lakes Entrance GOLDEN PLAINS WYNDHAM ! GLENELG Melbourne WELLINGTON GREATER GEELONG GREATER DANDENONG BAW BAW Sale Geelong CASEY CARDINIA Warragul ! MOYNE ! FRANKSTON ! Traralgon MJorwe!ll CORAN!GAMITE ! Camperdown Colac SURF COAST LAT!ROBE Portland ! MORNINGTON PENINSULAFRENCH ISLAND (UNINC) Churchill ! WARRN!AMBOOL Leongatha Warrnambool COLAC OTWAY ! BASS COAST Wonthaggi ! SOUTH GIPPSLAND
BBAA SS SS SS TT RR AA II TT
PRODUCED BY GIS UNIT, TRARALGON. JAN. 2010.
24 Month Report | Impact of the Bushfires p.27 p.28 FocusCommunity on the RecoveryRecovery Committees
Community Recovery
Thirty-three Community Recovery Committees were established to guide local recovery in bushfi re-affected areas, with each developing a Community Recovery Plan.
These plans have been pivotal in driving and Here, CRC members and other community directing the community rebuilding and recovery representatives give an insight into the challenges effort, through a focus on the needs and priorities and successes they have experienced over the of each individual community. two years working to rebuild their respective communities, as well as outlining their plans for Almost 800 projects identifi ed in CRPs have the future. been supported and delivered across affected areas of Victoria, through the 33 CRCs working The following pages list projects supported in each in partnership with their local communities, the community. At the time of publication, all projects Authority, other government departments and listed have received funding, in full or part, from authorities, councils, the philanthropic sector and the Victorian Government, the Commonwealth private donors. Government, the Appeal fund, local government, community organisations or private donors. Hundreds more projects have been funded and implemented outside this process. In addition, For a more detailed description of each project, signifi cant support has been provided to please refer to the CRP Status updates on the individuals by governments and private donors, Local Community Recovery pages of the Authority’s including gifts of more than $230 million from the website http://www.wewillrebuild.vic.gov.au Appeal Fund.
24 Month Report | Community Recovery p.29 Community Recovery
Alpine
The Alpine Shire suffered signifi cant damage to both Dederang walking & cycle The Salvation Army private and public land during the Beechworth Fire on path extension Black Saturday. Mudgegonga community VBAF There were two fatalities in Mudgegonga, while 17 houses eNewsletter were destroyed in the area. Rate relief for full time farmers Local Government Storage for CFA-related The Salvation Army A total of 257 properties were impacted with more than community owned assets 80 suffering major infrastructure loss including more than 2100 kilometres of fencing destroyed. A total of 23,660 Security of the water supply SMEC hectares of land was burnt within the Alpine Shire including for the Dederang township 12,680 hectares of farmland. St Albans Hall upgrade FRRR, VBAF, Local & State Governments The Recovery Happy Valley Hall upgrade VBAF With a Community Resilience Committee already in place Gundowring Hall amenity State Government before the fi res, the Alpine Shire had a strong network to upgrades begin the rebuilding and recovery effort. St Albans Hall opening State Government & fi lm night According to Katie Grace from the Alpine Shire Council, keeping communities involved and informed throughout Dederang CFA Generator State Government the recovery process and creating a sense of belonging La Fiera Youth Live Chess State Government through regular community gatherings is one of the keys Match to a successful recovery. Myrtleford Senior Citizens State Government Centre “Otherachievementshavebeenongoing Myrtleford Neighbourhood State Government projectstokeepthecommunityengaged House amenity upgrades andinvolvedintheirtransitiontothe Static water supply in Glen Community Sourced Creek & Gundowring for & State Government “newnormal”suchastheSmithStreet fi re fi ghting Singersandmemoirwriting.”–KatieGrace Farm Business support to FRRR, Victorian replace fencing Farmers Federation, She says that throughout the rebuilding and recovery Landmates & Local process the importance of community consultation and Government communication in the decision-making process has become evident and will be a priority in future recovery efforts. Fencing adjoining Crown land Victorian Farmers Federation, Landmates Community Recovery Plan Projects & Local Government The progress made to Alpine’s community projects Gardening & Roadside Tree State Government Mulching Project complements the signifi cant support for individuals provided by governments and private donors, including gifts worth St Albans/Running Creek/ State Government more than $2 million from the Appeal Fund to the residents Kancoona Pottters Garden of Alpine. Club Community Strengthening State Government Emergency Communications - FRRR Program & Mental Health Community Radio Network Care Projects Alpine locality and road VBAF signage Mudgegonga Hall & Happy VBAF Valley Hall Upgrade
p.30 Community Recovery
The Future been identifi ed as important for the future, as well The Community Recovery Group Leadership Team is as continued communication to support impacted currently fi nalising the community’s priority projects and community members. It is expected that the fi nal is in the process of identifying any ongoing support and meeting of the Leadership Team will take place in resources that may be needed. Preparedness, building April this year, with its members and achievements resilience and further strengthening of communities have to be formally recognised and celebrated.
Alpine - Three Hall Upgrades The Mudgegonga, Happy Valley and St Albans halls were extremely busy months of rebuilding following the fi res. all used during the 2009 bushfi res as local relief and But the halls are about more than just community wellbeing recovery points. and recreation.
They are important community assets, used regularly by After the fi res, the FRRR funded UHF equipment for each residents for community events, such as Mudgegonga’s community to improve their communications during future 121st birthday where the community held a masquerade emergencies, with each hall nominated as the central ball to celebrate. communications point for their respective areas.
The halls have continued to be important points of Using funding from the Appeal Fund, each of the halls will connection for communities after the fi res as well. now be upgraded to better cater for community activities, as well as emergency response and recovery. The Rosewhite Community came together for a Dinner Dance at the Happy Valley Hall in September The upgrade works include repairs and maintenance 2009. Organised by the Rosewhite Country Womens’ to amenities at the halls as well as to heating, plumbing, Association, the Dinner Dance was funded through the electrical works and outdoor landscaping and will enable Appeal Fund’s Winter Grants program which enabled residents to gather and participate in a range of social, bushfi re-affected communities to get together over the educational and economic activities, helping to strengthen winter months to relieve psychological stress. communities and local connections. This is particularly important in rural communities such as Mudgegonga, More than 75 residents of Rosewhite went along and took Happy Valley and St Albans, where many residents travel the opportunity to relax and enjoy themselves after the out of the area to employment and education.
The 121st birthday dinner at Mudegonga Hall
Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Balook & District Balook & District is a Gippsland farming community and Morwell National Parks, to become an 85 kilometre to the south of Callignee in the heart of the infrastructure project, the Grand Strzelecki Track. Along Tarra-Bulga National Park, along the Grand Ridge with improvements to the Tarra Bulga National Park, Road. Other communities in the district include the once complete, the Grand Strzelecki Track will stand as a Tarra Valley, Macks Creek and Blackwarry. tangible and lasting testament to what determination and hard work can achieve. Under threat from the Churchill complex fi res, Balook and its neighbouring community Macks Creek, lost some Another great achievement of the community is Triumph property to the fi res. The widespread fi re damage to this overtheHeartbreakHills(BushfireEdition). This one-off part of the Wellington Shire has had a signifi cant social limited edition publication captures the history of Balook impact on the community and on the local economy which & District from 1880 – 2009, including stories of bushfi re is largely driven by tourism, forestry and lifestyle farming. survival and recovery. The book will be launched on Sunday February 27 between 12 and 4pm at the Tarra- The Recovery Bulga Visitors Centre, Balook.
Situated in relative isolation near the Tarra Bulga National The people of Balook & District understand how geography Park, the people of Balook & District have grown, over can defi ne a community. As an isolated community, they have many years, into a close-knit and supportive community learned that they need to be self-reliant and well prepared to who greatly value the natural assets on their doorstep. face all manner of challenges – including bushfi res. The bushfi res tested the strength and cohesion of this, and many other, communities. Pam Pattison, of the Community Recovery Plan Projects Balook & District Residents Association (BADRA) which The progress made to the Balook & District community managed the recovery process as part of its ongoing projects complements the signifi cant support for community involvement, is proud to declare the people of individuals provided by governments and private donors, her community to be “quiet achievers” and their greatest including gifts worth more than $50,000 from the Appeal achievement to be their capacity to focus everyone to work Fund to the residents of Balook & District. together on the recovery process. Balook Community VBAF While valuing their relationship with the Wellington Shire Preparedness Planning Council, they are determined, as Pam says, “ .. to stand Eastern Strzelecki Bendigo Bank, up on our own and work together as a community to Walking Trail State & Commonwealth achieve our plans”. Governments Largely dependent on tourism and always keen to share Balook Parks/Plantations VBAF the natural beauty, amazing fl ora and fauna and colourful fi re prevention history of their district with visitors to the area, the Association focused its energies on bringing to life their The Future concept of an Eastern Strzelecki Walking Track. The idea BADRA undertook the work of a CRC for the area and was fi rst conceived in 2008, then taken up in 2009 as a will continue their community involvement when recovery bushfi re recovery initiative. During the planning phase it is complete. was combined with a separate concept by the Jeeralang/ Churchill community for a walking track linking Tarra-Bulga Having achieved so much in terms of community recovery, Pam welcomes the opportunity for people to now concentrate on their personal recovery journeys, and get on with their lives.
p.32 Community Recovery
Balook - Grand Strzelecki Track The bushfi re recovery process in Balook was managed by “Thereisademandfromwalkersforlonger the Balook & District Residents Association (BADRA), a andmorechallengingwalks,withfewtrails body established in 1977. ofthistypecurrentlyavailable.” In November 2008, BADRA had discussed the concept of an extended walking track leading from the township. “Thetrackwillmakethetownadestination Understandably, these plans were put on hold when the initsownright,bringingvisitorsfrom February 2009 bushfi res hit. interstateandoverseas,notjustlocally.”– In the aftermath of Black Saturday, it was suggested that RichardAppletonofBADRA,andPresident the walking track could be a key recovery project for the Balook area. ofthenewlyformedGrandStrzelecki TrackInc. The original idea was for an Eastern Strzelecki Walking Track comprising a 35 kilometre trail looping around the A longer track will encourage people to camp overnight township of Balook. and spend more time, and money, in the town. This will have a fl ow on effect for local business and may promote However, it was soon discovered that the nearby new local infrastructure. Jeeralang/Churchill group were planning a trail on the western side of the ranges. It was decided to merge the There is already interest in the track from a walking tour two, creating 85 kilometres of track. company that operates on the Overland Trail in Tasmania.
The network passes through lands managed by various In the words of community member Pam Pattison, agencies including Parks Victoria, DSE, HVP Plantations, Balook will be home to ‘an iconic world class track Wellington Shire, Latrobe City and VicRoads, and includes upon completion”. extensive tracts of native forest, both private and public, as well as some areas of plantation.
The planned track goes through several areas of unique bushland, including warm temperate rainforest near Macks Creek, and at the southern end has views as far as the coast, overlooking 90 Mile Beach.
The lookout on Mount Tassie will be a key feature of the walking track. In a separately funded bushfi re recovery project, the lookout is being refurbished and a bushfi re memorial added to the site.
There will be three new campgrounds at Macks Creek, Jumbuck & Traralgon Creek. These ‘bush’ campsites, will be complete with shelters, composting toilet and water supply.
Currently, day trippers visit Balook for short walks and a picnic, leaving at the end of the day, as there is nothing to keep them in the area.
The Grand Strzelecki Walking Track will encompass areas of natural beauty
Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Bendigo The communities of West Bendigo, Long Gully, Community Recovery Plan Projects Maiden Gully, Ironbark and California Gully lie within the regional City of Greater Bendigo. The progress made to Bendigo’s community projects complements the signifi cant support for individuals Long Gully, West Bendigo, California Gully and Ironbark are provided by governments and private donors, including home to approximately 5000 people while Maiden Gully is gifts worth more than $6.5 million from the Appeal Fund to home to 3270 residents. the residents of Bendigo.
The Bracewell Street Fire spread over 354 hectares in the Bendigo sewerage Coliban Water Bendigo region, affecting more than 150 properties and connection damaging or destroying homes, fencing, shedding and Bendigo community garden Bendigo Bank & outbuildings. Community Sourced Long Gully was the worst affected town in the area, with one Bendigo Memorial State Government fatality and 25 properties destroyed. In Bendigo West there Bracewell Street Fire VBAF & State were 22 properties destroyed, as well as eight in Maiden Revegetation Project Government Gully, two in Ironbark and one in California Gully. Of the 58 houses destroyed, 13 were of signifi cant heritage value. Creation of safe places - State Government Bendigo
The Recovery Bendigo community events VBAF and celebrations The Bracewell Street Fire CRC was very proactive in the development of the CRP, identifying the areas that the Contaminated sands clean- State Government community felt needed addressing as part of their recovery. up and cyanide free soils Bendigo youth activities FRRR & State These included re-establishing and improving the Long Government Gully Community Garden, which will allow residents to come Community bushfi re VBAF together and build a sense of community, a small business awareness recovery project to support local businesses to get back on track and reticulated sewerage for small allotments to allow Overcoming red tape State & fi re-affected residents to rebuild on their land. Commonwealth Governments One of the key successes of the CRC was establishing three Building a single Bendigo Local Government sub-committees early in the recovery process. The Economic community Working Group, the Built & Natural Environment Working Group and Social Working Group each had a defi ned remit Local Fire Affected Asset Community Enterprise and this structure enabled the CRC to act effectively and Replacement Support Foundation, Lions without duplication as they set about delivering. Program Australia & Bendigo Anglican Diocese’s These groups played a pivotal role in providing advice, Long Gully Community Local & State advocating for and supporting the fi re affected community. Facility and Men’s Shed Governments precinct development In addition, strong networks were established and are still maintained between recovery agencies and local Support business(es) to get State Government community service groups to ensure quick resolution of back on track issues, including those of a personal, building or funding- Health and Wellbeing Bendigo Bank related nature, for fi re affected residents. Community Enterprise Foundation Counselling State & Commonwealth Governments & VBAF
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The Future projects is being allocated appropriately. This forum is In early 2010 the Bracewell Street Fire CRC decided that also used for the purposes of advocacy, support and there was no longer a need for them to meet as a committee. networking in all aspects of bushfi re recovery. However, this did not mean any recovery activity ceased. The Bushfi re Memorial Project is also well underway. From Key Council and community stakeholders are still actively its inception 12 months ago, there has been a massive involved in the recovery process and continue to meet transition through community consultation, community arts regularly through the Community Bushfi re Recovery projects, stakeholder meetings and design elements that Steering Group. This group works to ensure all the projects have formed part of the overall structure, which captures in the CRP are on schedule and that the funding for those and represents the community’s feeling and spirit.
A projects scoping day held by the Bracewell Street Fire CRC
Bendigo - Victoria Hill Diggings Revegetation Project The Victoria Hill Diggings is a historic mining reserve In addition to this, the council is planning to put a bushfi re in Bendigo. Almost all signage and approximately memorial near the car park at the bottom of the diggings, 80 per cent of vegetation on the reserve was destroyed making an overall community precinct. during the 2009 bushfi res. Community education activities will be incorporated into The Appeal Fund is providing for the revegetation of the the project, involving advice to local residents on how to area from Bracewell Street to Spotlight Street with local reduce the risk of fi re damage in the future as well as other indigenous plants. preventative or protective advice for the community.
It is envisaged the revegetation will be done in a way that Community involvement in the restoration activities will is fi re-friendly, within publicly accessible land areas. assist with establishing informal support networks and allow local residents to engage and share their experiences The project will assist in the recovery of public open of bushfi re recovery. space areas that were damaged by the fi res, including the restoration of parkland for wildlife habitat. It will also This will also provide community members with greater support the reduction of fuel loads in over-developed capacity to cope with fi re emergencies in the future. public land areas.
Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Boolarra & Yinnar At the foothills of the Eastern Strzelecki Ranges, “This includes bringing the issue of woodpiles on Boolarra is made up of around 1100 people, residents’ properties to the attention of VBRRA and the while Yinnar is home to around 585 people. government, assisting in developing a process for dealing with the issue, and also advocating and getting owner- Starting in nearby plantation forests, the Delburn fi re builder courses run locally.” swept through the area in late January 2009, burning for a number of days before being brought under control. An innovative program, the Local Emergency Action Plan, has also been developed and implemented to assist The fi re claimed 35 properties in Boolarra and surrounds residents in preparing and coping with future situations. in addition many sheds, outbuildings and more than 100 kilometres of fencing were destroyed. While signifi cant achievements have been made over the past two years, the communities of Boolarra and Yinnar Some 650 metres of fencing at the Boolarra Recreation have faced some challenges along the way. Reserve was destroyed, the Boolarra cemetery was damaged and parts of the Grand Ridge Rail Trail were “One-size doesn’t fi t all. After three to six months most either destroyed or extensively damaged. community members were ‘over the fi res’.
However, the ones that weren’t, still badly needed support, The Recovery and sometimes the need only became apparent 12 to Building a strong base of support for the community 18 months after the fi res. immediately after the fi res has been the key to restoring and maintaining the mental and social health of individuals “It is very hard to pinpoint and address the needs of the in Boolarra and Yinnar. affected people. Many badly affected people don’t put their hands up. Privacy laws prevented the CRC from being fully CRC Chair Colin Brick says “developing these important informed of fi re impacted residents’ names, addresses and networks very early on has meant the community has had issues,” says Colin. a positive outlook and has been more cohesive, making the physical and emotional problems more manageable.” Community Recovery Plan Projects “Immediatelyafterthefiresweprovided The progress made to Boolarra and Yinnar’s community projects complements the signifi cant support for anumberofforumswhereallmembers individuals provided by governments and private donors, ofthecommunityhadtheopportunityto including gifts worth more than $3.8 million from the expressopinions,askquestionsandshare Appeal Fund to the residents of Boolarra and Yinnar. experiences.Wehavecontinuedtoprovide Rebuild and restore State Government, VBAF awidevarietyofforumsforsocialinteraction, Boolarra Rail Trail targetedatdifferentaudiencesandwith Youth linkage and training Sidney Myer Foundation differentfocuses.”–ColinBrick program & VBAF
The CRC has also acted as an effective conduit to follow up individual or community concerns with appropriate bodies and has provided information to the community.
p.36 Community Recovery
Upgrade Kitchen VBAF Mill Site recovery, VBAF Memorial Hall restoration and improvement Promote local businesses Community Sourced Boolarra town entrance VBAF Beautification of Yinnar VBAF beautification town entrance Boolarra and Yinnar VBAF Clear fences and trees Indonesian Government bushfire Moving-Image & Community Sourced Project Removal of unsafe trees Local Government, GERF Upgrade Boolarra VBAF & State & Community Sourced Multipurpose Centre Government Clean-up day Community Sourced Utilise local business * State Government Facilitate healing and VBAF & Community Business expo * State Government ‘pamper days’ Sourced Refurbishment / State Government Mini bus service WA Mines through GERF replacement of parks & FRRR Information Local, State & Community Recovery State & Commonwealth Communication Commonwealth Committee engagement Governments Government with public services Distribute trauma impact Community Source Creative Arts project VBAF & Regional Arts information & Local Government Victoria Youth engagement with VBAF, State & Community events VBAF community Commonwealth for Boolarra & Yinnar Governments, Salvation (including percussion Army & Quantan workshops) Men’s Shed FRRR Gardening assistance Community Sourced Latrobe Memorials State & Commonwealth Boolarra open gardens day Community Sourced Government Fencing assistance Indonesian Government Rebuild and restore State Government Clean-up bus parking area Community Sourced Boolarra Rail Trail & VBAF Referral assistance State & Commonwealth Youth linkage and Sidney Myer Foundation Governments training program & VBAF Enhanced CFA facilities Community Sourced Upgrade Kitchen VBAF and operations Memorial Hall Secure and safe water Gippsland Water Promote local businesses Community Sourced supply for Boolarra Beautification of Yinnar VBAF Equipment for Boolarra Community Sourced town entrance Football Club Clear fences and trees Indonesian Government Kitchen upgrade for Hawthorn Football Club & Community Sourced football club & VBAF Removal of unsafe trees Local Government, GERF Sealing around the Indonesian & Greek & Community Sourced sports oval Governments & Hawthorn Clean-up day Community Sourced Football Club Facilitate healing and VBAF & Community Replace 55 netball Soroptimists ‘pamper days’ Sourced uniforms Mini bus service WA Mines through GERF Community Based VBAF & FRRR emergency response plan Community Recovery State & Commonwealth Committee engagement Governments with public services
Small Business Support *Small business support encompasses a variety of funding initiatives which may have Victorian Bushfire been delivered through community, local government or state government programs. Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Creative Arts project VBAF & Regional Arts Distribute trauma impact Community Sourced Victoria information & Local Government Community events for VBAF Youth engagement with VBAF, State & Boolarra and Yinnar community Commonwealth (including percussion Government, Salvation workshops) Army & Quantan Gardening assistance Community Sourced Men’s Shed FRRR Boolarra open gardens day Community Sourced Latrobe Memorials State & Commonwealth Fencing assistance Indonesian Government Government Clean-up bus parking area Community Sourced The Future Referral assistance State & Commonwealth The Boolarra & Yinnar CRC now operates as a sub- Governments committee of the Boolarra Community Development Enhanced CFA facilities Community Sourced Group and is completing the projects identifi ed in and operations the CRP and continuing to provide recovery-related Secure and safe water Gippsland Water information to the community. The Yinnar and District supply for Boolarra Community Association is overseeing the completion of Equipment for Boolarra Community Sourced the Yinnar-related projects. Football Club CRC Chair Colin Brick says the challenges of completing Kitchen upgrade for Hawthorn Football Club projects and supporting people will be ongoing. football club & VBAF Sealing around the Indonesian & Greek “Althoughtherearestillscars,psychological sports oval Governments & Hawthorn andphysical,Ifeelwearetravellingwell. Football Club Peoplearestillrebuildingandneedsupport, Replace 55 netball Soroptimists uniforms andtherearestillmentalwellbeingissues, Community Based VBAF includinganumberofyouths,butitiscritical emergency response plan wemaintainavenuestosupportthese Mill Site recovery, VBAF people.”–ColinBrick restoration and improvement Boolarra town entrance VBAF beautifi cation Boolarra and Yinnar VBAF bushfi re Moving-Image Project Upgrade Boolarra VBAF & State Multipurpose Centre Government Utilise local business * State Government Business expo * State Government Refurbishment / State Government replacement of parks Information Local, State & Communication Commonwealth Government
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Boolarra & Yinnar - Boolarra Memorial Hall Kitchen Upgrade Before the fi res, the Boolarra Memorial Hall’s kitchen didn’t This functionality has been further enhanced by a refrigerated meet health and safety standards so wasn’t able to be trailer that has been donated to the community and which is used for community functions. extensively used for community events and fundraising.
This became a bigger issue during the fi res, when it was “Thecommunityislookingforwardto realised that there was nowhere in the community to produce food in times of emergency. openingthekitchenupforcookingclasses tofurtherfostercommunityconnections.”– As a result, upgrading the hall’s kitchen became a key recovery priority for the community. CRCChairColinBrick
Funding from the Appeal Fund has been used for works Because it is a registered commercial kitchen, local to construct a commercial-grade kitchen for the hall are residents may also be able to hire it out for making jams, nearing completion, giving the hall a new lease on life. chutneys and other produce to be sold at markets.
It will now be able to be used by the community for dinners and special events, as well as being able to function as a relief centre during future emergencies.
A Boolarra and Yinnar Community Forum in early 2009
Small Business Support *Smallbusinesssupportencompassesavarietyoffundinginitiativeswhichmayhave Victorian Bushfire beendeliveredthroughcommunity,localgovernmentorstategovernmentprograms. Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Bowman-Murmungee Lying within the boundaries of the Rural City Community Recovery Plan Projects of Wangaratta, Murmungee is located around The progress made to Murmungee’s community projects 283 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD, has a complements the signifi cant support for individuals population of approximately 150 people and is provided by governments and private donors, including bordered to the east by Indigo Shire. Murmungee gifts worth more than $15,000 from the Appeal Fund to the reported eight landholders were directly affected by residents of Murmungee. the February bushfi res with pasture, stock feed and fencing losses across 1927 hectares of public land Community Get Together VBAF and 175 hectares of private land. Social Occasion and Supportive Events The Recovery Local road upgrades State Government While a CRC was not formally set up, Council worked in Major gully erosion and State Government close consultation with the local community. siltation control The Council recognised the importance of bringing the Upgrade of the Bowman - VBAF community together to plan the needs and priorities Murmungee Hall for recovery and acknowledged the role of community Replacement of boundary Indonesian Government consultation in ensuring all were kept informed and fencing, removal of trees involved throughout the recovery process. and fi lling of mineshafts
“Wehavelearntthatevenifasituationseems The Future tobehopelessthereisalwaysawayof The City of Wangaratta plans to continue supporting the reachingthegoalsifthereisunderstanding networks within the community and utilise the upgraded andcompassionpresent.”–LeoniePainter, hall as a focal point for the community. CityofWangaratta The community will continue to strengthen existing relationships to ensure its resilience.
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Bowman-Murmungee - Bowman-Murmungee Hall Upgrade The Bowman-Murmungee area is populated mainly by The works will mean the hall can be better used for farming families whose busy lives make it diffi cult for them community functions and activities, such as the upcoming to get together regularly. Bowman-Murmungee 50th Anniversary celebrations.
Added to this, the Bowman-Murmungee Hall is the only “Theupgradeworkswillalsoprovidethe facility that allows for community get-togethers, but its use is limited because both the kitchen and toilet facilities are communitywithamodern,safeanduseable in need of extensive upgrade works. facilitythatwillaidrecovery,increasethe
Located beside the CFA shed and local tennis courts, functionalityofhallandprovidefacilitiesbetter it is an important community hub. equippedtodealwithanyfuturefireevent.”
Funding provided by the Appeal Fund is allowing the –LeoniePainter,Community&Recreation community to undertake much-needed upgrade works Manager,RuralCityofWangaratta to the hall, with the project currently underway.
The well-used kitchen at Bowman-Murmungee Hall
Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Cardinia Within the shire of Cardinia, the 2009 bushfi res Understandably, a key theme of recovery activity has been began in the Bunyip State Park and went on to burn future readiness and prevention, with an emphasis on more than 26,000 hectares of land. This resulted in a actively developing a bushfi re protection plan. loss of animals and vegetation as well as signifi cant damage to farmland and fencing adjoining the Bunyip The upgrade to the Bunyip Auditorium to meet the needs State Park. of emergency services and the local community as a future recovery centre has complemented this planning. The small town of Tonimbuk was most affected by the fi res, with one residential property destroyed. Community Recovery Plan Projects
With a population of approximately 275, Tonimbuk is The progress made to Cardinia Shire’s community projects located 90 kilometres south-east of Melbourne at the complements the signifi cant support for individuals foothills of the Bunyip State Park. Adjacent towns include provided by governments and private donors, including Garfi eld, Longwarry and Bunyip. gifts worth more than $100,000 from the Appeal Fund to the residents of Cardinia. The Recovery Bunyip Auditorium upgrade Bendigo Bank The recovery process for Cardinia Shire was led at local & State Government government level. The communities of Tonimbuk, Garfi eld Tonimbuk Hall upgrade VBAF North and Bunyip were included in this process.
The Cardinia Shire Council estimates that nearly half of the The Future municipality is prone to bushfi re. Given this, and therefore Cardinia Shire Council will continue to oversee the a signifi cant impact on the community, was a general delivery of recovery projects and provide support for the exhaustion from being on alert for fi res. There was also community, both in relation to the 2009 fi res and ensuring concern about future fi re threats, particularly amongst preparedness for future emergency situations. younger residents.
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Cardinia - “Thank you Firies!” Recognising the important contribution of emergency The CFA and SES volunteers were presented with medals services workers during the February 2009 bushfi res, the and certifi cates - and a new strike team vehicle for use by Cardinia Shire Council held a “Thankyou Firies” event in the local brigades. April 2009. The purchase of the vehicle was made possible through The event was organised in partnership with the Cardinia the fundraising efforts of supporters including Andrew Foundation, local emergency services, businesses, church Facey, The Cardinia Foundation, Bendigo Bank, Pakenham groups and service organisations. Racing Club, Hardy’s Mitre 10, Delfi n, a grant from the Department of Justice and the Cardinia Shire Council. Over 1500 people from the local community, the 19 CFA brigades and two State Emergency Services (SES) units attended the event.
Cardinia’s ‘Thankyou Firies’ event
Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Casey Victoria’s most populous municipality, the City of In Harkaway the community held a Community Casey is located 45 kilometres to the south-east of Preparedness Day with activities for the children and Melbourne. information for families. In addition, the Harkaway Community Hall was also improved with the installation of This region features signifi cant open public recreation a generator. spaces such as Lysterfi eld Lake Park and Churchill National Park, while much of the remaining land is used The Council continues to support fi re prevention work for grazing and the agistment of horses. within the City of Casey.
The 2009 bushfi res impacted the suburbs of Narre Warren South, Harkaway and Lynbrook which are on the northern edge of the municipality, at the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges.
Described as the biggest fi res in the history of Casey, the Black Saturday bushfi res destroyed six houses in Narre Warren South and one in Harkaway, along with public infrastructure including fences and street signs.
The Recovery The City of Casey coordinated the recovery effort through the Bushfi res Municipal Recovery Committee. The focus of the committee was raising bushfi re awareness to improve community response and readiness in the event of a future emergency situation.
In the CRP, the committee identifi ed one key project - a series of fi re ready workshops to engage the broader community in the development of specifi c Emergency Response Plans for Cranbourne North, Harkaway, Lynbrook, Narre Warren North and Narre Warren South.
Empowering community members to contribute to the emergency response planning process is a crucial element in ensuring a well informed and better prepared community and restoring the confi dence of those living in bushfi re prone areas.
Two recovery committees were established to support the northern (Narre Warren North and Harkaway) and southern (Narre Warren South and Lynbrook) affected communities. Community members worked together to improve parkland areas with seating, revegetation of parks City of Casey community event and other community improvements.
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Casey - Improved Fire Preparedness The 2009 bushfires were a stark reminder for the peoplte Through this process, residents in bushfire-affected of Casey about the potential for fires to impact their communities are being assisted in the development of community and the importance of being prepared for such their personal Bushfire Survival Plans over the coming an eventuality. months, to enable them to prepare for wildfire events that may occur throughout the 2010/2011 fire season and into Following the bushfires, the Casey City Council used the future. funding from the Appeal Fund to employ an additional person to work with communities on their fire preparedness The City of Casey is also committed to working with planning and improving local skills. internal and external stakeholders on fire prevention and safety, and will be involved in co-promoting relevant CFA The City of Casey also worked closely with individual community education programs and materials to assist residents by implementing community bushfire preparation residents in their future fire season preparations. training courses, delivered through the Swinburne University of Technology and Further Education.
Black Saturday
February 7th 2009 5pm Black Saturday; now it’s known to be, When the wild fires roared down up us so free, The thick black smoke around us everywhere, Flames, hoses, buckets, people rushing here and there, Then the sirens finally came, Firemen yelling and running but it was all in vain, From smoke to ashes that was all that was seen, Blackness, soot and that smell showed where the fire had been, Devastation, sadness and grief was all around, No longer stood our house, it was burnt to the ground, Those Treasures and photos we long for so dear But still we have our memories of those bygone years, All the tears and hugs we shared with everyone, Will help us again to grow and move on.
Poem written by Casey resident Caroline Miszkowiec after losing her home in the Black Saturday bushfires.
Small Business Support *Small business support encompasses a variety of funding initiatives which may have Victorian Bushfire been delivered through community, local government or state government programs. Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Corangamite Pomborneit is located approximately two and a half Community Recovery Plan Projects hours drive from the Melbourne CBD and under 30 The progress made to Corangamite’s community projects minutes from Colac. Nearby towns include Pomborneit complements the signifi cant support for individuals North and East, Weerite, Koallah and Stonyford. provided by governments and private donors, including gifts worth more than $60,000 from the Appeal Fund to the The Weerite-Pomborneit fi re burned approximately residents of Corangamite. 1300 hectares of predominantly farming land, resulting in the loss of pasture, stored fodder, fencing and sheds. Restoration of the VBAF It caused signifi cant damage to public facilities including Recreation Reserve the recreation reserve, the railway line and service utilities. Corangamite community VBAF & State While no homes were destroyed, several small businesses hall improvements Government and hobby farms were affected. Bore and pump VBAF New generator VBAF The Recovery Revegetate the Recreation VBAF The Corangamite CRC are particularly proud of the speed Reserve with which the community gathered information on what recovery and reconstruction work was required and how New barbeque facilities State & Commonwealth they wanted to work together to achieve this. Governments Air-conditioning for the State Government Following a community meeting, a survey was sent to Pomborneit North Hall people seeking their views on what needed to be done and Roadside rest stop with State Government in what priority order. From this, the CRP was developed. memorial Community members are pleased with their improved facilities and delighted that they were able to contribute to Car park at Pomborneit State Government their community. North Hall Wildlife shelters The Salvation Army Lyall Bond, Manager of Environment and Emergency for Corangamite Shire says many lessons have been learned Extension of Moore’s Road Local Council from the bushfi res. He believes it is very important to let the community lead and allow them to experience a sense of The Future well-deserved achievement. The Corangamite CRC, operating in conjunction with the Corangamite Shire Council, is overseeing the completion “As no two communities are the same, importance is of outstanding projects. placed on the capacity of the community and this is often the best way of delivering programs. Where recovery is drawn out, community capacity can become strained.”
“Weshouldn’tunderestimatecommunity capacitytogetjobsdone.”–LyallBond
p.46 Community Recovery
Corangamite - Pomborneit Recreation Reserve The Pomborneit Recreation Reserve is an important space Revegetation planning is underway and work has been for the local community. completed on the cricket nets, the ground has been re-sown in time for the cricket season and the playground It’s the home ground of the senior and junior cricket is installed. teams, and also houses club rooms which are used by the community for a range of activities. “Withtheassistanceofasupportiveand The Reserve, including the cricket nets and oval, was energeticcouncil,recoveryiswellin completely burnt out in the 2009 fi res and needed hand–thecricketgroundwasre-sown extensive repairs. andre-fencedintimeforthestartofthis So far, the Victorian Government has funded the re-sowing season,theclubroomsareagainserving of the cricket ground and the installation of a playground at the Reserve. The Appeal Fund has contributed funds asthecentralcommunitymeetingpoint to repair the damaged cricket nets and revegetation and andenvironmentalrevegetationworkswill environmental work at the Reserve. continue.”–JimBoyd,Presidentofthe PomborneitRecreationReserveCommittee
Pomborneit Recreation Reserve
Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Drouin West Drouin West and the surrounding district has a “Withthesupportofalocalprinterand population of around 500 people and is approximately generousvolunteerstheDrouinWest 100 kilometres east of Melbourne in the rich agricultural area of West Gippsland. Chroniclewasestablished.Thiscommunity newsletterhasbecomewellrecognisedin While dairy farming is the predominant industry in the area, Drouin West is located within the Baw Baw Shire’s Gourmet thelocalareaandwasrecentlynominated Deli Trail which consists of a network of farms, vineyards foranawardthroughtheCommunity and outlets selling local produce and smallgoods attracting NewslettersAssociationofVictoria.” tourists from across Victoria. –BrianConnelly Nineteen properties were lost in Drouin West, while a further 167 local farms in the district suffered with land Community Recovery Plan Projects burnt and assets destroyed. The progress made to Drouin West’s community projects complements the signifi cant support for individuals The Recovery provided by governments and private donors, including The Drouin West township has a Primary School, Cemetery gifts worth more than $1 million from the Appeal Fund to and CFA shed. In the past there was little community the residents of Drouin West. connection or cohesion. Drouin West Cemetery Community Sourced As Brian Connelly from the Drouin West CRC says, “There was no community association or group that organised Drouin West CFA fi re Community Sourced activities, events, community meetings or projects. To station upgrade participate in the community you were either a member Picnic Point and Thornells VBAF, Bendigo Bank of the CFA or, if you have young children that attend the Reserve to Robin Hood & State Government primary school, you could connect with those families.” Bushland Reserve Memorial Trail “Following the fi re, a meeting was called by the Council Expansion of facilities at VBAF, Bendigo Bank and we were invited to establish a recovery committee. It Picnic Point - including & State Government is from this point on that we started to work together and safe playground, new began to realise that we are also a community.” picnic table, tree planting, One of the challenges for the newly formed Drouin West rubbish bins, safe car CRC was to understand that expectations within the parking and BBQ facilities community varied, and at times there was the necessity to Natural Environment, VBAF negotiate an outcome. There was a further learning curve incorporated into a whole in relation to funding processes and determining what was of Baw Baw project eligible to be funded. Information evening with VBAF Dr Robert Gordon Overcoming these challenges, the group has made great progress in enabling the recovery of the town, such as Drouin West Community Community Sourced the improvements to the Robin Hood Reserve and the Newsletter restoration of fi re damaged tracks and facilities at Glen Inter-community interaction VBAF Cromie Park, which are important community spaces that & events people visit with family and friends. Parents pamper day VBAF For a previously disparate community, communication Events for the community VBAF is now of utmost importance, and a great benefi t to the of Drouin West area has been the set-up of a community newsletter to Drouin West Primary tea Community Sourced share information. & coffee
p.48 Community Recovery
Christians Help in Primary Community Sourced The Future Schools (CHIPS) activity The Drouin West CRC is now considering its next step – day whether to become an incorporated group or to partner Community Bushfi re VBAF and become a sub group of a broader association. Recovery Plan However, it is certain that those in the CRC, and the Black Saturday Bushfi res Local Donor, FRRR broader community, are committed to continuing to rebuild Memorabilia Book & Salvation Army and restore the local community. Agriculture and farming VBAF skills workshop As Brian says “Working together demonstrated the strength Community events and VBAF that can be gained and our ability to achieve good results. strengthening We have identifi ed that we are a community and whilst it will take time, we will work together to continue as a group, Glen Cromie Walking Track VBAF we will encourage new members and participation.” Small business support * Local, State & Commonwealth Government Property management Local & State workshops Government
Drouin West - Robin Hood Reserve Restoration Works and Upgrades
Located on the Tarago River, Robin Hood Reserve is With restoration and upgrade works now completed, the historically signifi cant as an indigenous meeting place and Robin Hood Reserve can continue to provide the people continues to play an important role in the life of the local of Drouin West with a place for recreation, socialising and community as a key recreational and social point. refl ection, contributing to the community’s wellbeing.
Before the fi res, the Reserve was in need of improvements “Wecansaythatasamemorial,itdoesgive and then suffered damage in the fi res, further heightening the need for upgrade works. afocalpointtoreflectontheeventsofBlack Saturday.Itisinanappropriatesettingto After the fi res, the community identifi ed works at the Reserve as a key recovery priority and used Community Assistance demonstratethatrecoveryistakingplace.”– Gift funding to construct around 500 metres of walking track BrianConnelly,DrouinWestCRCChair. along the river, as well as to establish a car park.
The Reserve was also chosen by the community as the best location for a local bushfi re memorial, which has also been completed. The memorial is a rotunda with seating, giving people a place to sit and refl ect in a beautiful natural environment.
This project was driven by Baw Baw Shire Council in partnership with the Drouin West community.
The memorial at Robin Hood Reserve
Small Business Support *Smallbusinesssupportencompassesavarietyoffundinginitiativeswhichmayhave Victorian Bushfire beendeliveredthroughcommunity,localgovernmentorstategovernmentprograms. Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Flowerdale
Flowerdale and Hazeldene are located across Refurbishment of State Government a stretch of 11 kilometres, approximately 100 education facilities kilometres north-east of Melbourne. There are around Fire safety and VBAF 1,500 people living in the community. preparedness On 7 February 2009, 11 people died and fi ve properties Flowerdale Community Commonwealth were destroyed in Flowerdale and 202 of nearly 300 House Government & VBAF dwellings in Hazeldene were damaged or destroyed. Landscape restoration and VBAF The community centre, which housed the kindergarten, maintenance was also destroyed. Flowerdale Community Hall VBAF, FRRR & State Government The Recovery Flowerdale bushfi re State & Commonwealth With the community banding together in the immediate memorial Governments aftermath of the fi res, priorities were quickly established to ensure initiatives for their recovery were set and Flowerdale Recreation VBAF, Local & State delivered as quickly as possible, with as much community Reserve Government consultation as possible. Flowerdale community VBAF events program Once elected, the Flowerdale CRC, through the Flowerdale Forum I, established the community consultation process. Flowerdale transport Salvation Army & This led to the creation of the Flowerdale CRP. State Government Moores Road Reserve VBAF & Community Committee Chair John Burgess believes the achievements Upgrade Sourced Donors of the CRC, which has retained its original membership Economic Support State Government since the fi res, were made possible through its clear focus Package * on delivering priority projects identifi ed in the Plan. Flowerdale Youth Space VBAF “Thishasbeendonethroughcreating Flowerdale Arts and VBAF, State Government networksandpartnershipswithalllevels Culture Development and & Community Sourced Men’s Shed Donors ofgovernment,non-governmentand Flowerdale Shared VBAF philanthropicorganisations,” Pathway
“Equallyimportanthasbeendeveloping The Future strongcommunicationlinkswithcommunity Having achieved a great deal of what it set out to do two members,bothonandoffthemountain, years ago, the Flowerdale CRC is confi dent it has the right andcontinuingtodevelopstrongcommunity processes in place to ensure the community can move on to the next phase in its longer-term recovery. In December connectedness.”–JohnBurgess last year the CRC offi cially transitioned responsibility for any ongoing recovery-related activity, including Community Recovery Plan Projects the oversight of projects being delivered, to existing The progress made to Flowerdale’s community projects community organisations and groups within Flowerdale. complements the signifi cant support for individuals provided by governments and private donors, including gifts worth more than $21 million from the Appeal Fund to the residents of Flowerdale and Hazeldene.
p.50 Community Recovery
Flowerdale - Community’s Vision In the immediate aftermath of Black Saturday the “As our community members strived for community Flowerdale community banded together and worked connectedness, the tennis club took up the running and, quickly with government agencies and other organisations as a result, its membership has increased to over 80 to get the Flowerdale Relief Village up and running. members and provided an opportunity for all to partake in social and sporting activities.” The same strong community consultation and can- do attitude of locals will see the site of the temporary Through the Flowerdale Forum I, held in June 2009, village, at the Spring Valley Recreation Reserve (SVRR), the community identifi ed a need for additional recreation transformed into a multi-use area for the community. and cultural activities. The Flowerdale Community Recovery Committee actioned these aspirations and, Plans for the Reserve include rehabilitating and improving as a consequence, these projects have been funded by the cricket ground once temporary accommodation has the Appeal Fund and various government departments been removed, turning the old tennis courts into cricket and agencies. nets, installing a Men’s Shed, constructing an Artists Studio and creating a community garden. “In the not too distant future, the SVRR will become a pivotal connector for our community that will encompass Funding has been secured from the Victorian Bushfi re sports, gardening, recreation, arts and a much required Appeal Fund for improvements to the cricket ground, nets men’s activity area in the Men’s Shed. We envisage that and the community garden, with further funding being these new facilities will encourage and cater for broad sought for the Men’s Shed fi t-out. sections of our community, which will promote and endorse community health and wellbeing,” John concludes. The community garden will be planted with seeds from the Primary School’s propagation unit to grow produce that can be used for local community dinners and can also be sold, with profi ts going back to the community.
Meanwhile, the Artists Studio will provide an important space for local visual artists and craftspeople.
Chair of the Flowerdale Community Recovery Committee, John Burgess, said the Reserve was the only sporting facility in the area, previously used by the Flowerdale Cricket Club and Flowerdale Tennis Club.
“Thecricketclubhasbeenoperatingfor over125yearsandhasbeenanintegral Members of the Flowerdale CRC with componentofFlowerdale’ssocialstructure. Christine Nixon and Ian Dicker at the CRC Refl ection Event in December 2010 ItwasunfortunatethattheSVRRhadto beutilisedfortheconstructionofthe FlowerdaleTemporaryVillage.Hence, crickethasnotbeenplayedonthisoval posttheFebruaryfires.”–JohnBurgess
Small Business Support *Smallbusinesssupportencompassesavarietyoffundinginitiativeswhichmayhave Victorian Bushfire beendeliveredthroughcommunity,localgovernmentorstategovernmentprograms. Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Gormandale & District The rural community of Gormandale is located in the Community Recovery Plan Projects Merrimans Creek Valley approximately 183 kilometres The progress made to Gormandale’s community projects east of Melbourne. Adjacent communities include complements the signifi cant support for individuals Carrajung, Carrajung Lower and Willung South. provided by governments and private donors, including gifts worth more than $1 million from the Appeal Fund to Home to approximately 750 people, Gormandale is the residents of Gormandale. essentially a farming community with an emphasis on dairy and beef cattle, sheep and grain. Gormandale Hall Upgrade VBAF & ACT Emergency Gormandale and surrounding communities in the Services Wellington Shire were threatened by the Churchill Upgrade of Carrajung VBAF complex of fi res. No lives were lost in the Gormandale South Hall region, but eight properties and more than 12,000 Wellington Shire VBAF hectares were burnt across the Shire. community emergency preparedness planning The Recovery Youth Leadership Program VBAF The Gormandale CRC has a number of local recovery Gormandale Community VBAF projects on its list of achievements, including upgrades to Events the Recreation Reserve and Hall, as well as a wall mural which involved local school students. Upgrade of Carrajung Oval VBAF Gormandale Clean-up Day VBAF But it is the Youth Leadership Project (YLP) which the CRC Gormandale & District VBAF considers has had the most potential to make a lasting Roadside piles of wood & contribution to the community. The YLP is designed to dead trees identify potential community leaders, encourage locals to put their hands up to become involved in their community Gormandale Recreational VBAF and to equip them with the necessary leadership skills. Reserve upgrade The Project has enjoyed great success thus far. Kath McEntee from the Gormandale CRC says that the The Future Leadership Project gives others the opportunity “…to The Gormandale CRC has recently become incorporated participate in community projects and in decision making.” and is now in the process of making the necessary administrative arrangements. The next step for the CRC Many lessons have been learned throughout the recovery is to oversee the completion of all of its funded projects. process. Kath believes the biggest challenge has been to On completion of the projects, the CRC will consider its involve people. future. There are many things the CRC could become - “Trying to get away from the ‘usual suspects’ and fi nd this decision will be addressed in early 2011. other people to participate is always a challenge. The time The Gormandale community will keep working with various it takes for volunteers is a big ask and government and local committees and clubs, see through the completion other groups should appreciate the role of volunteers of CRC projects and build on the resilience they have more,” says Kath. found in the aftermath of the bushfi res. The community will It has been important to try and balance inclusiveness in always remember Black Saturday but will continue to heal the CRC processes and projects with the need for decision and move forward. making and moving forward with goals and projects.
“Tryingtounderstandwhereothersare comingfromiscrucialsothatpeople feeltheyhaveavoice.”–ColinMcAllan, CRCChair
p.52 Community Recovery
Gormandale & District - Gormandale and Carrajung South Halls
Both of these halls are key community infrastructure for Despite its current state of disrepair, Gormandale Hall their areas but are in need of improvements. is still widely used by the community, acting as a major centre for socialising and indoor sports as well as a space Having been built in the 1920s, the Gormandale Hall is for the local playgroup. of historic signifi cance to the community. It still retains the features of a grand old hall with high baltic pine ceilings To ensure both facilities can continue to play an active role and original cloak room. in their communities into the future, Appeal Fund funding will allow for upgrades to the kitchen and toilet facilities, as well as see disabled access installed.
The Gormandale CRC is working to ensure the completion of all projects
Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Hazelwood - Jeeralang Some two hours from Melbourne, Hazelwood- “Frustratedbyourinabilitytoorganiselocal Jeeralang sits at the foot of the Strzelecki Ranges basicrelief,andtogarnerassistancefrom in Gippsland. Between them, Hazelwood-Jeeralang boast a population of some 1000 people while nearby thevariousagenciesandorganisationsthat Churchill has a population of approximately 4500. wereindicatingawillingnesstosupport Hazelwood-Jeeralang’s community and economy are recovery,ashadourneighbouringCRCs, multi-faceted – comprising a mix of agricultural, industrial welearnedthatitisessentialtohave and educational elements including dairy and beef farming, wellorganisedcommunitystructuresand energy production, forestry and logging, tertiary education and health. networksinplaceandreadytoswinginto actionintheeventofadisaster.Having Tourism is also a contributor to the local community and economy with many people each year visiting identifiedthisneed,weareplanningfor the Hazelwood Pondage to participate in a range of thefuturewellbeingofthecommunity.” recreational water activities including swimming, sailing, –JohnArkinstall water skiing and canoeing.
Three people lost their lives in the bushfi res which hit the Community Recovery Plan Projects Hazelwood-Jeeralang area. Additionally, thirteen properties The progress made to the Hazelwood-Jeeralang CRC’s were destroyed and signifi cant damage to timber community projects complements the signifi cant support plantations and farm fencing was reported. for individuals provided by governments and private donors, including gifts worth more than $2.6 million from The Recovery the Appeal Fund to the residents of Hazelwood-Jeeralang. Dr John Arkinstall, of the Hazelwood-Jeeralang CRC, Jeeralang North Community Hall rebuilding project believes that the greatest achievement of the CRC has VBAF, McDonalds, Rotary, Bendigo Bank, Lions and been to unify the people of the three local bushfi re-affected Soroptimists International communities into one organised and formidable team.
This was no mean feat for as John says, “each of these Tree clearing State Government communities had a distinct and separate identity, and Farming properties Indonesian Government, differing focuses and views on important issues such as assistance Gippsland Emergency community safety.” Relief Fund (GERF) & State Government Despite this, they came together through a number of Addressing vegetation loss VBAF successful community events and have worked together, - plants and trees. utilising local expertise, to deal with the myriad issues of recovery such as reconstruction of homes and boundary Development of VBAF fencing, clean-up of dangerous trees and wood piles and communications tree renovation of the Jeeralang North Hall. Fencing coordinators, Indonesian Government needs, logistics and advice & GERF “Many negative experiences and positive lessons have been drawn from the 2009 bushfi res and the Garden and landscape VBAF subsequent recovery process. In the aftermath of the restoration. This project fi res, the community was unsure how to move past simple covers each of the three discussion of what work needed to be done to getting CRCs within LaTrobe down and doing it.” Council Reconstruction services, Local & State information and support Governments Communication of recovery State & Commonwealth process Governments Community events VBAF
p.54 Community Recovery
Being vocal for personal VBAF & Soroptimists Latrobe Dangerous VBAF recovery International Woodpile Management Community activities VBAF Western Strzelecki Walking Bendigo Bank Supporting your Community Sourced Track & State Government neighbours with assistance and equipment The Future Share workload by working Community Sourced In 2010, the Hazelwood-Jeeralang CRC transitioned to closely and collaboratively a more broadly based Community Committee which is with neighbours, overseeing the completion of various community projects.
Insurance advice Local & State Government With an eye on the future, the Community Committee has Children’s holiday YMCA & The Salvation commenced work on local emergency action planning and programs Army exercises in their wider fi re-prone district and is working Community bushfi re VBAF with a consultant to bring together dispersed communities education and existing community organisations to formally address this vital community need. Jeeralang North tracks and VBAF trails
Hazelwood - Jeeralang - Jeeralang North Community Hall Upgrade
The Jeeralang North Community Hall was built by the There will also be new picnic and barbecue areas community as a bushfi re reconstruction project some constructed near the hall along with an improved carpark, 50 years ago, and since then has played diverse and so locals and visitors can enjoy the area and use it to important roles in the life of the community as the district access nearby walking and riding trails. has changed over time. “Sincethefires,theHazelwood-Jeeralang The February 2009 bushfi res destroyed the hall’s amenity areas and damaged the remaining structure of the building, communityhasralliedaroundtheJeeralang rendering it unusable ever since. NorthHallreconstructionproject,and
Grants from the Appeal Fund have been earmarked by redefineditasarenovationprojectinboth the community to undertake signifi cant restoration and designandfunction.”–DrJohnArkinstall, upgrade works, along with generous donations from the ChairofHazelwood-JeeralangCommunity FRRR, McDonalds, Rotary and Lions. Committee With professional assistance, the community has developed and agreed on plans for the hall and were extremely grateful “We have many diverse plans for its use, and see the for the assistance provided by their architect, whose project as symbolic of our own recovery. It has been long, pro-bono work with the community and various levels of wearing and demanding, but we’re now getting there, and government was nothing short of amazingly supportive. hope our clearly vital district will again be able to attract new residents.’’ The works will include the construction of a new meeting room, a replacement kitchen and replacement toilets, as well as general hall improvements. The redeveloped hall will also provide water for the CFA, where no alternative supply is available.
Members of the Hazelwood - Jeeralang CRC
Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Hepburn Shire On 23 February 2009 the fi re that became known as Community Recovery Plan Projects the Musk Vale / Hogans Road fi re started on the edge The progress made to Hepburn Shire’s community projects of the Midland Highway about four kilometres south complements the signifi cant support for individuals of Daylesford. provided by governments and private donors, including gifts worth almost $200,000 from the Appeal Fund to the The fi re impacted the towns of Hepburn Springs, residents of the Shire. Daylesford, Musk Vale, Glenlyon, Lyonville, Bullarto and Leonard’s Hill. Hepburn arts and cultural VBAF One home and more than 70 individual properties were “Not left Behind” project destroyed. There was also extensive damage to private New Ultra Light Tanker FRRR and Crown land as the Hepburn Shire consists of large Build connections and State Government amounts of forests on both public and private land. The fi re support networks burnt about 2,300 hectares - 650 hectares of private land Daylesford Spa Country Bendigo Bank and 1,650 hectares of Crown land. Railway & State Government The fi res also had a signifi cant emotional impact upon Youth recovery forum State Government the residents of Hepburn Shire. A number of youth Community hall VBAF programs have been established to assist young people improvements in their recovery as many young people were evacuated to nearby towns numerous times over the course of the 3 Lost Children’s Walk State Government 2009 bushfi re season. restoration and signage Fencing Volunteer Fencing The Recovery Coordination Program The fl exible approach that was taken with regard to the Wombat Bridge repairs State Government Hepburn Shire Bushfi re Recovery Committee (CRC) Business/Tourism Support State & Commonwealth has been fundamental to it fulfi lling its role within the projects * Governments recovery process and has allowed it to represent the wider community. The Future The CRC drew strength from the breadth of membership. With many projects complete and the Four Halls project It included farmers, CFA members and tourist operators underway, the Hepburn Shire Bushfi re Recovery Committee along with people who were personally touched by the moved into the succession process. February 2009 bushfi re.
The ability to directly feedback to the Authority was important to the group. The CRC valued its role as an information conduit to and from Council, but considered it was important that it was not a formal Council Advisory Committee and was therefore not affected by the constraints that would bring.
p.56 Community Recovery
Hepburn Shire - Four Halls Project Community halls throughout Victoria have long provided “Even prior to 2009 fi res, fi re preparation meetings were valuable services to their local communities but their role becoming popular, many organized by community groups as central community meeting places has been enhanced themselves. Since the 2009 fi res an important part of since the 2009 bushfi res. the recovery process has been for people to gather at meetings such as community fi re guard meetings The Four Halls project will see the refurbishment of four to discuss the past events and prepare for coming halls within the Hepburn area - Bullarto Hall, Glenlyon Hall, fi re seasons. Last summer we saw record numbers of Leonard’s Hill Hall and Lyonville Hall. residents gather at community halls in Glenlyon, Lyonville, Bullarto and Trentham, which were the areas most affected Over the past 24 months there has been a strong and threatened by the Daylesford region fi re.” emphasis on working together to encourage greater community participation in community planning, bushfi re “Over time the condition of the halls has deteriorated and preparedness and fi re guard groups. unfortunately this has affected their use,” Sue continues.
Upgrades to these halls will provide their communities with “For instance, the hall at Lyonville is used regularly but facilities that will allow for more activities promoting social there is no heating whatsoever. The Leonard’s Hill hall is connectedness and recovery and fi re preparation. well known for its country dances but a major leak in the They will also encourage the development of new kitchen makes preparation of food diffi cult. The Bullarto community groups that can use the halls to meet and Hall is extremely popular and it is not uncommon for there conduct community events and activities. This project will to be over 100 people at a gathering and there is often a also build community capacity to deal with future fi re events. long queue to the only ladies loo!” Hepburn Shire communities are extremely proud of “Communityhallsprovideinmostcases their halls and dedicated locals care for them by way of theonlypublicmeetingplaceforsmall committees of management. This project will assist with communities.OvertheyearsHepburnShire making sure these valuable facilities will be around for years to come and continue to provide the opportunity for locals to communityhallshavebeenusedforparties, gather and strengthen their friendships and connections. weddingsandevenfunerals.”–Community LiaisonPlanningOfficer,SueMoses
Glenlyon Hall is one of the sites to be refurbished by the Four Halls project
Small Business Support *Smallbusinesssupportencompassesavarietyoffundinginitiativeswhichmayhave Victorian Bushfire beendeliveredthroughcommunity,localgovernmentorstategovernmentprograms. Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Horsham As the retail, business and service heart of the wider Community Recovery Plan Projects Wimmera Region in the north-west corner of Victoria, The progress made to Horsham CRC’s community projects Horsham has a population of around 13,500 people. complements the signifi cant support for individuals These sectors provide most of the employment for provided by governments and private donors, including the residents of Horsham and nearby towns such as gifts worth more than $1.7 million from the Appeal Fund to Haven, while sheep, cattle and grain farming drives the residents of the district. local employment in the neighbouring communities of Remlaw, Riverside and Drung. Haven Recreation Reserve VBAF improvements The February 2009 fi res destroyed three properties in Horsham including the Horsham Golf Club, one property Black Saturday Anniversary VBAF in Drung and nine properties in Haven. The fi res also events had a signifi cant impact on many of the region’s farming Salvation Army - Big Band State Government properties, destroying almost 172 kilometres of boundary Bash Variety Concert. fencing and burning almost 2217 hectares of crops and Remlaw Fire Book State Government lifestyle farmland. Nexus Youth Projects State Government The Barengi Gadjin Land Council also reported that the Horsham Golf Club Tree Greek Government fi re destroyed four of nine registered historic scarred trees Planting and Restoration along the Wimmera River. Such cultural heritage sites Weekend are of great signifi cance to the Traditional Owners who Quantong Community Community Sourced have lived in this region all their lives and have a strong Thankyou event connection to the land. Quantong Recreation State Government Reserve - power supply The Recovery upgrade Laurie Thomas, a former member of the CRC, says that Art Is Elemental Festival - VBAF & State adopting the CRC structure enabled the committee to opening ceremony Government keep the community informed of the recovery process and assistance that was available to individuals who were Black Light Youth State Government affected by the fi res. It was an important channel between the Workshop community and the local council, and brought a wide range Green Lake - upgrade to State Government of people together including local residents, the fi re brigade, community picnic area SES workers and farmers. Sawyer Park Soundshell VBAF Shade Provision “Throughadversitythecommunityhasgrown Horsham Golf Club State Government stronger.”–LaurieThomas Restoration Laurie adds that “one of the key lessons learned is that everyone is different, people have different ideas and The Future opinions and there is a need to acknowledge these and While Horsham was not affected to the extent of other work together with people to reach a common goal – areas, the recovery process continues and both community the recovery of the district.” and Council have learnt the importance of being prepared, and having an emergency plan that can be put into action following a disaster.
The CRC dissolved in mid 2010, but Council is continuing to work with local community members to make sure they receive ongoing support.
p.58 Community Recovery
Horsham - Haven Black Saturday Anniversary and Haven Centenary Weekend
There are just over 400 homes in the township of Haven, The Haven Market was held on Saturday morning with new homes being built all the time. with hundreds of people attending, followed by a free Community Concert that evening with a clown and face Being only three kilometres from Horsham, residents enjoy painting for the children and various bands that played the rural atmosphere while still only fi ve minutes from the through until midnight. main CBD of Horsham – the best of both worlds. A Fun Run was held on the Sunday morning, with walkers, Because there are new people moving to the area all the joggers, cyclists, horse enthusiasts and vintage cars taking time, prior to Black Saturday many residents hadn’t met a tour of the fi re-affected area. This was followed by a free their neighbours. Most new residents are not familiar with breakfast and commemorative ceremony to mark one year the geography and history of the area. Therefore, the on from the fi res. The community unveiled a time capsule, community saw it as a priority post-fi res to help build a including a display of burnt items from local homes. stronger sense of community and connection to the area. The weekend included memorabilia displays and bus With funding from the Appeal Fund, the community tours, which were very popular. A commemorative plaque held a range of social activities over the fi rst anniversary was unveiled at the old Haven Church and the Remlaw Fire weekend of the bushfi res to bring the community together, Book was available at Haven on the day. share their experiences of the fi res and work on capturing Haven’s past history in book, DVD and storyboard form. The activities and social interaction resulting from the The DVD is now complete, and the book and the story weekend fostered community spirit and resilience and board are well underway. assisted residents in the healing process as they moved through the anniversary period of the bushfi res. The weekend was a huge success, starting on Friday afternoon with the well-attended opening of the new Haven “OurBlackSaturdayAnniversaryprovided Primary School. That evening there was an Art and Photo Exhibition featuring local artists and photographers and a anopportunitytogetthecommunity free wine and cheese night. togetherforsomepositiveeventswhilestill acknowledgingtheterribledaythateveryone wentthrough.”–localresidentSueExell
Euan Ross, Marg Pope and Dean Johns prepare to set off on the community bike ride
Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Indigo
Indigo Shire, which is located in Victoria’s North East, Satellite phones for CFA FRRR is bordered by the Murray and is an area renowned and key community for its natural beauty and historic character. leaders during an The Shire has a population of 15,238 and has more than emergency event 700 separate businesses with the local economy based on Emergency trailer with SMEC farming, the processing of primary produce and services equipment to be used for including tourism. community events Bruarong Hall upgrade VBAF, Local & The Beechworth Fire, which began late in the day on Commonwealth 7 February 2009, had a signifi cant economic impact in Governments the Indigo Shire. In Beechworth, Stanley and Bruarong, signifi cant stretches of private boundary fencing were lost Bushfi re preparedness VBAF and many farming businesses suffered fencing, stock and for the 2010 season fodder losses. (Bruarong) Additional clean-up VBAF The Recovery support The Indigo Shire community regards planning for a better Emergency water tanks The Salvation Army future as the most valuable achievement following the fi res. Bushfi re preparedness VBAF Providing a signifi cant confi dence boost to the community, for the 2010 season Michael Nuck, Captain of the Stanley Fire Brigade, says (Beechworth) that the “set up of ‘safer places’ in Stanley” has been Additional clean-up VBAF of great importance in enabling the community to move support forward and in supporting the self assurance of its people. Completion of multi- State & Commonwealth Of the lessons learnt during recovery, the need to set in purpose community facility Governments place a community plan was prominent. With a community at Baarmutha Park plan now in place, the people of Indigo Shire feel confi dent Stanley Newsletter VBAF to approach challenges they may face with a positive Bruarong community VBAF attitude and, as Michael says, “To be pro-active instead of events re-active, in terms of thinking ahead for any and all natural disasters that could occur.” Ongoing access to State & Commonwealth counselling and emotional Governments & VBAF support as required Community Recovery Plan Projects Community Events VBAF The progress made to Indigo’s community projects complements the signifi cant support for individuals Road upgrades Local Government provided by governments and private donors, including gifts worth more than $170,000 from the Appeal Fund to The Future the residents of Indigo. The next step for the community of Indigo Shire is to continue to build stronger communities and ensure Upgrade of Recreation Local & Commonwealth effective transition of community responsibilities to Reserve and Community Governments progress strengthening of community capacity-building. Hall in Stanley Bushfi re preparedness for VBAF Future steps for community development include the 2010 season (Stanley) continuing efforts to secure funding for road-side management, addressing ongoing psychological issues, Stanley noticeboard VBAF motivating and training new members for the fi re brigade and assisting the struggling farming communities with sustainable farming options.
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Indigo - Bruarong Hall Upgrade and Stanley Noticeboard The Bruarong Hall is a central point for the community and “It(theproject)hasshownuswhatwe has played a key role in their bushfi re recovery. canachievewhenweworktogetheras After the fi res, Bruarong residents identifi ed strengthening acommunitywithacommonaim.Ithas community connection as an integral part of their recovery definitelybroughtsomeofthecommunity process. Upgrading the Hall as a local hub for community events and get-togethers was seen as crucial to fostering togethermorecloselywithothermembers; that connectedness. whowewouldnototherwisehaveengaged
The Appeal Fund and the Department of Planning and with,bothsociallyandpolitically.”–Bruarong Community Development have allocated funding towards residentsRuthYuleandDenisBrown the project, which has allowed for pathways and ramps to be constructed at the Hall to improve access for the A key recovery priority for the nearby Stanley community disabled, elderly people and parents with prams. was also to enhance connectedness and information sharing to bring people closer together and create a New kitchen and toilet facilities have also been installed greater sense of community. as well as works on a veranda/outdoor decking area and walls (which has recently been completed) to improve the The Stanley community have since used funding from the building’s ability to host community get-togethers. Appeal Fund to produce a monthly community newsletter titled The Nine Mile News, a project driven by a dedicated group of Stanley locals.
The project is a simple and practical way for the community to access community information and build local connections after the fi res.
The newly complete Bruarong Hall upgrades
Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Jindivick
The close-knit community of Jindivick has a population Jindivick Hall upgrade VBAF of approximately 500 people and is located in an area of Jindivick to Nangara VBAF West Gippsland renowned for its natural beauty. Bushland Reserve Memorial It is largely a farming community with dairy farming being the walking trail predominant industry in the area. Described as ‘Gourmet Deli Community Bushfi re State & Commonwealth Country’, the region boasts a growing number of boutique Recovery Plan development Governments farms producing olives, berries and free-range meats. Bushfi re awareness training VBAF Twenty-three properties in Jindivick were destroyed in the Information evening with Dr State Government 2009 Victorian bushfi res, while local farmland was burnt and Robert Gordon many farms lost stock feed, fencing, sheds, machinery, water ANZAC Day barbecue Community Sourced supplies and small farm bridges. Art Project with bollards VBAF
The Recovery Strengthening Jindivick VBAF community spirit Prior to the bushfi res a vibrant Progress Association existed in Jindivick, so the CRC was formed from a sub-group of Ladies pamper day Community Sourced this body. Men’s Beef & Beer night Community Sourced National Gallery school Local Government While having an established structure in place was a excursion great benefi t, managing the recovery process was a new undertaking for the group and brought with it certain Christians Help in Primary Community Sourced pressures. Schools (CHIPS) activity day Jindivick movie night Local Government CRC and Progress Association member Liz Duell says, Black Saturday Bushfi res Community Sourced “decisions with regard to money were always diffi cult.” memorabilia book “Thebiggestchallengeshavebeen Property management Local, State & understandingthecriteriaforfunding,and workshops Commonwealth Governments ensuringfunctionsorprojectswerecompleted Agriculture and farming VBAF withinthetimeframes.”–LizDuell skills workshop
The Jindivick CRC has successfully coordinated a number of Roadside development Commonwealth community events and activities with the aim of strengthening Government community spirit, including movie nights, casserole dinners, Improved tourism signage Community Sourced yoga classes, tennis coaching and a community trip to the for Jindivick zoo. In addition, it has worked to plan projects such as the Bushfi re Business Recovery Local, State & Nangara Reserve Recovery Project. Workshops Commonwealth Governments These projects have been achieved with the CRC staying a cohesive group throughout the process. Small business support and Local, State & advice * Commonwealth Community Recovery Plan Projects Governments Jindivick Cricket Nets VBAF The progress made to Jindivick’s community projects complements the signifi cant support for individuals provided by governments and private donors, including gifts worth more The Future than $900,000 from the Appeal Fund to the residents In time, the Jindivick CRC will transition back to the Jindivick of Jindivick. Progress Association, which will see projects through to their conclusion. Nangara Reserve Recovery VBAF Project
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Having come through the recovery process, Liz Duell looks Ongoing projects for the community include the Nangara forward to a time when the group can revert to a simple way of Reserve, a community garden and the Jindivick Hall upgrade. achieving things for the community, without pressure and time The Jindivick Business Group also has many ideas to keep constraints. invigorating this township.
Jindivick - Nangara Reserve Restoration and Upgrade Nangara Reserve has a long and diverse history. The area “The establishment of “ARTraction” has excited and motivated was fi rst used by the local indigenous people, then later as local artists including our school children to produce works a quarry and currently serves as a recreational space for the far beyond what was originally conceived. Encouraging the local community. community to be creative has assisted in the recovery process after the fi res both for individuals doing the creating and the Before February 2009, the community had plans to develop greater community appreciating the art and effort. the Reserve, which was then partially burnt in the fi res.
Restoration and improvements work at the Reserve have now “Whatstartedoutasadisusedquarry,Nangara been completed, with funds coming from the Appeal Fund, the Reservehasengagedourcommunity, FRRR and Regional Arts Victoria. educatingandinformingaboutwildlife The project has seen walking tracks re-established as well as includingtheendangeredspeciessothat new tracks built in keeping with the community’s pre-fi re plans wevalueournaturalenvironmentmore. for the Reserve. There is now new seating, a bushfi re memorial and art installations. CollaborationwiththelocalIndigenous communitywillenrichandeducateour The Black Saturday memorial includes seating and provides community.Thewalkingtrailsandartwithin a ‘pause place’ for quiet refl ection a short walk down the track from the main entrance to the reserve. NangaraReservearebecomingvaluable communityassetswhichwillpromoteour Local school children designed and created the bollards which tell the story of their personal fi re experiences as well beautifultownthroughtourismwhich,inturn, as depicting life in the natural environment. These bollards willassistoureconomicrecovery.”–AnnePlant now line the entrance track into the reserve. There are also terracotta sculptures which depict the history of Jindivick, An offi cial opening of Nangara Reserve is currently being including a sculpture modelled on the local CFA captain planned for late March 2011 which will include a community Graham Higgs, mosaic and a series of carved “wombats” gathering and “smoking ceremony” by the local Aboriginal which will serve as rest points. The “Nangara Reserve” community to further aid healing of the broader community. entrance gate now welcomes residents and visitors to the With music it will be a celebration of this beautiful new reserve. community space.
The local indigenous community were involved in helping Already the Reserve is used and enjoyed daily by walkers to tell the history of the area through rock art and paintings, and horse riders locally and by visitors to the area, without installed on interpretive signs throughout the reserve. any promotion. It is wonderful to see it being valued and Brayakaloong artists include direct descendants from appreciated as it was intended. “Jackson’s track” a historically signifi cant Aboriginal settlement. This project has enabled some recognition and acknowledgement of the local indigenous culture.
Local resident Anne Plant says: “The development of Nangara Reserve into a community space to promote physical and psychological wellbeing, rest and recreation has many positive benefi ts for our fi re affected community. The gate to Nangara Reserve
Small Business Support *Smallbusinesssupportencompassesavarietyoffundinginitiativeswhichmayhave Victorian Bushfire beendeliveredthroughcommunity,localgovernmentorstategovernmentprograms. Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Kinglake Ranges The Kinglake Ranges are around 65 kilometres Another positive sign of the continuing recovery of from Melbourne. The area is surrounded by forest, the people of the Kinglake Ranges is the action taken farmland and the Kinglake National Park. by the community to offer emotional support and tangible assistance to those affected by the devastating The February 2009 bushfi res had a devastating effect Queensland fl oods. on the area. Kinglake and Kinglake Central recorded 26 fatalities and 328 properties destroyed, while Kinglake Community Recovery Plan Projects West and Pheasant Creek suffered 15 fatalities and 170 properties destroyed. Many more properties The progress made to the Kinglake Ranges’ community suffered damage. projects complements the signifi cant support for individuals provided by governments and private donors, The fi res destroyed a number of signifi cant community including gifts worth more than $65 million from the Appeal assets, including the kindergarten and childcare centre, Fund to the residents of the Kinglake Ranges. Middle Kinglake Primary School, Lions Park, St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church and St Peters Anglican Church. Kinglake Equestrian VBAF All facilities on the Kinglake Trust Reserve were also and Community Centre destroyed including the SES shed, toilet block, water tanks, development plan cross country jumps, Pony Club shed and storage and the Design plan for the VBAF Trust Building. Some facilities suffered signifi cant damage Kinglake Memorial Reserve including the tennis clubrooms on the Kinglake Memorial Bring sporting heroes to Community Sourced Reserve and parts of the Kinglake Community Centre, the mountain including the foyer and lounge area, Senior Citizen’s meeting room, the craft room and the kitchen and Ongoing case State Government storage facilities. management Psychosocial support State Government & A total of fi ve shops and eight businesses were destroyed. Various Donors Many home-based businesses were also lost when houses were destroyed. The Kinglake West Adventure Camp was Youth activities and events VBAF completely destroyed. Ambulance fi rst response State Government team The Recovery SES, CFA and AFRT State Government The Kinglake Ranges Community Recovery Committee co-located services (KRCRC) has played a vital role in holding the community Kinglake Neighbourhood Community Sourced together and keeping them involved while working to Watch progress the recovery process. Kinglake Ranges Radio FRRR & State Government Bill Gale, Chair of the KRCRC, has acknowledged the importance of communication, relationships, impartiality, Community website Community Sourced balance and equity during the recovery process. While Community notice boards Local Government this has not always been easy to achieve, the KRCRC has Kinglake Education and State Government, VBAF, strived to be a strong advocate for the community they Community Recreation Kinglake Kids Charity & represent by progressing projects, seeking funding and Precinct (including multi- Investa Property Group assisting with community consultation. purpose centre) “Informationsharingbetweenthedifferent Education on grant funding Local Government applications levelsofgovernment,localcouncil,other organisationsandthecommunityiskeyin disasterrecovery.”–BillGale
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Strategic plan for Kinglake State Government Publish a list of local Local Government Ranges traders Planning infrastructure for State Government Kinglake Ranges Arts Tool VBAF Kinglake National Park Kit Yearly community social VBAF Fire Safety and VBAF and activities preparedness Memorials and community State & Commonwealth Indoor heated swimming Helen McPherson Smith building reflection events Government pool - feasibility study Trust & State Government Buy back Kinglake Trust VBAF Kinglake Ranges VBAF Reserve Land Neighbourhood House Community information VBAF Structural Assessment nights Kinglake West Primary The Salvation Army Permanent multi purpose Local & State Government School, Stage 1 - Memorial facility for senior citizens Garden Business network office The Salvation Army Kinglake West Primary VBAF & State building School - Stage 2, Social Government Wellbeing project Youth multi-purpose The Salvation Army, recreation centre Rotary & Community Capacity Building for VBAF Sourced Environmental Restoration Kinglake Ranges Men’s State Government, VBAF UGFM Outside Broadcast Bendigo Bank Community Shed & FRRR Equipment Enterprise Foundation Rebuilding consultants State Government Sustainable Gardening VBAF Information Guide Pedestrian crossing and State Government traffic island on main street Community Leaders Local & State Capacity Building and Governments & FRRR Kinglake West Mechanics VBAF Mentoring Institute Hall and reflective garden Kinglake Ranges Memorial VBAF, Local Government, Reserve redevelopment Community Sourced National Park and State State Government Donors (other funding Forests re-seeding applications pending) National Park lookouts State Government Public transport Local & State Government Rural Land Management in VBAF Annual community VBAF, State & a Post Fire Environment memorial day Commonwealth Capacity Building for VBAF Government Environmental Restoration Support for natural health VBAF Kinglake Ranges Fuel State Government service Outlet Drug and alcohol State & Commonwealth Kinglake Ranges improved State Government counselling and education Government tourist facilities Safe evacuation point State Government Assist community in State Government understanding building regulations
Small Business Support *Small business support encompasses a variety of funding initiatives which may have Victorian Bushfire been delivered through community, local government or state government programs. Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Paths and tracks for State Government & Kinglake Primary School - VBAF walkers, bikes and horses VBAF Koala Browse Resourcing community State & Commonwealth Kinglake West Uniting VBAF groups with grants and Government Church Community Meals support Kinglake Village Community Sourced History of Kinglake Ranges VBAF Community Dining Kinglake West Uniting FRRR, Lions & Program Church community Community Sourced Kinglake Phoenix Singers VBAF multipurpose building Donors The Mountain Home State & Commonwealth Youth support package VBAF Garden Restoration project Government Workshops on home State Government Kinglake Venturer Scouts VBAF building Unit Using local cut timber for Community Sourced Block Clearing VBAF local shed building Building community VBAF Wallaby Creek Springs VBAF wellness locally Create new businesses State & Commonwealth Firefoxes - activities VBAF and rebuild those lost * Government program to support Invest money in State & Commonwealth needs of women and their businesses already Government families established * Support for local State & Commonwealth The Future businesses, Small Government The KRCRC plans to continue through to June 2011, Business Mentoring during which time it will decide on possible successor Scheme and self options that will best meet the future needs of the Kinglake employed locals * Ranges community.
Enterprise facilitation and Salvation Army & State For the Kinglake Ranges a comprehensive design business incubation Government framework is being developed to set a vision for a Research and develop State & Commonwealth sustainable future for the area, based on the values and sustainable tourism * Government priorities that have been identifi ed by local communities. Replacement of Honour VBAF This will lead strategic planning into the future. It will guide Plaques - WWI and WWII future land use and development, infrastructure and services provision, economic development, community Preserving Kinglake’s FRRR safety and the character and identity of local communities. history Kinglake Wilderness Camp State & Commonwealth Government
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Kinglake Ranges - Kinglake Ranges Men’s Shed Communities across the Kinglake Ranges were Ranges Neighbourhood House, Familycare, Murrindindi decimated by the Black Saturday bushfi res of 7 February Toy Library, Parks Victoria and the Murrindindi Shire 2009 resulting in the loss of lives, homes, community Council. Links have also been established with a number infrastructure, businesses, pets and livestock, local history of other Men’s Sheds including the Whittlesea Men’s Shed and the natural environment. and Yea Men’s Shed.
Kinglake Ranges has had a long history of being “ThecommunityseesthenewMen’sShed dissected and fragmented by local and Victorian government boundaries that intersect at critical points asaplacewheremencanaccessarangeof such as town centres or along major arterial roads. healthprograms,andeducationandtraining Establishing a Men’s Shed was seen as one important way activities;mentorandundertakeactivitieswith to strengthen community connections and foster personal relationships across the Ranges. localyouth;plantorebuildtheirhomeswiththe supportoftheirpeers;accesstools;andenjoy The Appeal Fund agreed to provide funding towards a Men’s Shed building, with the old chocolate factory in thebenefitsofasharedcommunityspace.”– Pheasant Creek identifi ed as a suitable site. The Victorian ShedCoordinatorCrisRuhr. Government had previously provided funding to make improvements and fi t out the building with community The Kinglake Ranges Men’s Shed is open, with the facilities and rooms. hard work of repairing the building and fi tting it out well underway. It is envisaged that the Grand Opening will take Strong links have been established with a number of place in early 2011. organisations including Centacare Community On Ground Assistance Project, FireFoxes, Bollygum Park, Kinglake The Kinglake Ranges Men’s Shed is open Thursdays 2pm-9pm, Fridays 9am-4pm and Saturdays 10am-1pm.
The blokes (and a couple of honorary blokes) of the Kinglake Ranges Men’s Shed
Small Business Support *Smallbusinesssupportencompassesavarietyoffundinginitiativeswhichmayhave Victorian Bushfire beendeliveredthroughcommunity,localgovernmentorstategovernmentprograms. Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Labertouche
The community of Labertouche is in West Gippsland, Labertouche Hall upgrade VBAF approximately 100 kilometres east of Melbourne. Roadside revegetation and Caring for our Country Labertouche is home to approximately 300 people, clearing & Local Government a community hall, primary school, badminton club and Landcare group. Agriculture and farming VBAF skills workshop Forty four properties and one factory were destroyed in Garden forum Community Sourced the bushfi res. Many locals also reported the loss of stock feed, fencing, sheds, machinery, water supply and small Labertouche Hall heating VBAF farm bridges. Labertouche Hall VBAF improvement The Recovery Labertouche District VBAF Lorraine Box, of the Labertouche CRC, is in no doubt that Memorial Walking Track good can arise from adversity. The bushfi res brought much (Janet Clark Flora destruction and despair to the people of Labertouche, but & Fauna Reserve) they also served as the impetus for the creation of a unifi ed Community VBAF community with a shared vision for the future. Commemorative Walking Trail Since the fi res, twelve separate community groups have been formed and are actively working together to Labertouche Primary Community Sourced build a sustainable community with a sustainable future School cubby house focused on social interaction and improvements to local project educational and environmental assets. While Lorraine Community education, fi re VBAF sees this as the CRC’s greatest achievement, she says the Plan and readiness community is eager to consolidate local support for the Ladies pamper day Community Sourced establishment of a permanent Community Hub to ensure & VBAF that this unifi ed community has the resources to build on Men’s beef & beer night VBAF its strength into the future. Information evening with VBAF Lorraine says many lessons have been learned from the Dr Robert Gordon bushfi res and the subsequent recovery – lessons for National Gallery school Community Sourced both the community and for governments. She speaks of excursion the need for openness and honesty between all affected Christians Help in Primary Community Sourced people and organisations, and for the recovery to be Schools (CHIPS) activity handled in a positive and educated manner with well day trained facilitators and local government staff dedicated to the specifi c task, and resourced appropriately. Community Events - movie VBAF night and barbeque Community Recovery Plan Projects Labertouche people and VBAF The progress made to the Labertouche CRC’s community wellbeing events projects complements the signifi cant support for Black Saturday bushfi res Local Donor, FRRR & individuals provided by governments and private donors, memorabilia book Salvation Army including gifts worth more than $3 million from the Appeal Bushfi re Business State & Commonwealth Fund to the residents of Labertouche. Recovery workshops Government Small business support * Local, State & Commonwealth Government Property management Local & State Government workshops
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Labertouche Park land VBAF The Future purchase The Labertouche CRC is in the process of transitioning to Community memorial State & Commonwealth a Progress Association. This is important to the community Government as they wish to remain active and achievement-oriented Community run activities Community Sourced and because they want to be in a state of preparedness should disaster strike again.
Labertouche - Community Groups Among the many new community groups that have formed Coupled with social support and networks, the group in and around Labertouche since the Black Saturday fi res provides practical support for community members that are the Ladies Friendship Group and the Labertouche need a hand. The men coordinate working bees on local Men’s Group. properties, often cutting and splitting wood and lending a hand with other odd jobs. Over 40 ladies from the bushfi re-affected areas in Baw Baw form the Ladies Friendship Group. They meet fortnightly, This is a special way of supporting neighbours and sharing with the meeting theme varying according to interest. Craft, great comradeship with many laughs and jokes. sewing, painting, embroidery, quilting and candle making are just some of the fun activities the ladies have had a go The Labertouche community has come together as a result at to date. of the fi res. With new-found friendships and networks, they are working toward the common goal of supporting each Importantly, it’s the friendships that have developed that other through recovery. make this group so strong. Through friendship, gentle conversations and laughs the ladies support and help each other through the recovery process.
Similarly, the Labertouche Men’s Group comes together for a BBQ dinner, guest speaker and conversation on the second Saturday of each month.
The group of about 40 members from across the district each month enjoy each other’s company, learning from each other as well as the guest speakers.
Paul Keating and Lorraine Box of the Labertouche CRC join Christine Nixon and Ian Dicker
Small Business Support *Smallbusinesssupportencompassesavarietyoffundinginitiativeswhichmayhave Victorian Bushfire beendeliveredthroughcommunity,localgovernmentorstategovernmentprograms. Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Longwarry The neighbouring communities of Longwarry and Similarly the Longwarry newsletter was, and remains, a Longwarry North have a combined population of over fundamental part of the recovery process. It has been the 1180 and are approximately 100 kilometres east of key to distributing critical information throughout the region Melbourne in West Gippsland. and importantly, was created by the community, for the community. While no properties were lost in Longwarry and Longwarry North during the 2009 Victorian bushfi res, prime farmland “Clearcommunicationwasthemostvital was burnt and many farms lost stock feed, equipment and infrastructure. resourcethatwecouldhaveinourcontrol.” –DebbieBrown The Recovery A much stronger awareness of the importance of Community Recovery Plan Projects communication and clear processes are two major outcomes The progress made to Longwarry’s community projects from the bushfi re recovery effort for the Longwarry CRC. complements the signifi cant support for individuals provided by governments and private donors, including gifts worth “Wehavelearntagreatdealfromthis more than $250,000 from the Appeal Fund to the residents of disaster.Asacommunitywehavepeople Longwarry. affectedbythefiresdirectlyandindirectly, Longwarry Recreation Bendigo Bank manyofwhomwereputintothesituation Reserve ofbeinginvolvedintherecoveryprocess Longwarry Hall upgrade VBAF regardlessoftheircircumstances.”– Agriculture and farming VBAF DebbieBrownoftheCRC skills workshop Bandicoot Walking Track VBAF “In other cases, the community wanted to help but there Bushfi re Business Recovery State & Commonwealth was no clear process for that to happen.” Workshops Governments The events of Black Saturday also demonstrated what is Small business support * Local, State & needed in the town infrastructure to enable it to cope with Commonwealth future events, particularly in supporting community members Governments and emergency response personnel. The Future An ongoing project is the redevelopment of the public hall, With many projects still underway, the Longwarry CRC will which provides a base for emergency workers in the event continue to build on the CRP, but in a transitional form as part of a disaster. As a community meeting place, the hall is in of the Longwarry & District Progress Association. constant use by Longwarry locals acting as a focal point for people to learn, socialise and connect.
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Longwarry - Longwarry Hall Upgrade Works and Recreation Reserve Improvements
Used during the February 2009 fi res as a base by the CFA These improvements will not only give the community an and other emergency services workers, the Longwarry important asset during emergencies, but a useful gathering Hall and neighbouring Recreation Reserve proved their point for community events and activities all year round. importance to the local community. “Thisfundingishelpingacommunity The community now plans to upgrade both assets so they can continue to be used as key community spaces and as heavilyimpactedbythefiresduetotheir staging areas in future emergencies. The Appeal Fund has participationfightingthefiresonand provided funds toward the project. afterBlackSaturday.Thesupportofthis So far, the upgrades have included resurfacing the hall’s communityfortheongoingrebuildingof fl oor, which suffered signifi cant wear and tear as a result of thecommunitiesdirectlyaffectedis heavy use during the fi res. However, further improvements are planned, including a much needed roof replacement. heartening.”–DebbieBrown, SecretaryoftheHallCommittee At the Recreation Reserve, showers and change rooms will also be installed using Victorian Government and Bendigo Bank funding.
The Longwarry Hall
Small Business Support *Smallbusinesssupportencompassesavarietyoffundinginitiativeswhichmayhave Victorian Bushfire beendeliveredthroughcommunity,localgovernmentorstategovernmentprograms. Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Marysville & Triangle Situated in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, Community Recovery Plan Projects and surrounded by the Yarra Ranges National Park The progress made to the community projects complements and the Cathedral Ranges, Marysville and Triangle the signifi cant support for individuals provided by includes the townships of Marysville, Narbethong, governments and private donors, including gifts worth more Taggerty, Granton and Buxton. than $38 million from the Appeal Fund to the residents of Marysville, Narbethong, Taggerty, Granton and Buxton. The February 7 bushfi res had a devastating effect on Marysville and the Triangle region. There were 35 deaths in Narbethong Community VBAF & McDonalds Marysville and four in Narbethong. Around 530 properties, 95 Hall per cent of the retail businesses and the commercial centre of Marysville were destroyed. Buxton Hall Upgrade VBAF Shade Sails for Buxton Community Sourced The Recovery Reserve Tony Thompson, Chair of the CRC says that some of the Buxton Reserve Upgrade VBAF greatest achievements of the CRC include bringing together Rebuild Marysville Primary State & Commonwealth the planning for the community infrastructure lost in the fi res in School Government such a short time, forming strong relationships with all levels Gallipoli Park - Skate Park VBAF & Multiple Donors of government, including Local, State and Federal, which will exist well into the future and help the ongoing recovery of the Gallipoli Park Restoration VBAF & Multiple Donors community, which he says will still take many years. and Integration with main street The CRC has worked tirelessly to ensure it advocates for the Gallipoli Park - new life VBAF & Multiple Donors community, and to ensure it has a strong and articulate voice. community sculpture They have learnt a lot about government processes and requirements and have learnt how to effectively negotiate and Murchison Street and town VBAF & Multiple Donors infl uence decisions. amenity Gallipoli Park - multi-use VBAF & Multiple Donors “I’mreallyproudoftheamazingjobtheCRC meeting space membershavedoneinstandingupforthe Gallipoli Park - Recreation VBAF & Multiple Donors communityneedsandpriorities;theyhave and Events Hall Gallipoli Park - adventure VBAF & Multiple Donors beenstrongadvocates.It’salsogreattosee playground, also called Kin peopleworkingtogether–it’snotjustabout Playspace theindividuals;peoplearemorefocusedon Restore public access to State Government workingforwhatisbestforthecommunity.” Steavenson Falls –TonyThompson Community Events Toolbox Lions Club Buxton Streetscape Greek Government “As a community I don’t think we will ever be over it Marysville Cemetery Shelter/ The Salvation Army but what I’m glad to see is that we are now getting on Rotunda with it. We are getting on with rebuilding our lives, our communities and our towns and that is a great thing Marysville Historical Society Sidney Myer Fund & State to see.” - Rebuilding the Collection Government Cathedral Park facilities State Government
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Buxton Community Community Sourced Golf Club Reopening Community Sourced Christmas Barbeque Triangle Area Planning State Government Marysville Marathon Festival Community Sourced Strategy Sustainability Expo VBAF & State Government Buxton Community Health FRRR Narbethong Community VBAF gym equipment Events – Celebrating the Taggerty Community Hall VBAF Reconstruction of the Upgrade Narbethong Hall Taggerty Town Park Community Sourced Buxton Tennis Club upgrade Rotary community facilities and replacing equipment Lake Mountain/ski patrol - State & Commonwealth Replacing seating and The Salvation Army toboggan safety barriers Governments picnic facilities around the Lake Mountain/ski patrol - State & Commonwealth Triangle facilities Governments Gallipoli Park Restoration VBAF Lake Mountain/ski patrol - State & Commonwealth - Community Garden ski safety barriers Governments Meditation Labyrinth Improve Narbethong VBAF Community Arts Program - VBAF Streetscape clay tile installation Buxton Community The Salvation Army Midnight Basketball - youth State Government Television Repeater activity Upgrade Establish Emergency Safe State Government Marysville and Triangle State Government & FRRR Haven/Evacuation Area in Men’s Shed Buxton Walking trail fro Triangle VBAF & State Government Gallipoli Park Restoration - VBAF area Sculpture Park Signage - Town and District Ultradata & Local Gallipoli Park -Youth Centre VBAF & Multiple Donors information boards Government Feature School House in Greek Government Historical Society visitor Community Sourced Buxton Streetscape information plaques Drainage Strategy for State & Commonwealth Open Arts Studio in VBAF & State Government Triangle Area Governments Marysville Community catalogue VBAF Narbethong Reserve State Government of garden and forest Ensuring sustainability State Government vegetation regrowth after features in Marysville RAC the fires Marysville Bushfire State Government Provision of Youth Worker State & Commonwealth Information and Education Governments Centre Marysville Visitor Information State Government & Narbethong memorial State & Commonwealth Centre Multiple Donors Government Gallipoli Park Restoration - VBAF, State & Triangle Roadside Flowers FRRR Marysville Community Hall Commonwealth project Governments
Small Business Support *Small business support encompasses a variety of funding initiatives which may have Victorian Bushfire been delivered through community, local government or state government programs. Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Community training State Government The Future programs (CEACA) The CRC plans to continue through to June 2011, during which time they will examine the future direction of the Preserve and rehabilitate State Government CRC and look at what will be the longer term needs of the Buxton Silver Gum Reserve community and how best to ensure they are met. At this Triangle Steel Band project FRRR stage, they plan to establish a township committee that will Rebuild Jeep Club property State Government provide the necessary support and development focus for the infrastructure future needs of the Marysville and Triangle community. Assist micro business to get State Government up and running * “Oncealltheprojectsarebuiltandthe Marysville Golf and Bowls State Government shopsareopen,itwillbetimeforthe Club - replacement of communitytoreclaimthetown.” damaged assets –TonyThompson Small Business Recovery State Government & Support Fund * Salvation Army Preserve remnant State Government vegetation at Buxton Community Bus State Government
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Marysville & Triangle - Gallipoli Park Redevelopment
Like much of Marysville, Gallipoli Park suffered signifi cant The ‘New Life Sculpture’ – a concept developed by local damage in the fi res, with nearly all community facilities artist Bruno Torfs, with support from the Triangle Arts located in the park destroyed. Group. This sculpture of a young girl will offer a playful, tactile experience, with people walking up a spiral path to An early action of the bushfi re recovery effort was to the sculpture which symbolises the community’s journey to develop strategic directions for the rebuilding of Marysville new hope. The sculpture will be installed in the later stages and other Triangle communities, which were then of the site works. incorporated into the Marysville and Triangle Urban Design Framework Plan (UDF). The ‘Refl ective Garden’ – will provide a key entry into Gallipoli Park from Murchison Street as well as shelter The UDF identifi ed a number of catalyst projects that would through a gazebo. Small ‘garden rooms’ will offer quiet assist the rebuilding of Marysville, including the restoration spaces for refl ection. A Lone Pine gifted by the Turkish of Gallipoli Park. Rotarians to the RSL will be located near the existing Cenotaph, with symbolic plantings of red poppies, Preparation of a Gallipoli Park Master Plan was led lavender and rosemary. by Council, through a working group with broad representation from the community, the Gallipoli Park Community groups have continued their involvement in Committee of Management and other interested parties. the design of these projects, and the Authority, as project manager, has sought to ensure that the outcomes are The Master Plan embraces the community view that the faithful to community aspirations. layout of the park, pre-fi re, should generally be retained and enhanced through the development of park precincts Other restorative works in Gallipoli Park include repair of and several restoration projects. pathways, furniture and signage. The Triangle Arts Group (TAG) is involved in developing key installations to be Three specifi c park proposals were initiated by community integrated into the park design. groups who organised input from designers to develop preliminary concepts, largely on a pro bono basis. The Garden, Playground and Sculpture are symbolic evidence of the progress that the community is making The three projects are: in its recovery. They help restore the sense of place The ‘Kin Playspace’ – an adventure playground, featuring for the town, provide popular community facilities and a rope climbing structure, elevated sandpit, all-access commemorate the events of February 2009. roundabout, fl ying fox, large slide, swings, and water play structure. It will also feature a sundial, mosaic snake (made by local children) and other art installations.
Works commence on the playground at the Gallipoli Park redevelopment
Small Business Support *Smallbusinesssupportencompassesavarietyoffundinginitiativeswhichmayhave Victorian Bushfire beendeliveredthroughcommunity,localgovernmentorstategovernmentprograms. Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Melba Group
The communities of Glenburn, Murrindindi- Murrindindi-Woodbourne VBAF, FRRR, Australian Woodbourne and Limestone are located Community Meeting Room Open Garden Scheme & approximately one hour from Melbourne along the Private Donors Melba Highway, within the Murrindindi Shire. Fire safety and VBAF Glenburn is a rural district with approximately 179 residents. preparedness Murrindindi-Woodbourne’s population is estimated at around Glenburn Community Local Government 160 permanent residents, while Limestone’s population is Activity Centre Masterplan approximately 250 people. Social Wellbeing of the VBAF Vast hectares of pasture were lost and the water supply was Melba Communities severely impacted in the area, with the majority of fruit in local Murrindindi-Woodbourne FRRR vineyards smoke-tainted. Community UHF Radio Cell Bridge Restoration Local Government Seven properties were destroyed at Glenburn, nine at Murrindindi-Woodbourne and one at Limestone, while one Rehabilitation of the State Government business was lost at Murrindindi and the Glenburn Hotel was Murrindindi Scenic Reserve completely destroyed. Upgrade of the Old VBAF Glenburn School House The Recovery Limestone Community CFA/FRRR Bringing three discrete communities together to work on Meeting Place recovery projects after such a signifi cant disaster was a Glenburn Community Hall VBAF & Melbourne Water major achievement in itself for the Melba CRC. The group has and Precinct worked closely to achieve signifi cant outcomes for all areas Community Generators FRRR including the restoration of the local environment and the (Glenburn, Murrindindi, restoration of services and infrastructure as well as enhanced Limestone) fi re preparedness and community safety. Glenburn Recreation Melbourne Water, Global The Melba CRC says that volunteering in times of crisis and Reserve Quest, Private Donors & personal hardship has been challenging and the recovery will Murrindindi Shire Council’s be a long-term process with many still suffering. Despite this, Bushfi re Trust the important partnerships that have been forged and their Melba Community Business State Government enhanced capacity since the fi res has made the community Recovery & Economic more robust. Development * “Welearntaboutthestrengthofour The Future community–itisnowstrongerthanbefore. To oversee the implementation of projects, the broader Wehaveachievedcommunitystrengthening community continue to hold important community activities throughcommongoals.”–formerCRC and events. In December 2010 the Melba CRC handed over responsibility to community-based networks. The memberIainMcPherson Limestone Community Group, the Murrindindi-Woodbourne Community Hub Inc, the Glenburn Progress Association, Community Recovery Plan Projects Community Centre COM and Recreation Reserve The progress made to Melba’s community projects implementation committees are ensuring the hard work complements the signifi cant support for individuals provided of the Melba CRC continues to make a difference to the by governments and private donors, including gifts worth recovery of the community. more than $3.7 million from the Appeal Fund to the residents of Glenburn, Murrnindindi-Woodbourne and Limestone.
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Melba Group - Murrindindi-Woodbourne Community Meeting Space
Before the fi res, the community lacked a dedicated The hall plans include constructing a new building with meeting space or any similar community infrastructure. kitchen and toilet facilities and a barbecue area outside. It will be used not just as a meeting space, but also for For events and meetings, the community used the small, community programs, such as sausage and salami making inadequate CFA shed – after driving the truck out and workshops, line dancing classes and craft making, as well moving equipment aside. The shed lacked a toilet and as a training area for activities including safe chainsaw kitchen facilities making it not particularly suitable for these operation and fi rst aid. The community hopes to build the sorts of gatherings. kitchen to commercial standard, so dinners for elderly residents can become a regular feature at the Hall. This meant the community was also without an emergency relief and recovery centre. Therefore, as part of their The new CFA shed has been constructed near the new recovery plan, the community listed a stand-alone meeting meeting facility, ensuring that it will provide a good base for space as a key community priority. future emergency operations.
With a grant from the Appeal Fund secured, their plans for The Murrindindi-Woodbourne Community Hub such a facility are well-progressed, driven by Murrindindi- Incorporation have also secured funding for a UHF cell Woodbourne Community Hub Incorporation. The group that will give residents of the Murrindindi Valley a sense has also secured funding from the Australian Open Garden of being connected during fi re danger periods as well as Scheme for landscaping and planting of native and fi re using it for every day communications. This was identifi ed retardant plants and shrubs around the new Community as a major priority after the Black Saturday fi res, when Meeting Room and New CFA Shed. power and phone lines were down for a week, or more in some cases, and with limited or no mobile service Both facilities are being built at a new site – the Murrindindi available in the area. Old Hall Reserve on Murrindindi Road.
Building work commences on the Murrindindi-Woodbourne Community Meeting Space, alongside the new CFA shed
Small Business Support *Smallbusinesssupportencompassesavarietyoffundinginitiativeswhichmayhave Victorian Bushfire beendeliveredthroughcommunity,localgovernmentorstategovernmentprograms. Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Mirboo North & District
Located in the South Gippsland Shire, more than Mirboo North Land VBAF 150 kilometres east of Melbourne, Mirboo North is Management situated at the intersection of the Strzelecki Highway Mirboo North Fencing / Tree VBAF & GERF and the Grand Ridge Rail Trail - two of Victoria’s most Management scenic tourist routes. Mirboo North and District VBAF & GERF Mirboo North has a population of 2600 people and nearby Rural Fencing towns include Darlimurla and Delburn. Relief Centre Evaluation Local Government There were two properties destroyed in Mirboo North and Counselling workshops VBAF fi ve in Darlimurla and businesses affected included local Conducting Community VBAF shops, hotels, food and accommodation facilities and plant Forums nurseries. Signifi cant damage to stock fencing and pasture Development of community VBAF & State Government was also reported. information networks
The Recovery Mirboo North and District Local & State Government Community Information Enabling existing community organisations to work Bulletins collaboratively on a wide range of community projects and services in the rebuilding and recovery effort has been Community History Filming VBAF recognised as one of the great achievements of the Mirboo Project North and District CRC. Youth Engagement Program VBAF Mobile Phone Text Lessons VBAF This process, according to Ned Dennis from the South Gippsland Shire Council, improved community resilience and Volunteer training and VBAF people’s awareness of smaller communities nearby and has engagement given them confi dence in coping with future challenges. Community Education, Fire VBAF Plan and Readiness for “TheCRChasbeeneffectiveindeliveringa Mirboo North widerangeofrecoveryinitiativesbecause Development of Community State & Commonwealth membershipwasencouragedfrommany Memorial Government individualsandorganisations,meetingswere Mirboo North Community VBAF Events heldinpublicandaccurateinformationwas Winter Community Events VBAF alwaysprovidedtothecommunityabout Wide Walking Track - Baths VBAF recoveryprojects.”–NedDennis Road Reserve Community concrete water VBAF Community Recovery Plan Projects tank The progress made to the Mirboo North and District Garden Management for VBAF community projects complements the signifi cant support elderly people for individuals provided by governments and private donors, Flora and Fauna Habitat The Salvation Army including gifts worth more than $600,000 from the Appeal Restoration Fund to the residents of Mirboo North and surrounding areas. Historical Markers in Mirboo State & Commonwealth Lyrebird Walk VBAF North Government Mirboo North Upgrade to VBAF & State Government Darlimurla Rotunda/Picnic VBAF Community Centres Shelter Private Garden Community Sourced Mirboo North - Boolarra State Government & VBAF Rehabilitation Rail Trail restoration (Grand Ridge Rail Trail) Big Tree restoration VBAF
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Tourism programs / State Government committee, and to support community groups who are marketing support * completing priority projects themselves. Business recovery planning Local Government support Buy Local campaign * State Government Construction of concrete VBAF water tank
The Future The CRC is confi dent that all the work it set out to do has been completed and opted to disband from 30 November 2010. South Gippsland Shire Council has agreed to oversee The former Mirboo North CRC disbanded in the completion of projects that were approved by the November 2010
Mirboo North & District - Darlimurla Rotunda and Baromi Centre Kitchen Upgrades Darlimurla, a small semi-rural community on the outskirts of needtobevigilantandpreparedtodealwith Mirboo North, was signifi cantly impacted by the 2009 fi res. futurefireevents.”–AlanFoster,Darlimurla As part of bushfi re recovery efforts in the region, Darlimurla ProgressAssociation Hall has received improvements including a new concrete water tank for use during future fi res. The Baromi Centre has also increased in importance since the fi res. Previously, around 45-50 senior citizens would In addition, the Appeal Fund has provided for audio-visual gather there for monthly lunches. equipment in the hall so it can now be used for monthly movie nights, guest speakers and other meetings. Using the Appeal Fund Winter Events grants, the Bushfi re Recovery Committee put on two special lunches mainly for The Darlimurla community also planned a Rotunda/Picnic people directly impacted by the fi res – both of which were Facility at the Darlimurla Station site on the Grand Ridge a great success. Rail Trail, which will provide a place to remember and commemorate the fi res. As a consequence of that initiative, the usual lunch numbers have swelled considerably with some 60-plus The rotunda will feature a number of panels depicting the senior citizens now enjoying a monthly lunch together. fl ora and fauna of the area, the 2009 fi re event and the history of Darlimurla. To better cater for the increased numbers at these get- togethers, a grant from the Appeal Fund has now been The project is expected to be completed by April 2011, secured to extend the kitchen facilities at the centre. with works to be tied in with the larger Grand Ridge Rail Trail restoration project. “The benefi ts of these luncheons for the community have been great. They have given people directly affected by “The Darlimurla community wants a permanent the bushfi res an opportunity to share their experiences and acknowledgement of the work done by the CFA to protect realise that there is a wide support net available for them. the community and a place where walkers on the trail can stop and read these stories. “They have also allowed our own members who had not been directly affected by the fi re, an opportunity to help “Thisprojectwillacknowledgethebushfires their fellow citizens in a simple but most practical way,” of2009,confirmthecommunityrecovery says Mick Nicholls of Mirboo North Senior Citizens’. sinceandbeapermanentreminderofthe
Small Business Support *Smallbusinesssupportencompassesavarietyoffundinginitiativeswhichmayhave Victorian Bushfire beendeliveredthroughcommunity,localgovernmentorstategovernmentprograms. Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Mitchell Shire
Bushfi re-affected communities in Mitchell Shire are Administrative support for State & Commonwealth located a little over an hour north of the Melbourne CBD, Community Action Groups Government & FRRR and have a combined population of more than 10,500. Mitchell Shire area VBAF Key industries in Kilmore, Kilmore East, Wandong/Heathcote beautifi cation Junction and Broadford (Sunday Creek) include farming and Community memorials State & Commonwealth livestock. Most employment in the locality is in the areas of Government tourism, retail, manufacturing, education, municipal services, Community revegetation VBAF medical and health services and trades. education and activities Key employment industries in Reedy Creek include farming Broadford community VBAF and hobby farming. emergency education with youth Reedy Creek, Heathcote Junction and Upper Plenty Broadford land management VBAF each experienced the loss of one life each in the February 2009 fi res. Broadford revegetation and VBAF land management support A total of 116 properties were destroyed across Clonbinane, Broadford community health VBAF, State & Local Broadford (Sunday Creek), Kilmore, Kilmore East, Wandong, support Government Heathcote Junction and Upper Plenty. Clonbinane Community Hall VBAF There were 13,340 hectares of grazing pasture and 393 Clonbinane emergency VBAF kilometres of fencing destroyed. management education Clonbinane land VBAF The Recovery management Irrespective of the tangible projects, events and buildings that Clonbinane Community VBAF have come to fruition, the greatest achievement by far for the identity building Mitchell Community Recovery Action Group (MCRAG) is that Clonbinane community VBAF they have been successful in presenting as a united team of events seven smaller advisory groups. Clonbinane community State & Commonwealth The unique make-up of MCRAG has meant that each growth Government & VBAF of the seven groups has an equal footing and each one Reedy Creek Community VBAF has embraced and celebrated alongside of each other as Hall Upgrade they endeavour to provide opportunities for the community to recover. Reedy Creek fuel reduction, VBAF town protection, and With many projects to accomplish and much more to learn emergency management along the way, Secretary of MCRAG Ros Affl eck says that, Reedy Creek environmental VBAF “To keep our long-term goal in sight and to realise that recovery there is more than one way to reach that goal,” is vital for Reedy Creek entertainment VBAF staying positive and moving forward with great success area and a sense of achievement. Reedy Creek community VBAF Community Recovery Plan Projects events
The progress made to Mitchell’s community projects Wandong/Heathcote VBAF complements the signifi cant support for individuals provided Memorial Park by governments and private donors, including gifts worth Wandong/Heathcote VBAF & State Government more than $15 million from the Appeal Fund to the Passive Walking & residents of Mitchell. Cycling Environments - Say G’Day Trail
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Redevelopment of historic Bendigo Bank & State Community building and VBAF, State & Wandong Community Hall Government strengthening Commonwealth LB Davern Reserve Upgrade State & Commonwealth Government Government Tooborac Bushfi re Local Government The Future preparedness education Early in 2011 MCRAG will engage an Executive Offi cer who will oversee the Committee through transition and evaluate Tooborac community hall VBAF whether their goals match the requirements of the wider refurbishment community of Mitchell. MCRAG would like to continue with Tooborac improved Telstra its community engagement, drawing on the successes that it telecommunications has had in the past two years in being able to bring together Tooborac community events VBAF, State & diverse communities and effectively represent them. Commonwealth Government MCRAG has identifi ed there is still a need within the wider Mitchell community for communication and consultation Kilmore East Rotunda VBAF to determine the long-term wellbeing needs of community Kilmore East community VBAF members. This interaction will assist MCRAG to engage, and activity projects coordinate with, the many and varied community groups and Kilmore East land VBAF organisations, as well as local, state and federal government management departments and agencies. Kilmore East area Community Sourced beautifi cation Kilmore East community State Government transport Upper Plenty Community VBAF Hall upgrade Upper Plenty community VBAF outdoor recreational space Upper Plenty area VBAF beautifi cation Members of the Mitchell CRC with Christine Nixon and Ian Dicker
Mitchell Shire - Boat Trip for Blokes Two key themes to come out of the recovery process was also a treat bag for all on board. across Victoria are the forging of new friendships and the establishing of community connections where these Blokes from Upper Plenty, Reedy Creek, Clonbinane, Strath were not previously in place. Equally important has been Creek, Wallan, Broadford and Wandong/Heathcote Junction acknowledging that, at times, those in bushfi re-affected attended the event. For some, this was the fi rst time that areas simply need a break and time out to enjoy themselves. they had been involved in any fun activity since the fi res.
To this end, the Reedy Creek Community Advisory Group “A great day was had by all involved and we ended up with organised a Boat Trip for Blokes. 30 blokes and great weather,” says Karen Zanini from the Reedy Creek Community Advisory Group. Funded through the Authority’s Community Recovery Support Grant, the group organised a cruise along the Following the success of the boat trip, the community is Goulburn River in May 2010. keen to make the most of similar opportunities to bring the community together - perhaps next time with partners or The day out included a BBQ lunch, a three hour river cruise even a similar event just for women. and bus pickups in Wallan, Broadford and Seymour. There
Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Redesdale The Redesdale fi re area encompasses the rural “Perhapsthemessagefordepartmentalstaffin settlements of Barfold, Baynton. Glenhope, thefutureistoacknowledgeandrespectthe Mia Mia and Sidonia, and the western edge of the Redesdale township, some 115 kilometres skillsofthecommunityandharnessthemfor north-west of Melbourne. moreeffectiveresults.Bureaucracyneedsto The area is rich in local historical features with evidence of addressthe“redtape”constraintsimposedon indigenous gatherings, and is home to the oldest lattice truss stressedfirepeople.”–ElaineMurphy bridge in Victoria. Four disparate rural communities came together to deal The fi re ravaged some 10,000 hectares of land, 700 kilometres with the recovery process. While benefi ting greatly from the of fencing, 14 houses, a church building, sheds and experience there is also a sense of needing to get back to outbuildings, hundreds of livestock, machinery and vehicles. “normal” life and the ever changing seasonal demands of The fi re area stretched into four local government areas country life. – Mount Alexander, Macedon Ranges, the City of Greater Bendigo and Mitchell Shire. As the communities move to the next stage of their recovery, their thoughts are very much with fl ood ravaged people in The Recovery need at the moment. The communities of the Redesdale fi re area have found Community Recovery Plan Projects the recovery process to be a sharp learning curve. Elaine Murphy, of the Redesdale Fire Area CRC says that The table below outlines the projects supported to date under “rebuilding is moving along well and it is heart-warming to the Redesdale Fire Area CRC’s CRP. This is not an exhaustive see our neighbours back in the district again”. list of bushfi re recovery projects and activities in the region; many more have been identifi ed and delivered outside of the The CRC, as the overarching committee to oversee the CRP process. recovery comprises community members and representatives of various authorities supporting the recovery effort. Their The progress made to the Redesdale Fire Area CRC’s philosophy is “All are welcome”. Several sub-committees community projects complements the signifi cant support – Wellbeing, Land Management, Communications, and for individuals provided by governments and private donors, Memorials – handled specifi c tasks. While giving community including gifts worth more than $1.3 million from the Appeal members a “voice” the CRC suffered from lack of continuity in Fund to the residents of Redesdale Fire Area and surrounds. chairperson and the limited amount of information available to involved community members as a basis for sound decision Community Hall Renovations VBAF making. Mount Alexander youth State Government activities “The volunteer effort has been of tremendous support. People have come from interstate, overseas, Melbourne, Community newsletter VBAF and country towns. Some churches have given us weeks expansion and weeks of support with fencing, gardening, rubbish Visiting services Commonwealth clean-up and odd jobs. So too, have service clubs, sporting Government clubs, scouts and guides, emergency services, the U3A, Roadside management State & Commonwealth prison teams, community service order people and other (including fallen wood) Governments dedicated individuals. However, we lost several generous Community well being VBAF support opportunities because we lacked an effective events for Redesdale Fire central co-ordinator. Area Farming development and VBAF support Community Events to VBAF & State Government promote the district Bridge replacement & repair Local Government
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Fencing coordinator Lions North West Vic The Future and materials for fence Region, Elmore B&S The Redesdale Fire Area CRC continues to meet at the restoration Club, Victorian Farmers present time to discuss ongoing recovery projects and Federation, Bendigo concerns. It is expected that the CRC will disband later in the Bank, Futuris Elders, year as recovery projects are implemented and staff complete Community Sourced & their contracts. State Government Fire protection plans Local & State Governments Memorials State & Commonwealth Governments Seed Bank VBAF
Redesdale - Increasing Community Information As in many other small townships across Victoria, the They sought and received funding to purchase their 2009 fi res highlighted the importance of strengthening own photocopier, which has allowed them to signifi cantly community connections in the largely rural area of increase the circulation of the newspaper and to print it Redesdale and surrounds. in colour.
Before the fi res, theBridgeConnectionCommunity It is an important way for residents to stay in touch Newspaper was produced out of the local MPs offi ce and with local events and news, share stories and rebuild had a limited circulation. connections with the past; with the paper often recounting stories about the area’s history. Enhancing the newspaper and extending its reach was identifi ed by the community as an important way to The community is now looking to expand the newspaper’s recover from the fi res by building a stronger sense of operations with a website. connectedness between the residents of Mia Mia, Barfold and Redesdale.
Berni and Brett Campbell, with helpers, meet Christine Nixon
Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Southern Grampians Located approximately 320 kilometres west of Community Recovery Plan Projects Melbourne and approximately 35 kilometres west The progress made to Southern Grampians community of Hamilton, Coleraine, Konongwootong, Wootong projects complements the signifi cant support for individuals Vale and Wannon cover an area of 91,769 hectares, provided by governments and private donors, including gifts and have a population of approximately 1383. The worth almost $200,000 from the Appeal Fund to the residents area comes within the boundaries of the Southern of Southern Grampians. Grampians Shire Council. Development of West Park The Salvation Army In this area, one house was destroyed, approximately 770 hectares of land was burnt and 18 properties Community Planning and VBAF, Local Government were affected. Bushfi re Preparedness & State Government Redevelopment of Turnbull Rete Italia, Local This part of Victoria suffered extensive losses including the St Tennis and Netball Courts Government & State loss of private and road-side fencing, sheds, beef cattle, Government sheep and 858 tonnes of hay and silage. Additionally, Southern Grampians Identity State & Commonwealth three hardwood plantations were destroyed. Governments The Recovery Southern Grampians State & Commonwealth Memorial Governments The CRC of Southern Grampians states that bringing the community together in a joint focus about the future of Silvester Oval VBAF & State Government their community was the most rewarding part of the redevelopment recovery process. Peter Francis Points State & Commonwealth Arboretum Development Governments It was important to the Southern Grampians CRC to unite as Works an “inviolable” group that made considered decisions about Streetscape Plaques and State & Commonwealth infrastructure renewal and community enhancing projects for Tourist Directional signage Governments the district. Doing so meant that this aim was achieved easily and confi dently. The Future Southern Grampians CRC Chair, Coralie Coulson, says The Southern Grampians community was fortunate to have the lesson for their CRC was simple - “We are all on the the Coleraine & District Development Association (CDDA) - same page.” an already existing ‘umbrella’ group - act as a liaison group between them and the local Council. The CDDA adopted the She goes on to explain the imperative to “fi nd the positive work of the CRC. way forward and promote it.” And, possibly, the best lesson of all Coralie and the Southern Grampians CRC learned Future goals for the people of this community are to build was to not “let any knockers spoil the good work.” on existing strengths as a caring and cohesive community, promote willingness to step up to any challenges and to assist all community members in good times and in bad.
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Southern Grampians - Upgrades to Coleraine’s Silvester Oval
The Silvester Oval precinct is an extremely important Plans to upgrade the oval are underway using a grant from community space for the residents of Coleraine. the Appeal Fund and will have a signifi cant positive impact on lifting the community’s spirits. As Coleraine is predominantly a rural farming community, residents are often isolated so the oval provides them with The works include redeveloping the oval and installing new a space to come together as a community. change rooms, a playground and catering facilities. A new electronic scoreboard will also be put in place at the oval. This allows for stronger relationships between locals and enhanced community response during times of emergency The Silvester Oval precinct provides residents with a such as the 2009 bushfi res. sense of identity and belonging. These upgrade works will become tangible proof of their community’s recovery from The oval is used year-round by residents of all age groups, the fi res. by local sporting groups including the netball club and cricket club, and by the broader community for get- It will also be able to be used during future emergencies as togethers and other activities. a staging ground or emergency recovery centre.
Colourful locals at a Southern Grampians Community Summer Event to promote community cohesiveness
Small Business Support *Smallbusinesssupportencompassesavarietyoffundinginitiativeswhichmayhave Victorian Bushfire beendeliveredthroughcommunity,localgovernmentorstategovernmentprograms. Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
St Andrews
The historic goldfi elds town of St Andrews, with Communication Strategy for VBAF a population of approximately 1500 people, is the St Andrews largest of the towns in this area. Its local economy is Health support programs Local, State & driven by the agricultural sectors. Nearby Christmas Commonwealth Hills has a population of around 560 and is home to Government the Sugarloaf Reservoir and Park. Community Environmental VBAF Local industry is made up of tradespeople, IT based Recovery Action Plan for St businesses, artists and grape growers. Andrews, Strathewen and Christmas Hills St Andrews was hit with the full force of the bushfi res, with nine people perishing. In addition, it recorded large scale St Andrews Events and VBAF destruction with 65 properties destroyed and a further Social Issues 20 sustaining damage. Christmas Hills recorded eight Fire Awareness & VBAF destroyed properties. Preparedness St Andrews Rebuilding VBAF The Recovery Workshops Through the efforts of the St Andrews Community Bushfi re St Andrews Rebuilding VBAF & State Government Recovery Association the small and somewhat isolated Assistance communities of St Andrews and Christmas Hills have come a Community Newsletter: VBAF long way since February 2009. Christmas Hills News According to Association Chair Ian Flack, the Committee St Andrews Community Fire Newman’s Own Recovery Plan has provided a meaningful direction and the Station Redevelopment Foundation, other community’s increasing trust of governments has enabled Private Donors & State them to move forward during the recovery process. Government St Andrews: Enhanced skills VBAF & Local Government “Givingcommunityavoiceandempowering for environmental recovery peoplemakesthemfeelfreetoexpresstheir through Landcare opinionsknowingtheywillbeheardand St Andrews Community VBAF & State Government actedon.”–IanFlack Facility Nillumbik Catchment “With the community input and direction throughout this Management Plan recovery process we now have a legacy that will ensure St Andrews Men’s Shed VBAF & State Government community involvement on issues both through the recovery Audio visual equipment for State Government process and beyond into our future.” St Andrews Hall
Community Recovery Plan Projects St Andrews / Christmas Hills VBAF & Local Government Arts Programs The progress made to community projects complements the signifi cant support for individuals in St Andrews and Christmas Christmas Hills Hall Upgrade VBAF Hills, provided by governments and private donors, including Christmas Hills Community VBAF gifts worth more than $9 million from the Appeal Fund to the Gatherings and Events: residents of St Andrews and Christmas Hills. Commemorative and Community Strengthening Administration & Local Government Christmas Hills Natural VBAF & Local Government Governance Support for Environment recovery Community Groups activities Formal Memorial – space for State & Commonwealth Christmas Hills: Butterfl y Arts VBAF & Local Government refl ection & remembrance Governments Studio
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Revegetation of Skyline Rd / State Government their rebuilding and recovery this year. The group hopes that Wallace Rd once its tasks are complete it will evolve into a community group that will continue to undertake important community development work for St Andrews into the future. The Future The St Andrews Community Bushfi re Recovery Association will continue to implement the various projects funded through its Recovery Plan, and offer ongoing support to people with
St Andrews - St Andrews Community Centre Upgrade During and after the fi res the original St Andrews School, “Now they come to take part in play group, mosaic groups, which is listed on the Nillumbik Heritage Overlay and is felting lessons, art sessions, yoga, youth group or so many currently used as a community space, became a makeshift of the other groups which had existed before the fi re that relief centre. they had never connected with.”
A grant from the Appeal Fund will provide for a much “Modernisation of the facility will allow the community needed upgrade of the facility which continues to be an to stay in touch with one of the only remaining heritage important meeting place for the community. buildings in the area. We can watch and admire the youth of the area serve supper to people attending an The upgrade is likely to involve the removal of the two information night at the centre and wonder what they will adjoining portable units which are full of asbestos, be able to do when we have full kitchen facilities.” maintenance and refurbishment of the original area plus a new extension. The planned refurbishment will allow for Many of the local community groups currently have a new kitchen, toilets, community meeting rooms, two large nowhere to call home and, because of this, lack the activity spaces and a childcare facility. ability to share their information. The modernisation of the centre will provide the groups with some storage space With community consultation undertaken and project and will enable their knowledge to be shared readily with management appointed, works are expected to commence the community. These groups include Landcare, Smiths later this year. Gully Cemetery Trust and Friends and the St Andrews Queenstown Historical Society. The new St Andrews Community Centre is much- anticipated and will be used for childcare, community group meetings and activities, local training activities, “OnbehalfofthecommunityofStAndrews art classes and more. Visiting health services will also be Iwishtothankthepeoplewhodonatedto able to use the space. The community is also considering theAppealFund,HeritageVictoriaandthe establishing their own Neighbourhood House or Living and Learning Centre as part of the new community centre. verygenerousdonorsforallowingusthe opportunitytoimproveourcommunityasset Because of the integral role the existing community centre played in the 2009 bushfi res, the community expects the andmakeiteasierforourcommunityto refurbished centre will also be used as a relief centre in sharethejoyoflearningnewskillsandbeing future emergencies. together.”–HelenKenney St. Andrews Community Centre Committee member Helen Kenney says, “So many community members had never been into the St Andrews Community Centre prior to the fi re of 2009. Many of them were not immediately in a position to look at the rotting boards, leaking gutters or falling ceilings; their needs were far greater as they attended to register with Red Cross and other welfare Ian Flack of the St Andrews CRC speaks groups and obtain basic supplies.” at the CRC Refl ection Event
Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Strath Creek Strath Creek, a small village with a long and proud Community Recovery Plan Projects history, nestles between the Tallarook Ranges and The table below outlines the projects supported to date the Mount Disappointment State Forest approximately under the Strath Creek CRC’s CRP. This is not an exhaustive 20 kilometres south west of Yea. list of bushfi re recovery projects and activities in the region; many more have been identifi ed and delivered outside of the Of its 300 residents, some 30 to 50 per cent are identifi ed as CRP process. being part-time residents and holiday home owners. In recent years, Strath Creek has become home to many The progress made to Strath Creek CRC’s community young families. projects complements the signifi cant support for individuals provided by governments and private donors, including gifts One person died at Strath Creek as a result of the fi res and worth more than $1 million from the Appeal Fund to the eight properties were destroyed. residents of Strath Creek.
The Recovery Strath Creek Community VBAF & FRRR While relatively small in size, Strath Creek has a strong Hall Upgrade sense of community, with many locals joining together to Pioneer Reserve Upgrade VBAF & Global Quest mark signifi cant days of the year such as Australia Day and ANZAC Day. Pioneer Reserve Facilities VBAF Upgrade The Strath Creek CRC considers its greatest achievement to Back up generators FRRR be its capacity to work in a coordinated and decisive manner Heritage Trail in the Township VBAF to drive the delivery of local recovery projects, thus bringing of Strath Creek to the community a much needed lift in spirit and a renewed sense of community worth and well-being. Signage for Strath Creek VBAF Historic and Natural The CRC believes that, in the wake of the bushfi res, many Attractions Trail valuable lessons have been learned by all. Through the Vegetation Enhancement VBAF recovery process, this community learned the value of fi rm and Education within Strath decision making and follow-through in reaching its aims. Creek Township They have also learned that recovery is greatly enhanced Full mobile phone / television Telstra by the development of strong partnerships with all levels of reception government and particularly local government, whom the CRC has encouraged to take a more active role in disaster Tourism promotion State Government preparedness and management. and Strath Creek Falls promotion * The CRC has also encouraged the community to take Improvement to Strath Creek State Government advantage of the training opportunities available to Falls them to build their capacity to advocate for the needs of their community. The Future The Strath Creek CRC has disbanded as a formal entity. Oversight of the implementation stage of various projects will be handled by the existing Progress Association and the Hall Committee; some of whose members also served on the CRC. Strath Creek has a number of viable community groups who will engage effectively with relevant authorities and organisations for the future benefi t of this community.
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Strath Creek - Pioneer Reserve Upgrade & Heritage Trail Upgrades
As part of their recovery, local residents plan to upgrade The upgrade of the local hall’s kitchen means that the Pioneer Reserve with new tennis courts, a clubroom, community will be able to cook in the hall, which at present toilets, barbecue area, tables and seating. has two old stoves which were rescued from housing commission houses as they were being relocated to With no local football or netball team, tennis is an Seymour in the early 80’s. important recreational activity for locals. The new facilities will improve the community’s connectedness and sense At present the community cooks food for functions in of wellbeing. their own homes or borrows someone’s barbeque, with residents bringing along salads and other dishes. They Strath Creek has become home to many young families have managed to cook for hundreds of fi re fi ghters in this in recent years, so the upgrade of the tennis courts, one way, as well as their many community functions. of which is multi-purpose, will provide a local play space for young people who presently travel to other towns to In addition, the toilets have no disabled access and have participate in sport. facilities for only three people at a time. There are often in excess of 80 people at community functions, so an Another important feature of Strath Creek is its heritage upgrade to these facilities is very welcome. trail, which helps to tell the story of the community’s long and proud history. “Theupgradeofthebarbequeareaisto A grant from the Appeal Fund will allow for information beagreatadditiontothecommunity.We and signage along the trail to be upgraded, ensuring it is mayhaveupto300peoplepresenton better linked and that areas of historical signifi cance are highlighted, enhancing the trail experience for locals and ANZACDay,whichweprovidebreakfast visitors alike. foronourpresentstructure,aswellas
The heritage trail will encourage many of the visitors and borrowedbarbeques.Tablesandseatingare those who travel through the area to stop and enjoy this inadequateforthisandotherceremonies beautiful place. Strath Creek has an interesting history andcelebrationssuchasAustraliaDay, as a destination for gold seekers and as part of the route travelled by Hume and Hovell. The old water wheel, Landcareendofyearorplantingdays. dumped on a property but still in recognisable shape, is to Peoplewhotravelthroughtheareastop be repaired and mounted in the park. forabarbequeandoccasionallywe haveobservedthatweddingsorother celebrationsareheldhere.”–Rosemary Simon-Ralph
Strath Creek Hall The tennis courts to be upgraded at Pioneer Reserve
Small Business Support *Smallbusinesssupportencompassesavarietyoffundinginitiativeswhichmayhave Victorian Bushfire beendeliveredthroughcommunity,localgovernmentorstategovernmentprograms. Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Strathewen Located approximately 33 kilometres from Melbourne, Community Recovery Plan Projects the historical township of Arthurs Creek has a population The progress made to Strathewen’s and Arthurs Creek’s of some 300 people. The bushfi res saw two people lose community projects complements the signifi cant support their lives and two properties were destroyed. for individuals provided by governments and private donors, including gifts worth more than $7 million from the Appeal Just 12 kilometres further on, near the Kinglake National Park, Fund to the residents of Strathewen and Arthurs Creek. is the township of Strathewen, which has a population of approximately 200 people. Strathewen was well established Rebuild Strathewen Hall VBAF with a school, community hall, fi re station and cricket ground serving as the heart of this close-knit community. Strathewen Rebuild Strathewen Primary State & Commonwealth was devastated by the bushfi res, with 27 people losing their School Governments lives and 80 homes destroyed. Connecting Strathewen VBAF Primary School to the Hall The Recovery Children’s Playground at The Salvation Army Despite the loss and devastation experienced by the people of the Temporary Community Strathewen and Arthurs Creek, these communities have risen Centre to the massive challenges which lay before them and led their Strathewen Communications VBAF recovery with goodwill and quiet determination. Action Plan: Newsletter, Website and SMS contact Malcolm Hackett, of the Strathewen Community Renewal Strathewen Temporary Indonesian Government, Association, can list many tangible achievements to mark Residential Accommodation Bendigo Bank & State the ongoing recovery of these communities – Government not least of which was the winning of both the State and National Australian Safer Communities Award Community Based Fire VBAF (Community and Volunteer category) for Renewin’ Safety Awareness and Strathewen–ACommunity-ledRecoveryafterBushfire. Planning in Strathewen A Sustainable Built VBAF But it is the less tangible achievements of which the Environment for Strathewen people of Strathewen and Arthurs Creek are arguably Community Environmental VBAF most proud. Malcolm acknowledges both the diffi culties Recovery Action Plan for St and the achievements when he says, “It takes a lot longer Andrews, Strathewen and to recover than fi rst thought. … recovery is not just about Christmas Hills rebuilding, but more about the fabric and culture of community, and trying to hold all that together”. Seed Collection Project and FRRR Indigenous Plant Nursery These communities have worked hard at building Community Strengthening - VBAF community cohesion and inclusiveness; to which end they Activities and Events organised a series of events to constantly bring people Community Renewal Local Government together – particularly those who, in the wake of the fi res, Committee Executive had left the area. Management Many lessons have been learned through the recovery Telling our Stories - An VBAF process – not only by locals and not all positive. But the Audio-Visual History overarching lesson is that great good can be achieved if Fencing and area cleared for Community Sourced affected communities lead their own recovery and all parties car parking at the Temporary come to that process with goodwill and respect for other Community Centre people’s views. Arthur’s Creek Mechanics VBAF Institute Hall There are lessons too for government and agencies including that individual and community recovery is hampered by the Improving the Natural Value VBAF slowness of governments to recognise the need for changes of the Land in laws and regulations which do not recognise the realities of disaster recovery.
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Rebuild cricket ground, Australand, Local & State The Future pavilion and tennis club Government & Cricket The Strathewen Community Renewal Association is an Victoria incorporated association which sees its principal role as implementing all the projects they listed on their CRP. Administration and Local & State Government governance funding to assist Recovery works are progressing steadily under the CRC stewardship of the CRA which is itself re-energised by the enthusiasm, commitment and hard work of new members. Site the Blacksmiths’ Tree VBAF and Labyrinth The future is an optimistic one for these communities. Local mobile business and State Government Malcolm pays tribute to the positive attitude of his community contractor directory and Buy when he highlights, “… people’s willingness to work through Local campaign * issues to achieve a positive result, and their willingness to Maintenance funds for VBAF help overall”. Temporary Community Centre
Strathewen - Australian Safer Communities Award On 29 November 2010, Commonwealth Attorney-General The strong local trait of independence and self-determination Robert McClelland presented 18 Australian agencies and has ensured the recovery of their community. community groups with the prestigious Australian Safer Communities Award at a ceremony in Canberra. The Association gathered the community together for BBQs, discussion evenings, forums and guest speaker Among the recipients were members of the Strathewen events to heighten awareness about their neighbours Community Renewal Association representing the and community - a focus which has become much more community of Strathewen for the entry Renewin’ important since the disaster. Strathewen-acommunityledrecoveryafterbushfire. In proactively leading the recovery effort, the Association Attracting a record number of entries in 2010, the Awards forged new relationships with the local council and are the prime national awards event for the emergency other agencies, secured funding sources and gained a management sector. They recognise innovative practices groundbreaking special ruling from the Australian Tax and achievements across the nation that are making our Commissioner regarding temporary housing. communities safer, stronger, more resilient and better prepared to manage any emergency situation.
Strathewen was the national winner of the Volunteer category, which recognises volunteer organisations and community groups.
The locally formed Strathewen Community Renewal Association has been responsible for coordinating and undertaking the planning and rebuilding process for their community which was devastated by the 2009 Victorian bushfi res. The Secretary of the Attorney-General’s Department Roger Wilkins AO with Chair of the Strathewen Community Renewal Association Malcolm Hackett, Diana Robertson, Steve Pascoe and Mary Avola.
Small Business Support *Smallbusinesssupportencompassesavarietyoffundinginitiativeswhichmayhave Victorian Bushfire beendeliveredthroughcommunity,localgovernmentorstategovernmentprograms. Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Toolangi & Castella Toolangi, a small township on the edge of the Toolangi Community Recovery Plan Projects State Forest, and nearby Castella, situated at the top of The progress made to Toolangi Castella’s community the Yarra Valley between Yarra Glen and Glenburn, were projects complements the signifi cant support for severely impacted by the 2009 bushfi res. individuals provided by governments and private donors, including gifts worth more than $3 million from the Appeal Under threat initially from the Kilmore East fi re and later Fund to the residents of Toolangi Castella. from the Chum Creek Road fi re, the people of Toolangi and Castella were, at different times, ringed by fl ames. The Toolangi All-Purpose Track VBAF, Melbourne Water bushfi res had a devastating effect on the townships. Regional Benefi ts Grant There were two deaths at Toolangi and four dwellings were & Australian Ballet destroyed. At Castella 14 properties were damaged. Fire- Toolangi Castella CJ VBAF & State ravaged Toolangi State Forest lost many endangered round- Dennis Hall Kitchen Government leafed Pomaderris plants. Upgrade Toolangi Garden Community Sourced The Recovery Regeneration The Toolangi Castella CRC has achieved many things during Toolangi and Castella State Government the recovery, but their greatest achievement through this Communications Project diffi cult time has been, as Margaret O’Connell Chair of the Toolangi and Castella VBAF Toolangi Castella CRC says, “fi nding our part in the ‘story’ Social Art Project - Mural of the fi res.” for the Community Hall The CRC has operated well as a group, demonstrating strong Toolangi Garden VBAF leadership and a pragmatic approach. Obstacles were not Regeneration project seen as barriers, but rather as challenges to be tackled - stage 1, landscape with determination and humour. By gaining the trust and restoration confi dence of the community, the Committee was able to Toolangi Garden VBA & Indonesian accomplish all that they set out to do. Regeneration project Government - stage 2, landscape All recovery journeys begin with acceptance and a willingness restoration to learn. For Toolangi and Castella that journey began with accepting their circumstances, taking responsibility for their Rolling Calender of Event VBAF recovery, involving the community and delegating the work. Program for Toolangi and Castella Communities Great strides have also been made in communications in Toolangi Central Park VBAF this area. The community now has its own website and blog, Development Plan and access to Facebook and Twitter. Importantly, some 20 per cent of the community have signed up to an SMS register Toolangi Castella Fire The Salvation Army which keeps them advised of weather warnings and important Project & Community local events. Establishment of bus State Government service for Toolangi Throughout the recovery process, the CRC was able to Toolangi and Castella VBAF gain a better understanding of working with government Central Park and government agencies; particularly local government. As Margaret happily admits, the CRC aimed “big”. They set Toolangi and Castella State Government themselves challenging targets and worked hard together to Tourism and Small achieve them. Many contributed to both the success of the Business Project * CRC and the projects undertaken in the community. Toolangi Castella Youth VBAF Program Margaret proudly declares that the CRC and the people of Toolangi and Castella achieved what they set out to do “… with bells on”.
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The Future The Toolangi Castella CRC Terms of Reference state that the Committee can run until October 2011, and it is the Committee’s intention to stay in place until this time. It will then revert to the Bushfi re Recovery Committee working as a Sub Committee of the Toolangi Castella District Community House Inc.
The CRC and community have great plans for their future. They intend to complete all outstanding projects, develop a Community Hub, establish and maintain a local Farmers’ Market, engage with the local farming and agricultural community and erect a forest board walk around the Kalatha Giant Tree.
Toolangi & Castella - Bushfi re Recovery Garden Restoration Project
The townships of Toolangi and Castella, located on Stage 2 of the project is now underway, involving further the outskirts of the Yarra Valley, are well known for their plant distribution to bushfi re-affected properties in the picturesque landscapes. region as well as landscaping materials and advice on garden plans and designs. The 2009 bushfi res caused extensive damage to the region and much of the area’s natural beauty was destroyed. The Garden Restoration Group held two Open Days through which approximately 30,000 plants were As part of the reconstruction and recovery efforts, distributed to the Toolangi and Castella communities as a community Bushfi re Recovery Garden Restoration well as other affected communities. Project took place in August 2009. Over 250 residents who lost their gardens chose from 10,000 donated plants to Group member Tabitha Barclay also ran a seminar on start re-establishing their gardens. Development and Landscape Design, which was followed up by a number of workshops. The project was such a great success and terrifi c example of a community-driven initiative that it was The group is currently assisting people in reconstructing recognised in January 2010 with an Australia Day their gardens with working bees and garden materials. Community Event Award. Having purchased a portable sawmill they are able to supply timber for post and rail fencing, garden sheds and other garden requirements.
The project aims to assist in landscaping and replanting 46 to 60 bushfi re-affected gardens by December 2011.
A Bushfi re Recovery Garden Restoration Group working bee
Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Traralgon South & District The bushfi res fi rst swept through the Traralgon South “During disaster you are on “your own”, followed by local area, which is approximately 170 kilometres south-east support, then the agencies. It is critical to allow the locals of Melbourne, on 7 February 2009. By the time they to assist in any decision making which will affect their were under control, they had claimed one property in community,” Ange says. Traralgon, 18 properties in Traralgon South and around 492 kilometres of boundary fencing. “The “leaders” of the community will stand up and need to be identifi ed early and supported as much as possible To the south-west, Callignee and surrounds were also from day one. It is vital that relationships are formed and badly affected with four fatalities and 87 properties trust is established very early.” destroyed. In Koornalla, there were four fatalities and 26 properties destroyed. “Thisprocesswouldnothavebeenpossible
Traralgon South has a population of around 300 people, withouttheongoingsupportofavariety while Callignee is home to almost 500 people. ofagenciessuchastheSalvationArmy, LatrobeCityCouncil,ourlocalMPRussell The Recovery Northe,LionsandRotary.Andtherewere The community has been central to the recovery effort in Traralgon South & District. manymore!”–AngeGordon
Ange Gordon, Chair of the Traralgon South & District CRC Community Recovery Plan Projects says, “There would not be any resident in the area who has The progress made to Traralgon South & District’s not assisted in some way, and as time elapsed more of the community projects complements the signifi cant support affected people also began to assist.” for individuals provided by governments and private donors, including gifts worth more than $14 million from Ange notes that it is very important for the healing process the Appeal Fund to the residents of Traralgon South for them to be able to “give back”. & District. An outcome of this is that the community now realises just how resilient it is and how much can be achieved when a Callignee Community Hub State and Commonwealth community comes together. Governments Le Roy Park Reserve VBAF, Bendigo Bank One of the CRC’s greatest strengths was that it was upgrade & State Government able to engage the assistance of a broad spectrum of the community. This enabled it to link appropriate tasks Upgrade of facilities at VBAF, Bendigo Bank to the appropriate people, thereby getting things done Yerang Waterfalls & State Government more effectively. Koornalla Apex Park VBAF, Bendigo Bank upgrade & State Government Of the many lessons that the CRC has learned from the Traralgon South Hall VBAF & Private Donors recovery process, one in particular stands out. That is, upgrade recovery from a disaster like Black Saturday requires the hard work and dedication of fi rstly the community, and then Traralgon South and VBAF, Private Donors & all agencies and support groups. District Men’s shed Local & State Government Information communication VBAF & State & Commonwealth Governments Car boot sales Community Sourced
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Walking tracks clearly VBAF Shared path to Loy Yang - Local & State marked stage 1 & 2 Governments Soil water quality State Government Bicycle and walking track - VBAF improvements stage 3 Skills development and VBAF Koornalla Re-establishment VBAF, Bendigo Bank environmental restoration of public space along & State Government (including weed control) creeks Callignee hall equipment Indonesian Government Rebuild Koornalla VBAF, Bendigo Bank Private & Public Fencing Indonesian Government, monument and surrounds & State Government Commonwealth Clearing of area near VBAF, Bendigo Bank Government, Victorian Koornalla farm reserve & State Government Farmers Federation & Traralgon South Cricket VBAF & Harvey Norman Community Sourced Club Kitchen upgrade Donors, eg: Rotary Tasmania, Tasmanian Ray Symons playground The Snowy Mountain timber communities refurbishment Electricity Company Gardens/Drains Pruning/ Community Sourced Complete external event State Government Cleaning power supply for the car park and oval Temporary public toilet and VBAF shower block and cleaning. Callignee memorial State & Commonwealth Governments Public laundry facilities and VBAF cleaning Facilities and access to WA Mines through GERF a community bus Clean-up State & Commonwealth Governments Children’s commemorative Community Sourced wall at school (picture tiles) Fuel reductions/Fire State Government preparedness & VBAF Acknowledgement and Community Sourced thank you for service Storage shed for hall Rabo Bank providers and volunteers and community office & Community Sourced equipment for Traralgon Traralgon South Historical VBAF South District Association Project Badminton court surfacing State Government Mental health and VBAF well being awareness John Black Reserve Local Government promotion upgrade Community rebuilding VBAF Enhancement of Koornalla- VBAF support Le Roy and Callignee township entrances Relief Centre Community Sourced Purchase marquees and Community Sourced Register of community VBAF shelters for community needs usage Training and support for VBAF Traralgon South mini bus Lions Club volunteers vehicle, equipment and Community information VBAF compound and communication Electricity supply upgrade State Government Rebuilding advice and State & Commonwealth to sports stadium assistance Governments
Small Business Support *Small business support encompasses a variety of funding initiatives which may have Victorian Bushfire been delivered through community, local government or state government programs. Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Traralgon South church Community Sourced The Future upgrade The Traralgon South & District CRC transitioned to the Traralgon South and District Association (TSDA) in Employment Assistance Commonwealth December 2010. Government Utilise local business * State Government As many of the Association’s projects are still bushfi re Small business State & Commonwealth related, Ange Gordon remains involved as Vice President assistance * Government of the TSDA, and will work to ensure a smooth transition to the new body. However she notes, “This is a long-term Tourism support State Government process and you must learn how to pace yourself.” and development * Wildlife Restoration and Salvation Army The next steps are for the sub-groups of the community Shelters to form, such as a group from Koornalla, Loy Yang Park Private Tool / Work Sheds Community Sourced Estate and Callignee. Representatives from these groups will join the TSDA which will provide very broad community Tool Library Lions Club, Habitat for representation and result in a stronger TSDA. Humanity & PEET Traralgon South Tennis Hawthorn Football Club Club Upgrade Traralgon South township State & Commonwealth memorial Government Latrobe bushfi re memorials State & Commonwealth Government Youth / Teenager Services VBAF Mental health support for Local & State Government individuals and families & VBAF Seminars for information Local & State Government about rebuilding Traralgon South VBAF & State environmental projects Government
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Traralgon South - Cricket Club Kitchen Upgrades and Community Shed Construction Project
One of the fi rst Appeal Fund community projects to be Another key community facility currently under completed, the Traralgon South Cricket Club kitchen is construction is the new Traralgon South Community already well-used by the community. Shed, funded by Rotary, Lions, Gippsland businesses, Victorian Government, McDonalds Restaurants and the Friday night community meals are back on, allowing Appeal Fund. people to reconnect in a relaxed environment. This 50-metre shed will include community meeting rooms, But the cricket club is much more to the community than as well as activity space for young people and other local just a place of recreation. groups. It will house a well-equipped workshop and the local tool library and will provide storage for the community During the fi res it was an important gathering place for bus and trailers. fi re-affected residents, but the existing kitchen was not equipped to deliver meals. A grant provided by the Appeal Fund will be used to train community members in a variety of skills such as the safe After the fi res and up until December 2009, the badminton use of a chainsaw and furniture making. These newfound hall at the back of the club was also used as a community- skills will directly benefi t the community. run, volunteer-resourced relief centre, providing material aid and referrals for support to local residents. For example, wood cutting days will be held, where some of the newly cut and split wood is distributed to the elderly and Thanks to the kitchen upgrades, the Cricket Club will now needy within the community. People will also be able to get be better able to cater for community events and to act as involved in larger projects, such as making bench seats for an emergency recovery and relief centre when needed. the township or other projects for the school or kinder.
The funding will also allow for a Community Shed coordinator for the fi rst 12 months, to oversee the start-up of the facility and position the shed to deliver a range of training and activities.
The refurbished kitchen at the Traralgon South Cricket Club
Small Business Support *Smallbusinesssupportencompassesavarietyoffundinginitiativeswhichmayhave Victorian Bushfire beendeliveredthroughcommunity,localgovernmentorstategovernmentprograms. Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Whittlesea The February 2009 fi res had a devastating effect in worth more than $4 million from the Appeal Fund to the the areas of Humevale, Whittlesea and signifi cant residents of Whittlesea, Humevale and Kinglake West. parts of Kinglake West. Whittlesea Community Hall - VBAF Twelve people from the Whittlesea municipality died and feasibility study many more were injured. Others narrowly escaped with Whittlesea Memorial Hall VBAF, State & their lives. In total, 167 properties in the municipality were Commonwealth damaged, including 76 houses which were completely Government & Investa destroyed. The Whittlesea township played a key role & Clarendon Residential on the day of the fi re as a hub, from which fi re fi ghting Group and recovery efforts were launched by government and volunteer agencies. In the days and weeks that followed, Suicide Prevention Program The Salvation Army the township was the base for the establishment of a range - Community Support Model of very signifi cant relief efforts. The relief centre established Fencing support for Donors, VBAF & State in Whittlesea assisted in excess of 2700 people in the fi rst community Government week following the fi re. Community and VBAF, State & contemplative garden Commonwealth The Recovery Government & Donors Over the past two years the Whittlesea CRC has worked Refl ective spaces for VBAF, State & alongside existing community support networks, the City grieving Commonwealth of Whittlesea, various government departments and non Government & Donors government organisations to assist with the recovery Whittlesea Community VBAF process and advocate for the people of the region. This Connect included providing support to those involved in the fi re and those who were involved in the recovery and relief efforts. Whittlesea Youth activities The Salvation Army, VBAF & Donors The CRC has worked to ensure that the need for wellbeing Establishment of temporary State Government and mental health programs was acknowledged early accommodation in in the recovery and that the community, including local Whittlesea schools, received ongoing support. Support for residents of The Salvation Army & State “Itwasimportanttotrytouselocal,existing temporary accommodation Government in Whittlesea communitynetworks,wherepossible,and Wildlife Recovery Program Donors resourcethesewithfundingandexpert Community Peer Support VBAF & Kildonan Uniting assistance.”–LarryChallisoftheCRC Networks after Natural Care Disasters Another valuable resource was the effort of volunteers, particularly for fencing work, whose donation of time and Whittlesea Fire Recovery VBAF, State & energy was of tremendous benefi t to the community, Through Creative Events Commonwealth especially with fencing work. Governments Whittlesea Community VBAF Through the work they have done, the CRC indicates that Resilience Building they have learnt a lot about those who were affected by the Combined school morning VBAF fi res, their local community members and themselves. tea: Whittlesea Township Land Management State Government Community Recovery Plan Projects Recovery Program The progress made to community projects complements Events / activities / VBAF the signifi cant support for individuals provided by performances governments, organisations such as Churches on Church and St Vincent de Paul and private donors, including gifts Building requirements State Government advice
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Reinforce local business * State Government Recovery of commercial State & Commonwealth Tourism promotion * State Government farming operations Government Regional Community State Government Building community VBAF Services Hub wellness locally Whittlesea Pony Club - Commonwealth repair of all weather arena Government The Future The CRC continues to work with community networks, “Looking after your mates” AFL Victoria, CRC & Local government and non-government organisations and the and Trauma awareness & State Government Bushfi re Recovery Team of the City of Whittlesea to make programs sure that people affected by the fi res continue to receive Expansion of Youth and State Government & CRC the local support they need to move forward. Wellbeing Services at Whittlesea Secondary While this support is anticipated to continue into 2011, College 2009, 2010 the CRC hopes to move across to an existing community organisation later in the year.
Whittlesea - Community Connect Project Humevale and Kinglake West were severely impacted by the The project will not only help to create a more sustainable February 2009 bushfi res, while the township of Whittlesea Whittlesea, it is also hoped that local residents and the played a pivotal role during and after the fi res as a regional community as a whole will be better able to respond to any service hub for fi re-affected communities and as a base future emergency. used by the CFA to fi ght the bushfi res around Kinglake. The Whittlesea, Kinglake West and Humevale As in so many other communities, the fi res resulted in communities, through their CRC, have identifi ed this considerable community trauma in the area, compounded project as a priority for recovery and building resilience. by situations of social isolation for many affected people. “The social connections that are made and enhanced The Community Connect project has a focus on through this project will have lasting benefi ts for the developing a sustainable Whittlesea Community and community. A key part of ongoing and sustainable recovery seeks to address social and physical disconnection for from such devastating events is to support the community individuals and families by establishing regular links in rebuilding connections, enhancing the natural through local groups and service providers including Lions, environment and celebrating the stories of the community,” local churches, the CFA and school parent committees. says Neville Kurth, Manager Health and Bushfi re Recovery for the City of Whittlesea. Through various activities it is hoped residents will be better able to develop formal and informal links in the community to relieve distress and strengthen local relationships.
Specifi cally the project will: • Help rebuild local community networks through establishing or repairing connections
• Develop a conduit for caring community members to join a recognised community program, working bees and/or events with practical outcomes
• Prevent isolated people ‘falling through the cracks’
• Outreach to isolated community members and foster Members of the Whittlesea CRC with membership of community services/clubs. Christine Nixon and Ian Dicker
Small Business Support *Smallbusinesssupportencompassesavarietyoffundinginitiativeswhichmayhave Victorian Bushfire beendeliveredthroughcommunity,localgovernmentorstategovernmentprograms. Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Yarra Ranges The Yarra Valley, approximately 60 kilometres east including gifts worth more than $18 million from the Appeal of Melbourne, is one of Victoria’s most popular tourism Fund to the residents of the Yarra Ranges. regions for its natural environment, which is set amongst mountains and rivers, and abundant fl ora and Vegetation Control Local Government fauna. It is also a world-renowned wine and food region. Landcare Program Local Government & VBAF for Bushfi re-Affected The townships of Healesville, Yarra Glen, Chum Creek, Communities in the Yarra Badger Creek, Steels Creek and Dixons Creek lie in the heart Ranges of the Yarra Valley. These towns, together with the adjacent towns of Coldstream, Tarrawarra and Gruyere were all Ongoing Counselling / Bendigo Bank Community impacted, in varying degrees, by the 2009 bushfi res. support for people Enterprise Foundation Shipping Containers for Bendigo Bank Community Eleven people lost their lives in this part of Victoria and Housing Storage Enterprise Foundation, hundreds of properties throughout the Yarra Ranges Rotary sustained damage. Community Safer Place – Local Government Yarra Glen Racing Centre The Recovery Steels Creek History through VBAF The Yarra Ranges Community Reference Group (CRG) has Stories played a pivotal role in the recovery process across the Yarra Ranges. It has acted as a point-of-contact for members of the Renovation Steels Creek Local Government community to raise issues of interest or concern, and have Community Hall them addressed. It coordinated the community consultation Yarra Ranges Toilet Block Local Government process which determined the Yarra Ranges Community Steels Creek Tennis Local Government Recovery Plan (CRP) and has overseen, together with the Clubrooms refurbish Yarra Ranges Shire Council and other organisations and Eric Tetlow Walking Trail VBAF agencies, the Plan’s implementation. Community Facility Chum Commonwealth Chaired by Councillor Jeanette McRae, the CRG has built a Creek Government & The good working relationship with the Council which has utilised Salvation Army it as a conduit for information on economic, psychosocial, Walking Trail to Chum Creek VBAF environmental and other issues with affected communities. Improved Commonwealth Councillor McRae draws a number of lessons from Telecommunications Government the recovery process, foremost among which is that including better internet the recovery process has provided opportunities for Labyrinth FRRR communities “to become empowered and responsible Access to Counselling Local Government for future outcomes.” Fire awareness education Local Government “We have all learned that we can work together program collaboratively, even with a wide diversity of views and Yarra Ranges Bushfi re Local Government interests,” continues Councillor Jeanette McRae Preparedness
Councillor McRae sees a need for continuity in addressing Landscape Design and Local Government the needs of the affected communities, and for effective Garden Planning for Bushfi re partnerships with Council another agencies to be established Safety to ensure that the recovery phase of any future disaster Community Connectedness VBAF proceeds smoothly. and Capacity Building for Yarra Ranges Community Recovery Plan Projects Men’s events VBAF The progress made to the Yarra Ranges CRG’s community Cooking for Relaxation VBAF projects complements the signifi cant support for Landcare Groups VBAF & Local Government individuals provided by governments and private donors, for Bushfi re-Affected Communities
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Community Connectedness VBAF Local Welfare Agencies Local & State Governments and Capacity Building for CFA Equipment Community Sourced Yarra Ranges Business contingency State Government Community Hub upgrade - VBAF, Sugarloaf Pipeline Planning Bushfi re Effect Yarra Glen Alliance Regional Benefi ts Educational DVD Sidney Myer Fund Grants Program & Local Government The Future Dixon’s Creek Recreation Sugarloaf Pipeline Alliance Reserve Regional Benefi ts Grants The Yarra Ranges CRG intends to continue its work until Program the community determines that a need for the Group no Revegetation VBAF & Local Government longer exists. As Councillor McRae says, the CRG will “… continue to be the eyes and ears for the communities, and Advertising Campaign / State Government develop effective relationships with key community groups Awareness * for the future”. Yarra Glen to Steels Creek VBAF Walking Trail Small playground - Yarra Local Government Glen Enhancement of Individual Local & State Governments and Community Strengths Business support / advice - State Government contingency plans * Local Welfare Agencies Local & State Governments Members of the Yarra Ranges CRC with Christine Nixon and Ian Dicker
Yarra Ranges - Chum Creek Community Facility The Yarra Ranges CRP identifi ed the need for a community The construction of the multipurpose room at the primary facility in Chum Creek that would provide a central meeting school was funded under the Commonwealth ‘Building the point and a practical focus for community building and Education Revolution’ program, with funding for the kitchen rebuilding. component provided by the Salvation Army. The local Lions Club offered assistance by supplying fi t for purpose furniture Prior to the February 2009 bushfi res Chum Creek did not have for the room. a central meeting place, as there was no local hall or sporting club rooms. The room has been set up to meet the community’s needs as a functional meeting space with a small stage, projection With rebuilding work planned for the Chum Creek Primary equipment, PA system and stackable chairs. To date, it has school under the Commonwealth Government’s Building been used by the CFA for a bushfi re awareness information the Education Revolution, school principal Michael Corr evening, the Healesville Landcare group and several school saw the opportunity to work together with the bushfi re activities. Upon completion of the kitchen upgrade, a recovery process to ensure the best possible outcome for community BBQ will be held. the community. Michael says that where possible, the school used local “It made sense that the school provide a meeting place suppliers, particularly in the construction of the kitchen and for the local groups. While developing the school is my landscaping, as often they are the mums and dads of kids at primary focus as school principal, the school also plays a the school. dual role in serving the broader community,” says Michael. He is confi dent that the space will be well used and respected by the local community, becoming an integral part of the Chum Creek township.
Small Business Support *Smallbusinesssupportencompassesavarietyoffundinginitiativeswhichmayhave Victorian Bushfire beendeliveredthroughcommunity,localgovernmentorstategovernmentprograms. Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Community Recovery
Yarram & District First settled in 1845, the historic and architecturally dealing with Council requirements and negotiating with signifi cant town of Yarram is situated 220 kilometres local tradesmen. to the south east of Melbourne. Yarram is bordered by the Strzelecki Ranges to the south and Wilsons Community Recovery Plan Projects Promontory to the east. The table below outlines the projects supported to date Yarram and the adjacent communities of Devon North, under the Yarram & District CRC’s CRP. This is not an Won Wron and Woodside were threatened by the Churchill exhaustive list of bushfi re recovery projects and activities in complex of fi res. Fortunately, no lives were lost but the region; many more have been identifi ed and delivered signifi cant damage was done to farm land and timber outside of the CRP process. plantations across this district thus causing social and The progress made to Yarram & District’s community economic distress to the communities. projects complements the signifi cant support for Additionally, the district registered severe bushfi re impacts individuals provided by governments and private donors, on the local fl ora and fauna, and water quality. including gifts worth more than $500,000 from the Appeal Fund to the residents of Yarram & District. The Recovery Devon North BBQ Area VBAF While individual recovery from the 2009 bushfi res is Yarram Regent Theatre VBAF very much a personal journey, there are many aspects Upgrade of community recovery which are common to bushfi re- affected communities across Victoria. Like other CRCs, Wellington Shire VBAF the Yarram & District CRC can point to a number of community emergency community projects that stand as physical testaments to preparedness planning the ongoing recovery in this part of Victoria – improvements Local Arts exhibition Community Sourced to Yarram’s iconic Regent Theatre and to the Devon North Community Events for VBAF Hall, and the development of the Tara Trail. Wellington Shire - Balook, But Noelle Trembath of the Yarram & District CRC, rates the Gormandale & Yarram growth of community spirit and coordination as an equally Yarram Youth Facility Community Sourced signifi cant achievement. Noelle explains that while there & VBAF had been a number of groups active in their own particular Yarram Emergency Chamar communities, the establishment of the CRC was important Services Storage Shed as it was a single group, comprised of representatives Mac’s Creek and Devon VBAF, FRRR & State from all affected communities, working to achieve positive North Hall upgrades & Commonwealth results for all the communities in the broader district. Governments “Workingtogetherdemonstratedthestrength Yarram and District The Salvation Army Historical Society Facility thatcanbegained,andourabilitytoachieve Support to Farmers State Government, goodresults.”–NoelleTrembath VBAF, Victorian Farmers Federation & GERF For many members of the CRC, the aftermath of the bushfi res provided an opportunity to learn the lessons of the fi res and develop the skills required to best meet possible future disasters. To this end the CRC organised a very successful Community Expo and Planning day described by Noelle as being designed to help people think about how they might prepare for potential fi res and other emergency situations.
Coming to grips with funding processes and requirements while in the stressful aftermath of disaster is unlikely to The Yarram CRC comprised representatives from across the district present quite the same challenge as it once did. Nor will
p.102 Community Recovery
The Future The Yarram & District CRC will conclude its operations in the near future. However, the lessons learned, and skills acquired by various members of the communities, will not be lost. While some locals are happy to reach the conclusion of projects of particular interest to them, others will continue their involvement with various community groups.
Yarram & District - Devon North Community Hall The Devon North Community Hall is an important place In the medium and longer term, the newly upgraded within the small community of Devon North. A number of hall will play a part in creating a happier, healthier and community groups utilise the hall, including a craft group, stronger community base for activities involving local the Red Cross and the CFA. The hall is also used by local families and children. community members for family gatherings. With the works nearly complete, the Hall Committee In 2009, the Yarram & District CRC identified that improving planned the opening event for late January. Invitations the facilities of the Devon North hall would significantly were sent to local residents, dignitaries, the SES, local fire contribute to the recovery of the community as it would services, donors and volunteers. The event featured local provide a focal point for community action during the bands and activities for the kids such as a jumping castle recovery process. and sand castle building.
Funding for the hall upgrade was provided by the However the underlying reason for the hall upgrade Appeal Fund and the FRRR. The Council undertook was not forgotten with the event doubling as the launch project management for the improvements to the facility for a locally produced DVD about the experiences of and the works are close to completion, to the delight of Devon North community members during the Black local residents. Saturday bushfires.
The refurbishment included installing a new kitchen Hall Committee member Wilma Price commented, “Planning complete with new stove, benches, cupboards and floor the hall opening has been a good community-building coverings, re-surfacing the main hall floor and installing exercise. In arranging the launch event we have contacted a pergola, verandah and a new window awning. people outside the hall committee, to great response.”
Funds from the FRRR were put toward adding a unisex “Hopefully they will continue to remain involved in the hall disabled toilet and shower room. as we go forward.”
In a separate project, the Salvation Army provided a grant “Given the high standard of the upgrade for the installation of a BBQ. The BBQ and the shower room will also be well used by the Devon North CFA, and the location of the hall only 5 kilometres who are based next door. from Yarram, we expect it is going to be
The hall improvements will provide the Devon North used a lot more for community functions. community with a high-quality public space to meet, The hall is now a great asset for the plan for their future and share their experiences. North Devon community.” – Wilma Price
Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority
Abbreviations and Acronyms
Appeal Fund Victorian Bushfi re Appeal Fund DPI Department of Primary Industries Authority Victorian Bushfi re Reconstruction DSE Department of Sustainability and and Recovery Authority Environment CAC Community Advisory Committee FRRR Foundation for Rural and CFA Country Fire Authority Regional Renewal CMA Catchment Management Authority Rebuilding Together Rebuilding Together: A Statewide Plan for CRC Community Recovery Committee Bushfi re Reconstruction and Recovery CRP Community Recovery Plan SES State Emergency Services DEEWR Department of Education, VBAF Victorian Bushfi re Appeal Fund Employment and Workplace Relations VBCMS Victorian Bushfi re Case Management DPCD Department of Planning and Service Community Development
The Authority’s Terms of Reference
1) Advise governments, coordinate efforts and develop 6) Work with communities to develop coordinated plans to an overarching plan for the restoration and recovery of deal with the effects of the disaster on local economies, regions, towns and communities affected by the 2009 communities, infrastructure a–nd the environment. These Victorian bushfi res plans should cover the immediate recovery requirements 2) Work closely with the community in the process of and longer term development rebuilding and recovery, and ensure that individuals 7) Have overall responsibility for ensuring that communities and communities are consulted closely – with such are rebuilt and projects are delivered quickly and consultations to be transparent and sensitive to effi ciently local needs 8) Work closely with all funding sources, including the 3) Analyse, and advise governments on, the impact of the Victorian Bushfi re Appeal Fund, to ensure effective and bushfi res on the communities, economy, infrastructure coordinated expenditure of funds and environment in affected areas 9) Report to the Premier of Victoria, and consult with 4) Coordinate activities and the work of relevant the Commonwealth Government as required on organisations to help regions, towns and individuals re- reconstruction and recovery efforts establish their communities, once it is safe to do so, in a 10) Report regularly on progress to both governments and way that is respectful of individual and community needs communities. 5) Ensure that services to people affected are easily available and coordinated across all levels of government and community organisations
p.104 Key Events Timeline
2009 January 29 Delburn bushfi res start in Gippsland August 4 Referral cards sent to affected households February 7 Black Saturday bushfi res for accessing material aid February 8 Victorian Bushfi re Appeal Fund established August 7 Authority’s SixMonthReport released February 9 Victorian Bushfi res Royal Commission August 17 Victorian Bushfi res Royal Commission announced Interim Report released February 10 Victorian Bushfi re Reconstruction and October 3 Kinglake temporary village opened Recovery Authority established October 8 Whittlesea temporary accommodation February 11 Victorian Bushfi re Accommodation Donation opened Line established October 16 RebuildingTogether:AStatewidePlanfor February 13 Victorian Bushfi re Case Management Service BushfireReconstructionandRecovery established released February 22 National Day of Mourning November 8 Authority’s NineMonthReportreleased February 27 Property clean-up program announced November 11 New interim regulations for private bushfi re shelters announced March Community Recovery Committees begin to form November 12 Marysville Community Centre stage one work commences March 4 Flowerdale temporary village opened November 21 Community Recovery Committees Thank You March 6 New building standards announced Reception held at Government House April 17 Appeal Fund closed, with $388 million raised November 24 Victorian Bushfi res Royal Commission May 8 Bushfi re victim identifi cation completed Interim Report 2 released May 15 Residential planning amendment announced December 2 New telephone-based emergency alert May 17 Marysville temporary village opened warning system commences May 17 Authority’s 100DayReport released December 5 Marysville Central retail precinct opened July 7 Clean-up program completed December 21 Marysville and Triangle Summer Staffi ng July 13 Free toilet and shower scheme announced Initiative starts July 14 Donations management system commenced December 31 Personal Hardship Grants and Appeal Fund individual grants applications closed July 31 First Community Recovery Plan received by the Authority 2010 January 4 Marysville and Triangle Urban Design Framework approved January 16 Bereaved Community Recovery Forum held January 29 Anniversary of the start of the Gippsland fi res January 29 Kinglake Ranges Radio launched January 31 Work commenced at the Callignee Community Centre
24 Month Report | Key Events Timeline p.105 February 7 Black Saturday bushfi res one year July 5 Marysville and Triangle Winter Staffi ng commemorations Initiative starts February 8 Authority’s 12 Month Report released July 5 Marysville Rebuilding Advisory Centre and February 15 Fuel outlet opened in Marysville Community Facility opened March 3 Temporary fuel outlet opened in Kinglake July 10 Second Bereaved Gathering for Recovery at Etihad Stadium March 5 Marysville and Triangle Autumn Staffi ng Initiative starts July 17- Statewide Leadership Development Forum 18 – for CRC members and other community March 11 Reconstruction of Marysville Mt Gordon Fire leaders Tower completed July 25 ‘Bringing it Together’ Community Planning March 12 Launch of $10 million Victorian Bushfi res Day for the Kinglake Ranges, Flowerdale, Business Investment Fund Hazeldene, Toolangi and Castella region March 18 Schematic design for the Marysville July 31 Final 2009 Victorian Bushfi res Royal Community Centre Stage 2 was endorsed Commission Report handed down by Murrindindi Shire Council’s Section 86 Committee. August 2 Kinglake Rebuilding Advisory Centre and Community Facility opened March 19 Traralgon South Cricket Club – new kitchen opened August 6 Authority’s 18MonthReport released March 24 First StayingInTouch bereaved newsletter August 20 Applications close for Fire Awareness released Awards March 26 New site of joint Kinglake CFA and VICSES August 27 Applications close for Small Business unveiled Support grants April 1 Clayton Material Aid Warehouse closed September 30 Applications for Removal of Hazardous Trees payment close April 6 Authority’s Chair presents to 2009 Victorian Bushfi res Royal Commission on recovery October 27 Victorian Bushfi re Appeal FundPermanently Impaired and FinancialHardshipandIn April 7 Kinglake Thank You Concert at Federation NeedofPermanentAccommodationgifts Square announced April 12 Marysville Primary School and Early Learning November 6-7 Whittlesea Affordable Building Expo Centre opened November 14 Marysville Affordable Building Expo April 14 Murchison Street and Town Amenity Master Plan exhibited for fi nal public comment November 26 Gippsland Affordable Building Expo April 16 Toilet and Shower Scheme extended to 30 November 28 Kinglake Ranges Affordable Building Expo November November 30 Toilet and Shower Scheme extended to 31 April 21 Flowerdale Organics Forum March 2011 May 1 Marysville and Triangle Information Expo December 2 Stage One of the Say G’Day Trail in Mitchell Shire commenced May 7 Authority’s 15MonthReport released December 5 Community Leaders Refl ection Event in May 21 Bushfi re Memorials – Community Healesville Engagement and Planning Forum June 18 Marysville Material Aid Centre closed 2011 June 25 Pheasant Creek Material Aid Centre closed January 7 Kinglake Central shared facilities closed June 30 Applications close for Victorian Bushfi res January 18 Offi cial opening of the Flowerdale Early Business Investment Fund grants Learning Centre and the Flowerdale Community Services Hub January 31 Applications for Victorian Bushfi re Appeal Fund Scholarship Program closed February 6 Black Saturday bushfi res two year central commemorative event
p.106 Key Contacts
Victorian Bushfi re Reconstruction Department of Families, Housing, Community and Recovery Authority Services and Indigenous Affairs (Commonwealth) http://www.wewillrebuild.vic.gov.au http://www.fahcsia gov.au Ph: 1800 240 667 http://www.disasterassist.gov.au Ph: 1300 653 227 Victorian Bushfi re Appeal Fund http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/bushfi reappeal Department of Human Services (Victoria) Ph: 1800 180 213 http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au Ph: 1300 650 172 or (03) 9096 0000 Building Commission http://www.buildingcommission.com.au Department of Sustainability and Environment Ph: 1300 557 559 or (03) 9285 6400 (Victoria) http://www.dse.vic.gov.au Country Fire Authority Ph: 136 186 http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au Ph: 1800 240 667 (Victorian Bushfi re Information Line) Department of Primary Industries (Victoria) http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au Centrelink Ph: 136 186 http://www.centrelink.gov.au Ph: 180 22 11
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Copyright Victorian Bushfire Bushfire Victorian and Reconstruction Authority Recovery © State of Victoria 2011 Authorised by Ian Dicker 55 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Melbourne Printed by On Demand, 323 Williamstown Road, Port The Authority would like to thank members of bushfire-affected communities for providing images for this report. Base map has been generated by the Department of Sustainability and Environment, 2010. Information is accurate at the time of printing. ISBN 978-1-921697-83-8 (print) ISBN 978-1-921697-84-5 (web) large as such format, accessible an in publication this receive to like would you If print, please telephone the Victoria Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 or email [email protected] Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Progress Report #8. Report Progress Authority Recovery and Reconstruction Bushfire Victorian Published by the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority (State Government of Victoria) except process any by reproduced be may part No copyright. is publication This the of provisions the with accordance in