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Bushfire Recovery Victoria

Phone: +61 1800 560 760

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25.01.2022 FREE WEBINAR WITH DR ROB GORDON - WEDNESDAY 26 AUGUST Dr Rob Gordon, clinical psychologist and an expert in mental health first aid and supporting people affected by bushfires, is hosting his second free webinar Parenting and family life after a bushfire". The webinar will run on 26 August 2020 from 10am - 12pm and will cover:... Support for children and young people. Parenting. Family life with school disruptions. Group supervision for youth. To register for the webinar, please see the link below. You can watch a replay of Dr Gordons previous webinar in the series, "Six months into bushfire recovery: problems and survival", here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=677770526418794

25.01.2022 The fire season is coming. The Victorian Government is starting an important fire safety campaign. Some people may find the campaign confronting. If at any time you are worried about your mental health, or the health of a loved one, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. ... For personal support, you can also access the Victorian Bushfires Case Support Program by calling 1800 560 760. This is a service delivered by local community agencies. For more information about the fire campaign, go to www.vic.gov.au/knowfire.

25.01.2022 BRV RECOVERY HUBS MOVING TO SAFE OPERATION MODE UNDER STAGE 3 COVID RESTRICTIONS At Bushfire Recovery Victoria, we have a responsibility to ensure our recovery services are accessible to all. We also have a responsibility to ensure the safety of the communities we work in. Recognising this responsibility, we have undertaken a comprehensive risk assessment of our Hub network in line with our COVIDSafe Plan and the Stage 3 Stay At Home restrictions for regional Victoria. ...Continue reading

23.01.2022 An update from our friends at DELWP Gippsland who are working to stabilise the Wairewa Railway Bridge, which suffered damage during the summer bushfires, to ensure that it remains a well-loved landmark of the Wairewa Valley!

23.01.2022 Are you travelling this long weekend? The impacts of the summers bushfires are still being felt and while these communities welcome you back, we ask you come with care. If youre visiting bushfire affected communities please travel safely, follow the rules and only travel if you feel well.... Read up on how to travel safely at: www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/travel-restrictions-covid-19

22.01.2022 Disaster mental health expert Dr Rob Gordon says that feelings of fatigue, exhaustion and stress often come to the surface around six months after a disaster. Now that six months have passed since this summers devastating bushfires, its time to slow down and ask ourselves how we are going. Its common to feel overwhelmed, like its all too much. Its common to feel a lot of stress when turning our minds to the next steps in the recovery and rebuilding journey.... Everyone experiences these events in different ways. But one thing that is universal to almost everyone is that sharing these feelings with others can help to lighten the load. Rob Gordon says that now is the time for everyone to get involved with the community and use the services available, because the next 18 months is when health, relationships, social and family life can suffer and create unnecessary problems. If youre interested in hearing more from Dr Rob Gordon, we will be hosting a webinar with him in the coming weeks - with details to come. The Victorian Bushfires Case Support Program is here for you, free, when you need it. By calling 1800 560 760, we can connect you with the support you need. Were here to listen, and to help. For more information on the support available to you and your loved ones, visit vic.gov.au/your-wellbeing-bushfire-recovery. Please reach out or chat to a friend, a loved one or a neighbour about things. It all helps.

22.01.2022 $10,000 GRANT UPDATE: The $10,000 Small Business Bushfire Support Grant has been extended to four more local government areas Indigo, Mansfield, Wellington and Wangaratta and is still available in East Gippsland, Alpine and Towong Shires. Well over 1,000 small businesses and primary producers across Victoria have already received this grant.... You can apply for it online it only takes a few minutes, and you dont have to upload any financial documents if you dont have them available. You can apply if you are a small business or primary producer who lost significant income as a result of the fires. Eligibility criteria apply, but you can be assessed under exceptional circumstances if you dont meet this criteria. Apply today at www.brv.vic.gov.au or call Rural Finance on 1800 260 425.

22.01.2022 The Victorian Government is undergrounding bare-wire powerlines across bushfire-affected properties in Alpine, East Gippsland and Towong shires. See below for more details.

21.01.2022 The statewide bushfire clean-up project is now almost three-quarters complete dont miss out. Registration for the program closes tomorrow. To register, visit brv.vic.gov.au or call 1800 560 760.

21.01.2022 If your fencing was affected by fire last summer, you can still dispose of the fencing wire (the wire only) at one of the 10 stockpile locations in East Gippsla...nd: Buchan (Old sawmill, 2286 Bruthen-Buchan Road) Cann River Landfill Cobungra (Plowmans property at Tolands road) Ensay (Blowhard gravel pit Little River Road) Newmeralla Recreation Reserve (western side of the showgrounds, away from horse yards) Nowa Nowa (old railway station site) Omeo (old soil dump site) Sarsfield (camp and water reserve, Great Alpine Road) Wairewa (Waterpoint, opposite the Wairewa Transfer Station, Carl Smith road) When dumping fencing wire, ensure that you place it in the designated area for easy collection and to keep community areas neat. The wire will be picked up by scrap metal contractors for recycling. Other fencing waste material will need to be taken to your local waste facility for disposal. East Gippsland Shire Council Bushfire Recovery Victoria Buchan Neighbourhood House Cann River Community Centre Wairewa Hall Nowa Nowa General Store Little River Inn Ensay

21.01.2022 FREE WEBINAR WITH DR ROB GORDON Dr Rob Gordon, clinical psychologist and an expert in mental health first aid and supporting people affected by bushfires, is hosting a free webinar Six months into bushfire recovery: problems and survival during COVID which will be open to the public. The webinar will run on 11 August 2020 from 10-11am and will cover: The second 6 months of disaster recovery ... Trauma, loss and stress disruption in bushfire affected communities Impact of continuing stress on thinking, decision making, emotions and action COVID added social and financial impacts on individuals and families resulting from isolation. To register for the webinar, please go to www.brv.vic.gov.au.

20.01.2022 Dr Rob Gordon, clinical psychologist and an expert in mental health first aid and supporting people affected by bushfires, hosted a free webinar Six months into bushfire recovery: problems and survival on 11 August 2020. The topics that were discussed included: The second 6 months of disaster recovery Trauma, loss and stress disruption in bushfire affected communities Impact of continuing stress on thinking, decision making, emotions and action... COVID added social and financial impacts on individuals and families resulting from isolation. See more

20.01.2022 The Victorian Government has released its State Recovery Plan for the 2019-20 fires. The Plan sets out the journey ahead for bushfire-affected communities over the next 12 to 18 months. It provides an additional $112 million in funding for 18 key recovery projects needed right now - and economic recovery initiatives shaped and supported by local communities into the future.... With the clean-up very nearly complete, this plan helps communities turn to the next stage in the journey getting back on their feet, getting works underway and getting things done. The plan covers the five lines of recovery - social and wellbeing, business and economy, buildings and infrastructure, environment and biodiversity, and Aboriginal culture and healing - with a firm commitment to community-led planning at its heart. You can view the plan here: www.vic.gov.au/bushfire-recovery-programs-and-initiatives.

20.01.2022 It only takes a couple of minutes to apply online for the $10,000 small business bushfire support grant. The grant is for small businesses and primary producers who suffered significant income loss as a result of the fires and over 2,000 businesses have already received it. You can apply online at www.ruralfinance.com.au//small-business-bushfire-support-g or give the folks at Rural Finance a call on 1800 260 425 if you have any questions.... You can also see a full list of financial support on our website at www.brv.vic.gov.au.

19.01.2022 BUSHFIRE EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE WITH VINNIES VICTORIA Vinnies Victoria is offering support to year-12 students in Victorias fire-affected regions who are seeking tertiary education in 2021. Read more about the scheme below:

18.01.2022 PRIMARY PRODUCER GRANTS EXTENDED This week, the Victorian and Commonwealth Government announced a major extension to the $75,000 grants for directly-affected primary producers, so more people are able to receive support. Eligibility changes include:... Adjusted off-farm income threshold making it easier to be eligible. Allowing extra time for applicants to reach the 50 per cent income threshold in recognition of long lead times required by some sectors to reach full production. Applicants are no longer required to be registered for GST but must still hold an ABN. Businesses earning more than 50 per cent of their income from a combination of primary production and goods made directly from that produce will now be eligible for assistance. The grant which almost 400 primary producers have successfully applied for to date, sharing over $26 million in funds has also been extended to 31 December 2020. These grants are on top of the $50,000 grants for directly affected small businesses and the $10,000 grants for both small businesses and primary producers who lost income as a result of the fires, whether they were flame-impacted or not. Almost $20 million in the $10,000 Small Business Bushfire Support grants have been paid to date, with 1905 small businesses and primary producers supported. You can apply for the $75,000 primary producer grant or the $10,000 Small Business Bushfire Support Grant directly at www.ruralfinance.com.au or by calling Rural Finance direct at 1800 260 425. You can also chat with your local Bushfire Recovery Hub coordinator or with our teams on the phone at 1800 560 760. Please dont self assess and rule yourself out or applying for grants. Chat to us or the experts at Rural Finance first to see what you might be eligible for it may be more than you think.

18.01.2022 WOMBATS, BOOKS AND MORE WOMBATS Award-winning author Jackie French will be hosting two online events on Wednesday 7th October. Session one will be an online reading of Diary of a Wombat, suitable for young children (4 7 years old): https://www.facebook.com/events/321688969133612/... Session two will be a special Q & A with Jackie on 'where the stories come from' and will be suitable for young adults: https://www.facebook.com/events/2532090137082472/ To find out more about these special events, contact Shelley Herman, Alpine Region Hub Coordinator on 0429 529 700 or email [email protected].

17.01.2022 NOWA NOWA SISTERS PERFORM I AM AUSTRALIAN Sisters Bethany and Laurena entered this video in a local song contest called KidzRock We reckon its pretty special. ...Should they win? The song is I am Australian by The Seekers.

17.01.2022 The bushfires had a profound impact on our environment and biodiversity but recovery is underway. In East Gippsland, 58% of the habitat of the Eastern Bristlebird was directly affected by fire. Experts led by DELWP, Parks Victoria and Zoos Victoria extracted 15 birds from Howe Flat when it was under threat in February, housing them safely until they were able to return. ... In the Ovens catchment, the impact of the fires posed significant threats to aquatic species such as Murray Cod. A team of experts led an operation to extract and relocate them to other parts of the Ovens catchment which were not impacted by the fires. Grants are on offer to fund environmental rehabilitation works, and you can find out more at www.environment.vic.gov.au/grants. Photo credit: DELWP Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning , Parks Victoria, Zoos Victoria, Victorian Fisheries Authority

16.01.2022 BUSHFIRE RECOVERY GRANTS FOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES The Bushfire Recovery Grants for Community Facilities of up to $50,000 is available for community groups who want help to build, upgrade or repair important local facilities that everyone can use. Examples of projects that could be funded through the community facilities grants include upgrades to kitchens or bathrooms at local halls, repairs to fix damage, or new facilities such as playgrounds, community gardens and small pav...ilions. Eligibility criteria applies. To apply for this grant, please go to: www.brv.vic.gov.au/bushfire-recovery-grants-community-facil

16.01.2022 School holidays are in full swing. While there are signs of regrowth and reconstruction in our bushfire affected communities (like the new viewing platform at Mallacootas Betka Beach), the effects of the summer fires are deep and long lasting. So if youre visiting bushfire affected communities this weekend or during the holidays, please come with care. Travel safely, follow the rules and only travel if you feel well.... Read up on how to travel safely at: www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/travel-restrictions-covid-19. Photo credit: East Gippsland Shire Council

16.01.2022 The Business Recovery Advisory Service will be available at Recovery Hubs in Cann Valley, Orbost and Mallacoota. Advisers can help with impact assessments, grant applications, recovery plans and business resilience mentoring. They will connect you to experts and services dedicated to restoring your business. To ensure we observe social distancing requirements, please call or email your local Hub Coordinator before visiting.... To find out more about your local recovery hub, including locations, opening times, and contact details, visit www.vic.gov.au/community-noticeboard-bushfire-recovery

16.01.2022 From all at Bushfire Recovery Victoria, we wish you a safe and happy Christmas and New Year. We hope everyone gets the chance to see each other, reconnect, and take a decent break after a big and difficult 12 months. Over the break, our Hub buildings will be open on limited days. For more information, please see our website: www.vic.gov.au/community-noticeboard-bushfire-recovery.... Bushfire Recovery Victoria staff members will remain working throughout this period too, supporting you or your community. The services you need will still be available so if there’s any advice or support you need during this time, please contact Bushfire Recovery Victoria on 1800 560 760. For many communities, we know that this holiday period is also the first anniversary of the fires, so if you or someone you know is feeling distressed, you can also contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. You can also call 1800 560 760 to be connected to our Bushfire Recovery Case Support program, which is delivered by local community service organisations and can link you to personal and financial support.

14.01.2022 The free clean-up of over 700 destroyed and damaged properties is now complete and to schedule - and we couldnt have done it without the hard work of all the crews and the support of the community. Recovery is a long journey, and clean-up is just the beginning. We made a promise to communities to help them build back bigger, better and stronger - and were here for the long haul to do just that. And while the 2020 Clean-up Program is now formally complete, we are keeping a crew of workers in reserve for a period of time in case a property owner who initially opted out of the free clean-up wants to reconsider their options. If youre in this situation, please call us on 1800 560 760 to discuss.

13.01.2022 The $68.6 million Local Economic Recovery Program is now open. We’re looking for your ideas for big projects to boost the economy of fire-affected regions and small projects that can make a real difference within your community. Grants of up to $5 million are on offer for regional economic projects and up to $2 million for local community projects and importantly, grant applications will have to show that the community is supportive of the proposal.... We’ve worked closely with councils, Community Recovery Committees and other groups to make sure this program meets the needs of the community, and we’re grateful for everyone who contributed. You can see more about the grants, including how to apply, here: https://www.vic.gov.au/local-economic-recovery-program-bush Before you complete an application, we recommend you chat to a member of BRV’s economic recovery team first to discuss your idea. You can arrange a time to talk by filling out the form on the page above. This program is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments.

13.01.2022 The Business Recovery Advisory Service will be returning to Recovery Hubs in Cann Valley, Orbost and Mallacoota this week. Advisers can help with impact assessments, grant applications, recovery plans and business resilience mentoring. They will connect you to experts and services dedicated to restoring your business. To ensure we observe social distancing requirements, please call or email your local Hub Coordinator before visiting.... To find out more about your local recovery hub, including locations, opening times, and contact details, visit www.vic.gov.au/community-noticeboard-bushfire-recovery

13.01.2022 Six months on from the 2019-2020 bushfires, the Victorian Government is working on economic recovery activities across our fire-impacted communities. To date, close to $50 million has been invested through a range of infrastructure projects to support local businesses in East Gippsland & North East Victoria in their recovery from the bushfires, such as Bullock Island in East Gippsland. Bullock Island received over $1.8 million to spend on upgrades to facilities, fishing plat...forms and parking, as well as the ongoing work to build an on-water cafe. Additionally, small businesses across bushfire-affected Victoria continue to access the Small Business Support Grant of up to $10,000 and can receive free support from Small Business Victorias advisors. Businesses are encouraged to contact Bushfire Recovery Victoria to access free support. This includes grants and financial counselling among other services. Call 1800 560 760 or visit www.brv.vic.gov.au. Photo credit: Regional Victoria Living

12.01.2022 FREE WEBINAR WITH DR ROB GORDON - TUESDAY 11 AUGUST Please be aware that the free webinar with Dr Rob Gordon will take place tomorrow, 10am - 11am. The webinar will cover: The second 6 months of disaster recovery... Trauma, loss and stress disruption in bushfire affected communities Impact of continuing stress on thinking, decision making, emotions and action COVID added social and financial impacts on individuals and families resulting from isolation. Please click the event for more details about how you can register. Registrations will close at 5pm today.

12.01.2022 Today is RUOK day. Its a prompt to get you asking your loved ones about how they are feeling, to listen, encourage and to check in. Our communities have been through a lot in the last 9 months, and while today is a great reminder, every day is a chance to check in on your families, friends and neighbours as the recovery journey continues.... We are here for you when you are ready. You can call our free case support line on 1800 560 760 or get in touch with your local Recovery Hub coordinator, you can find their details on vic.gov.au/community-noticeboard-bushfire-recovery To learn more about RUOK day head to www.ruok.org.au/.

12.01.2022 Please note this warning for possible flooding issued for bushfire impacted areas in East Gippsland. Bushfires have long-lasting impacts on the natural environment which increase the dangers from floods and storms, including the chance of landslides. Please be mindful if you go walking during and immediately after the rain dont go to burnt areas, or along river banks and gullies. Victoria State Emergency Service advice is at www.ses.vic.gov.au/warnings and get notifications about warnings and emergencies by following Vic Emergency.

10.01.2022 Applications are now open for the $900,000 Biodiversity Bushfire Recovery Grants program The grants are for post-bushfire on-ground works, community education... and capacity building projects in areas severely affected by the 2019-20 bushfires. Private landowners (who are conserving bushland on their properties), volunteer environmental groups and volunteer-based environmental networks can apply: environment.vic.gov.au/grants/BBRG The grants help meet Victorias biodiversity targets in Protecting Victorias Environment Biodiversity 2037.

09.01.2022 BUSHFIRE RECOVERY GRANTS FOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES Community groups, not-for-profits, Aboriginal organisations and other social enterprises can apply for the Bushfire Recovery Grants for Community Facilities of up to $50,000. Bushfire Recovery Grants for Community Facilities have been established to support local organisations to repair and improve damaged or destroyed community facilities in fire affected communities. BRV will consider applications for projects that that hel...p to bring communities together and support community recovery and resilience Examples of projects that could be funded through the community facilities grants include repair of playgrounds, skate parks, pavilions or other outdoor facilities, repair of community halls or buildings and energy efficiency and general repairs for facilities that have been damaged or destroyed. We know community members will use their imagination and come up with ideas that work best in their local area. Grant funding cannot be used for offsetting of salaries, operating costs for existing staff, feasibility studies, business plans and third-party sponsorship. To apply, please visit www.brv.vic.gov.au.

09.01.2022 Dr Rob Gordon is a clinical psychologist and an expert in mental health first aid. To help support people affected by bushfires, Dr Gordon has hosted his second free webinar Parenting and family life after a bushfire". The webinar covered: Support for children and young people. Parenting.... Family life with school disruptions. Group supervision for youth. See more

09.01.2022 John and Carol Kinniburgh lost their Sarsfield house in the fires. When they moved into rental accomodation a while away from their property, they "had to made the trek back every day" to feed the animals and take care of things. They needed an option where they could live comfortably and securely in a high-quality home - back on their land and in their community they love - while they rebuilt permanently.... That's where Bushfire Recovery Victoria's Short-Term Modular Housing program comes in. This month, John and Carol moved into a brand new, short-term modular housing unit on their property, which was provided by Bushfire Recovery Victoria. They'll stay there until the rebuild of their permanent home is complete. 10 of these modular units have now been delivered to properties across the fire-affected areas. 17 more are under construction, with more orders expected. John says the new home means means "we can be on site, and we can relax and watch the building take place." We wish John and Carol all the very best, and we are here for the long haul to help them - and everyone else affected by these fires - on the journey ahead. You can see more about the support available for people rebuilding at www.vic.gov.au/rebuilding-support - or you can drop in and speak to your local Recovery Hub coordinator to have a chat in person or over the phone.

09.01.2022 As part of the Victorian Government’s State Recovery Plan, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning is completing important biodiversity work, just like this forest reseeding and regeneration program. To see more on the State Recovery Plan head to www.vic.gov.au/bushfire-recovery-programs-and-initiatives

08.01.2022 Our new Hub Coordinator in Buchan, Rebecca, was interviewed by WIN News Gippsland yesterday. Rebecca will be a familiar face on the ground, working with locals, helping them with advice and practical support, and linking them to vital services when and where they need it. To find out more about your local recovery hub, including locations, opening times, contact details and the name of your local Hub Coordinator, visit www.vic.gov.au/community-noticeboard-bushfire-recovery

08.01.2022 FREE WEBINAR WITH DR ROB GORDON - NINE MONTHS ON: LOOKING TO THE NEXT FIRE SEASON Dr Rob Gordon is a clinical psychologist and an expert in mental health first aid. To help support people affected by bushfires, Dr Gordon is presenting the third webinar in our series, Nine months on: Looking to the next fire season". The webinar will run on 8 September 2020 from 3pm - 5pm and will cover:... 9 months on what can I expect? Increased awareness of loss Preparing and planning for the upcoming fire season Changes in weather Media coverage and anniversaries To register for the webinar, please go to www.brv.vic.gov.au.

08.01.2022 Last week, we announced the first full round of local community projects funded as part of the Australian and Victorian Governments’ Local Economic Recovery Program a big congratulations to the recipients. This was a community-led process. We asked for the community’s ideas, and we are very grateful for the time and effort that community applicants put in. Further rounds of Local Economic Recovery funding for local community projects will be available this year, so commun...ities have the time they need to determine their local priorities and get their ideas right. Projects funded in East Gippsland include: $924,960 to revitalise Livingstone Park, the 25-hectare centrepiece of Omeo $426,048 to establish a multi-purpose community facility at Tambo Crossing $341,600 to upgrade Omeo Rodeo facilities, including new arena lighting and new family-friendly amenities $184,617 to rebuild tennis courts at the Genoa Sports Club $140,000 to the Children With Additional Needs Working Group to support recovery and resilience building $118,127 to the Buchan, Gelantipy and District Renewal Association to upgrade Wulgulmerang Sports Ground, Gelantipy Hall, Buchan Recreation Reserve and Buchan Hall $115,000 to upgrade Marlo’s Triangle Park and playground $114,688 to upgrade the Swan Reach netball court surface and install new floodlights $75,000 to upgrade the Nowa Nowa boat ramp and jetty Projects funded in the North East include: $800,000 to support Upper Murray Inc’s plan to protect communities against power outages and reduce running costs by installing energy nodes $544,645 to refurbish the Towong Soldiers Memorial Hall and provide better access $473,838 to upgrade the Walwa Services Memorial Hall and enable to function as a refuge during emergencies $387,384 to upgrade courts at the Corryong Tennis Club $295,860 to upgrade Kergunyah Hall, the only community space in the Kergunyah and surrounds $189,000 to improve the surface and drainage on the Possum loop track and Dargo lookout trail within the Mount Hotham Alpine Resort Other projects already funded under the Local Economic Recovery program include $8 million in economic programs to support jobs, apprenticeships, farmers and businesses across the fire-affected area and five other local community projects in East Gippsland and Victoria’s North East. Practical support from local suppliers is also on offer to Community Recovery Committees to assist with the grant application process, such as grant writing and project scoping. To learn more about the Local Economic Recovery program in Victoria, or see what else you might be eligible for, visit www.brv.vic.gov.au, contact 1800 560 760 or visit a local Bushfire Recovery Hub.

06.01.2022 Please be aware that the free webinar with Dr Rob Gordon will take place tomorrow, 10am - 12pm. The webinar will cover: Support for children and young people. Parenting. Family life with school disruptions. Group supervision for youth.... Please click the event for more details about how you can register.

06.01.2022 You may have seen Bushfire Recovery Victorias short-term modular homes this week in the local paper, TV news and radio. This is just one option that we are providing for people who are currently in emergency accommodation so they can return back to their land and live in a newly-built, high-quality modular home for up to three years while they complete their permanent rebuild. Through the Case Support Program, weve been working with eligible families to discuss the option a...nd conduct site inspections and while thats all happening, the homes are getting built at the factory so theyre ready to deliver and install on sites soon. This option wont be for everyone, but whats important is that the option is there. For those families who dont want to take it up, well keep working with them through Case Support to make sure they can continue in DHHS-supported emergency housing or other arrangements that are safe and secure. Bushfire recovery is a long journey. If you feel you need any type of help or support after the fires, please get in touch with the free Case Support Program at 1800 560 760. Even if you just want to have a tea and a chat with someone about what youve been going through were here to help.

06.01.2022 FREE WEBINAR WITH DR ROB GORDON - WEDNESDAY 26 AUGUST Dr Rob Gordon is a clinical psychologist and an expert in mental health first aid. To help support people affected by bushfires, Dr Gordon is hosting his second free webinar Parenting and family life after a bushfire". The webinar will run on 26 August 2020 from 10am - 12pm and will cover:... Support for children and young people. Parenting. Family life with school disruptions. Group supervision for youth. To register for the webinar, please go to www.brv.vic.gov.au

05.01.2022 BUSHFIRE RECOVERY GRANTS CLOSING 31 JANUARY 2021 A number of grants available after last season’s bushfires will close on 31 January 2021. If you are considering applying, please do so soon and let your community know. --... $10,000 SMALL BUSINESS GRANT The grant is available for small businesses and primary producers who have experienced significant income loss as a result of the 2019-20 bushfires, and are located in East Gippsland, Towong, Alpine, Alpine Resorts, Indigo, Wangaratta, Mansfield and Wellington Shires. Over 2200 businesses in these areas have already received this grant, with over $22 million paid out. Businesses both directly and indirectly affected by fire can apply. It only takes a few minutes to apply online. You don’t need to upload financial documents if you don’t have them right now. You can be assessed under exceptional circumstances if you don’t meet the eligibility criteria. Apply or see more at https://www.ruralfinance.com.au/.../small-business... or call 1800 260 425. -- $75,000 PRIMARY PRODUCER GRANT The Emergency Bushfire Response in Primary Industries Grants of up to $75,000 are available to directly-impacted primary producers in 19 Local Government Areas and the Alpine Resorts. Almost 500 primary producers have received this grant to date, with over $28 million paid out. The eligibility criteria changed for these grants in June so more people can now successfully apply. If you made a self-assessment early on that you weren’t eligible, please look at the grant information at www.brv.vic.gov.au or www.ruralfinance.com.au to see if this is still the case. Apply or see more at https://www.ruralfinance.com.au/.../victorian-bushfires... or call 1800 260 425.

05.01.2022 WHAT THIRD STEP RESTRICTIONS MEAN FOR BRV RECOVERY HUBS Since the introduction of new COVID restrictions last month, BRV Hubs have been operating in ‘safe mode’ with all services available but the physical Hub location open only to appointments. Now, under third step restrictions, BRV Hubs will move from safe mode to fully open from Monday September 21, and may be visited without appointment. We will maintain all social distancing, hygiene and other recommended practices. [No...te: Mallacoota’s Hub is still under renovation]. Moving to the third step is great news for our communities, but we all still have a responsibility to keep each other safe. If you request it, we will work to arrange phone appointments where possible.

04.01.2022 Bushfires can have long-lasting impacts on the natural environment, increasing the dangers from floods and storms, and the chance of landslides. Stay safe, dont go walking in burnt areas or along river banks and gullies during and immediately after rainfall. Read Victoria State Emergency Service advice at www.ses.vic.gov.au/warnings and stay informed of warnings and emergencies by following Vic Emergency.

04.01.2022 REGISTRATIONS FOR CLEAN-UP CLOSE 30 JUNE: The 2020 Clean-up Program covers the demolition and disposal of buildings damaged and destroyed in the recent bushfires and is free for property owners, whether they are insured or not. This may also include the removal of fencing, trees and vehicles, but only where necessary for the safe clean-up of destroyed buildings.... Clean-up is free for property owners and funded by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments. The project is well over 50 per cent finished and is complete or nearing full completion in some areas, so register today and dont miss out. Two things that you can do: 1) Register today if you require clean-up by calling 1800 560 760 or by visiting www.brv.vic.gov.au. 2) Let your family, friends and neighbours know if you think they havent registered yet.

04.01.2022 As Victoria awakes to a State of Disaster this week, none of us can forget that bushfire-affected communities in six shires and four Alpine Resorts have been here before. Its hard to comprehend what these communities have experienced since the skies ran red over summer. Its been the most difficult year imaginable, and at Bushfire Recovery Victoria, we want to say a few things: 1) This new and uncertain phase of COVID doesnt detract from the work of bushfire recovery. In fa...Continue reading

03.01.2022 The Sarsfield Hub is looking wonderful thanks to the community group, Sarsfield Snaps Since the fires, Sarsfield based kids have been getting out and about with their cameras, exploring their community through a lens. The community-led group for young photographers provides a chance for the members to connect, meet and help each other through recovery. The group has taken nearly 3000 images and is continuing to capture Sarsfield’s evolving landscape. ... If you would like to get in involved with the project, you can email: [email protected].

02.01.2022 Are you and your family planning to travel during the school holidays? The impacts of the summers bushfires are still being felt and while communities welcome you back, we ask you to come with care. If youre visiting bushfire affected communities please travel safely, follow the rules and only travel if you feel well.... Read up on how to travel safely at: www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/travel-restrictions-covid-19

02.01.2022 Weve just reopened the final 25km of Benambra-Corryong Road near Nariel Valley - the last of the arterial roads affected by the recent bushfires in North East Victoria Details: https://go.vic.gov.au/BvoJGp

01.01.2022 BOOST FOR JOBS, SKILLS AND TOURISM TO SUPPORT LONG-TERM ECONOMIC RECOVERY Bushfire-affected communities across East Gippsland and Victoria’s North East will benefit from $8 million in funding to grow jobs, create apprenticeships, attract more visitors and help farms become more resilient. Commonwealth Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, David Littleproud and Victorian Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville announced the grants today, ...Continue reading

01.01.2022 GRANTS CLOSING SOON A number of grants available after last season’s bushfires will close on 31 December 2020 and 31 January 2021. If you are considering applying, please do so soon and let your community know.... -- $10,000 SMALL BUSINESS GRANT CLOSES 31 JANUARY 2021 The grant is available for small businesses and primary producers who have experienced significant income loss as a result of the 2019-20 bushfires, and are located in East Gippsland, Towong, Alpine, Alpine Resorts, Indigo, Wangaratta, Mansfield and Wellington Shires. Over 2200 businesses in these areas have already received this grant, with over $22 million paid out. Businesses both directly and indirectly affected by fire can apply. It only takes a few minutes to apply online. You don’t need to upload financial documents if you don’t have them right now. You can be assessed under exceptional circumstances if you don’t meet the eligibility criteria. Grants close 31 January 2021. Apply or see more at https://www.ruralfinance.com.au//small-business-bushfire-s or call 1800 260 425. -- $75,000 PRIMARY PRODUCER GRANT CLOSES 31 JANUARY 2021 The Emergency Bushfire Response in Primary Industries Grants of up to $75,000 are available to directly-impacted primary producers in 19 Local Government Areas and the Alpine Resorts. Almost 500 primary producers have received this grant to date, with over $28 million paid out. The eligibility criteria changed for these grants in June so more people can now successfully apply. If you made a self-assessment early on that you weren’t eligible, please look at the grant information at www.brv.vic.gov.au or www.ruralfinance.com.au to see if this is still the case. Grants close 31 January 2021. Apply or see more at https://www.ruralfinance.com.au//victorian-bushfires-2019- or call 1800 260 425. -- OTHER GRANTS CLOSING 31 DECEMBER 2020 $50,000 Small Business Bushfire Recovery Grants for directly-impacted small businesses. Over 100 businesses have successfully applied to date. Apply or see more at https://www.business.vic.gov.au//small-business-bushfire-r. Concessional Loans of up to $500,000. Apply or see more at https://www.ruralfinance.com.au//victorian-bushfires-2019- or call 1800 260 425. $10,000 Wine Grape Smoke Taint Grant in areas not eligible for the $75,000 primary producer grant. Apply or see more at https://www.ruralfinance.com.au//wine-grape-smoke-taint-gr or call 1800 260 425.

01.01.2022 NAIDOC Week celebrates and appreciates Aboriginal cultures, languages and histories. BRV is committed to support Aboriginal peoples’ culture and healing within all of its recovery activities. The week is a chance for all of us to learn more about the history of where we live, and the generations of custodians that have cared for the environment and maintained their intrinsic connections to country. To find out about Victorian NAIDOC Week (online) events, visit www.vicnaidoc.com.au