Support for

A SERIES of long-term support measures for victims of the Black Saturday and Gippsland fires have been introduced by the State Government.
Premier Ted Baillieu last week announced dedicated resources and details of ongoing support for those affected by the 2009 bushfires.
“In the lead-up to the second anniversary of Black Saturday, it is important to recognise that many fire-affected communities are still struggling with a range of issues,” Mr Baillieu said.
“As a result, services established in the aftermath of one of Australia’s worst natural disasters need to adapt to the changing needs of the people and communities affected.”
Minister for Bushfire Response Peter Ryan said a new Fire Recovery Unit within Regional Development Victoria, which would operate from 1 July after the wind-down of the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority (VBRRA), would serve as a one-stop-shop for those needing assistance to recover and rebuild after the 2009 fires.
“The Fire Recovery Unit will provide a clear point of contact in government for fire-affected individuals, communities and councils and work closely with other agencies leading bushfire recovery projects,” Mr Ryan said.
“The unit will monitor existing recovery and reconstruction programs and work closely with the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund to distribute funding set aside for the medium to long-term community recovery.”
Other initiatives to support the medium and longer-term recovery of communities include:
• The continuation of three Community Engagement Co-ordinators until December 2012 to work across all fire-affected areas.
• A new Council Capacity Development Program to assist the 10 most affected councils to work with communities to progress recovery.
This program will also aim to strengthen communities by helping to build their relationships with local councils.
The Rebuilding Advisory Service will continue to support individuals rebuilding their homes into 2011 (operating under the Fire Recovery Unit into 2011 from 1 July).
Mr Baillieu said the new support package came on top of a number of health and counselling services that would continue to be provided in partnership with local councils and community organisations.
Mr Ryan said he was also pleased to announce that the chair of the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority, Ian Dicker, would have an ongoing role advising the Coalition Government on economic and business recovery.
Comprehensive information will be provided to all fire-affected communities about how they can continue to receive ongoing support in March.