About the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund
More than 78 communities across Victoria were devastated by the worst natural disaster in Australia’s history. However, in the face of unimaginable tragedy came humanity and heroism.
Immediately after the fires the Victorian Government, in partnership with Australian Red Cross and the Commonwealth Government, established the Victorian Bushfire Appeal. When the Appeal officially closed in April, $379 million had been raised.
Funds donated through the Red Cross are held in a separate trust account established by the Victorian Government. These funds are distributed through the Department of Human Services at the direction of an Independent Advisory Panel chaired by the former Deputy Premier, the Hon Pat McNamara. Other members of the Advisory Panel are the Hon. Robert Tickner, CEO, Australian Red Cross; Cr. Lyn Gunter, Mayor of Murrindindi Shire; Professor Glyn Davis AC, Vice Chancellor, University of Melbourne; Christine Nixon, Chair, Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority (VBRRA); and Pam White, ex-officio, Department of Human Services.
Individuals, businesses and governments have entrusted the Fund’s Advisory Panel with the immense task of ensuring those who are most in need receive the support they require. Every cent of the money donated goes to bushfire-affected people and communities. The Advisory Panel overseeing the Fund knows it is responsible for allocating this money on behalf of all donors, and it does so with rigour and compassion.
The overwhelming generosity from across Australia and overseas has given people and communities devastated by the fires a chance to rebuild.
Supporting the Advisory Panel is the Secretariat, and the Implementation Unit, operated by the Department of Human Services. The Secretariat focuses on policy development for types of payments, liaison with the Australian Taxation Office and stakeholder relationships. The Implementation Unit is responsible for assessing applications, making payments and working with the Department of Human Services case managers to assist bushfire-affected people.
Bushfire Appeal Fund Reports
Downloads
Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund Six Month Progress Report [PDF, 982.0 kb]This report outlines how the Advisory Panel supported survivors of the bushfires in the six months since the Fund was established. The Advisory Panel has worked closely with bushfire-affected people and communities to determine where the greatest need was. During these six months the Advisory Panel has listened carefully to feedback to better understand what the emerging and changing needs are and will be into the future.- Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund Six Month Progress Report [Word, 436.0 kb]Word version of the Six Month Progress Report.
- Appeal Fund Public Report - First 100 Days [PDF, 263.2 kb]This first public report of the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund was released in May 2009. The report summarises activities of the Advisory panel and the Fund's involvement in the phases of recovery. The report describes payment types and grant amounts, the application process, the criteria for allocation, and future directions for the fund.