Community Advisory Committee Projects
The next round of local projects to receive funding under the $20.5 million allocation for medium and long-term recovery has been announced by the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund.
The projects were recommended by VBAF’s expert Community Advisory Committee following a public consultation process with bushfire-affected communities last year.
VBAF has allocated $13.5 million for local projects in communities hardest hit by the 2009 bushfires, and $7 million for statewide initiatives that will benefit all fire-affected communities.
The VBAF Panel is working through the CAC's recommendations and will continue to announce successful projects over the coming months. Updates will be provided on this page.
Project Funding
Alpine and Indigo Shire
- Beechworth - Mudgegonga Fire Affected Communities Quilt Project: $15,500
- Alpine & Indigo Whole of Landscape Project: $136,945
- System of Static Water for Community Hubs: $217,555
- Women’s Facilities at Dederang Hall: $100,000
Bendigo Shire
- Stage 2 Development of Albert Richardson Reserve: $420,000
Gippsland Shire
Latrobe
- Yinnar Community Garden: $40,975
- Traralgon South Community Bus: $74,613
- Jeeralang North Hall Fitout: $6,624
- Boolara Mower Purchase: $7,200
- Boolara Memorial Park: $16,625
- Solar Panels – Jeeraland North Hall, Boolara North Hall, Traralgon South Hall, Calignee Hall: $62,161
South Gippsland
- Mirboo North Community Shed Solar Panels: $13,123
Wellington
- Jammers 4 Jammin Youth and Music Project: $20,000
- Gormandale Primary School Art Project: $3,300
- Yarram Community Bus: $130,000
Baw Baw
- Drouin West Chronicle Community Newsletter: $6,230
- Robin Hood to Thornells Reserve Walking Track Enhancement: $23,000
- Jindivick Fitness Track Equipment: $73,057
Murrindindi
Flowerdale and Hazeldene
- Youth Camps & Outings: $40,000
- Solar Panels for Spring Valley Recreation Reserve Pavillion & Arts Precinct Building: $39,720
- Flowerdale Community House Programs: $65,000
Toolangi/Castella
- Kalatha Giant Boardwalk: $30,000
- Toolangi Castella Central Park: $105,000
Marysville
- Steel Pan Band Instruments - Buxton & Marysville Primary Schools: $7,850
- Narbethong Firebirds – Women Gathering After the Fires $5,000
- 1000 Hands Memorial: $110,905
- Cemetery Toilets and Shelter: $72,000
- Narbethong Reserve BBQ Facilities: $93,000
- Community Liaison Officer: $88,961
Kinglake Central
- Kinglake Scout Group Youth Support Project: $5,000
- Programs for Seniors: $10,000
- Firefoxes: $150,000
- Executive Officer, Community-led Recovery: $240,000 (2 years)
- Community Resource Officer: $215,684 ( 2 years)
Yarra Ranges Shire
- Yarra Glen Men’s Shed: $150,000
- Healesville Men’s Shed: $35,000
- Dixons Creek Reserve Healing Garden, Walk and Activities: $65,517
- Steels Creek Community Centre: $54,700
Nillumbik Shire
Christmas Hills
- Community Hall Landscaping & Tennis Courts: $125,485
- Butterfly Studio Community Arts Program: $63,500
St Andrews
- Strengthening Activities for People of the Black Belt: $100,000
Mitchell Shire
- Black Saturday Book: $23.904
- Upper Plenty Community Hall Landscaping: $10,600
- Movie Madness in Mitchell: $9,575
- Wandong Youth Precinct: $176,600
- Twilight Memorial Market: $4,500
Statewide Initiatives
VBAF is continuing to work on a suite of programs and projects which will be accessible to all bushfire-affected communities, including $3.5 million towards psychosocial support – especially for young people – and practical assistance for property recovery and clean-up.
The VBAF Panel has approved the service delivery models for the statewide adult, outreach, young people and children's services, while CatholicCare has been approved to run the $2.9 million Community On-Ground Assistance Program, which will assist people with property recovery and clean-up. Further details on the rollout of these initiatives will be announced soon, once formal arrangements have been finalised.
Flexible Funds
All fire-affected communities will have access to either a community foundation or a localised grants program managed by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, to which community groups will be able to apply for funding.
This will give communities flexibility to meet their recovery needs as they emerge in the medium to long-term future.
The FRRR is a specialist grant-making body which has managed the distribution of more than $25 million in grants to community organisations across Australia over the past 10 years.
More details on the establishment of these localised grants programs will be available soon.
Community Foundations
The VBAF Panel has approved the establishment of a $1 million Community Foundation within the Alpine and Indigo Shires, and a $1 million contribution to the Kinglake Ranges Foundation.
Community Foundations are independent, locally-run organisations working in a distinct geographic area which – over time – build up a collection of funds from donors in the community. They provide services to the community, make grants, and undertakes community leadership and partnership activities to address a wide variety of needs in their service areas.
A feasibility study was recently held into the viability of the Alpine and Indigo Shires Community Foundation, while the Kinglake Ranges Foundation has been operating since February 2011 to assist locals impacted by the 2009 Victorian bushfires.
In accordance with the principles which govern the use of VBAF money, the Community Foundations can only use VBAF funds for the benefit of bushfire-affected individuals and communities.