Bushfire-affected communities will share in $1 million from the Bushfire Appeal Fund, to support local community winter events.

The $500,000 community events program will help communities rebuild by coming together to do the things that they want to do in warm and safe environments. Where such spaces don?t exist, another $500,000 will be used to ensure this accommodation is provided.

The community grants can be used for anything from film or roast nights to concerts or dances. The events will bring survivors together, they will help people get through a cold winter and help to begin repairing the emotional scars left by the fires.

Each of the bushfire affected communities will receive between $5,000 and $25,000 to run events this winter. Those communities without suitable accommodation to hold events will be provided with temporary facilities, through the additional $500,000 pool of money.

Community Development Committees will nominate the events, with the Winter Events Program to be overseen by the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority.

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