A new assistance package through the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund will help support those who lost their primary home in the devastating 2009 bushfires.

The Chair of the Appeal Fund Advisory Panel Pat McNamara and the Chair of the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority, Ian Dicker, said a joint effort was continuing to assist people move into permanent accommodation.

“The Appeal Fund Advisory Panel has approved a new gift for home owners who lost their principle place of residence, are not yet in permanent accommodation and are experiencing financial hardship,” Mr McNamara said.

“Grants of $10,000 or $25,000 are available for households who meet the eligibility criteria, depending on their level of financial hardship.

“It was clear that intensive support was still needed to help some people return to permanent accommodation and these grants will help to make a real difference to those who are still not in a position to do so.”

Mr Dicker said the there were a range of measures being implemented to ensure those who lost their homes in the fires could move to permanent arrangements.

“Research undertaken by the Authority shows that, 71 per cent of the 1014 households who completed a recent survey have rebuilt, purchased new property or are in the process of rebuilding,” Mr Dicker said.

“It’s pleasing to see that so many people have permanently resettled after the fires, however there are people who are still not in permanent accommodation and are experiencing significant financial hardship.

“For example many who intend to rebuild are delaying this option because of a number of issues including financial hardship.

“Only eight per cent of people are now undecided and this compares to data from mid last year which suggested almost 20 per cent of people were undecided.

“Those needing assistance with building issues including more complex issues such as negotiating building permits, locating suitable builders and dealing with building contracts have access to the Authority’s free Rebuilding Advisory Service (RAS), which operates in all fire-affected areas.”

A series of affordable Rebuilding Expos are also being held next month to provide information and advice about affordable homes, specialised products and financial advice.

Representatives from the Affordable Demonstration Homes design competition, held specifically to provide affordable options for those rebuilding after the 2009 fires, will provide information about their housing designs.

People will also have the opportunity to look through their new display homes as part of the Marysville and Kinglake expos.