The Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund is encouraging people directly impacted by the 2009 bushfires who have not applied for any or some of the available payments to do so within the next few weeks.

More than $388 million was donated by people from across Australia and the world to the Appeal Fund to support individuals, families and communities in the wake of this country’s worst natural disaster.

Applications for almost all of the Appeal Fund’s 26 financial support packages for individuals close on 31 December, 2009.

More than 20,000 payments to individuals during the last nine months and to date in excess of $225 million spent. The balance of the remaining money has been allocated, with funds available to support remaining individual needs and 25 per cent set aside for community projects. As well, more than $27 million has been allocated to long-term projects, such as psychological support, scholarships and assistance for orphans.

The Appeal Fund is also providing support for a range of community projects identified as priorities as part of the Victorian Bushfire Recovery and Reconstruction Authority’s Community Recovery Plans, with almost $95 million allocated for these initiatives.

All potential projects must meet the Appeal Fund’s guidelines for allocating donor money. The projects must align with the expectations of affected individuals and communities and not necessarily duplicate other funding and not be a core responsibility of government.

All bushfire-affected individuals still in need of support and wishing to apply for gifts can call the Appeal Fund information line 1800 180 213, where they can also seek access to a case manager who will assess their needs, put them in touch with support networks and services and advise them of their eligibility.

All available payments and application forms are listed on this website.