Fire Recovery Unit

The Fire Recovery Unit (the ‘Unit) was established on 1 July, 2011 following the closure of the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority. The Unit’s role is to assist the ongoing recovery of communities impacted by the 2009 Victorian bushfires by facilitating strong relationships and clear responses to identified community needs.

The Unit works closely with rebuilding and planning initiatives within the Department of Planning and Community Development to respond to the medium to longer term recovery needs of communities. It also liaises with other government departments, agencies and local government authorities delivering reconstruction and recovery programs.

The Unit's key objectives are to:

• provide a clear point of contact for information and connection to services within the State Government for bushfire-affected communities
• understand community issues and needs by placing dedicated Community Engagement Coordinators within fire-affected regions
• monitor and report to stakeholders on the status of progress of relevant bushfire recovery activity
• communicate key information to support bushfire-affected communities
• strengthen connection and relationships between bushfire-affected communities and local government
• encourage bushfire-affected communities to create and implement their own vision for the future, and
• provide guidance and advice to communities on access to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund medium term funding allocation.

Whole-of-Government Bushfire Recovery Services Guide

Victoria’s 2009 bushfire-affected communities continue to rebuild their lives, homes, towns and communities through hard work and perseverance. To assist with the rebuilding and recovery process, the Fire Recovery Unit has published a Bushfire Recovery Services Guide.

Download the Victorian Government Bushfire Recovery Services Guide (PDF 297.9 KB)    (WORD 531.0 KB)

The Guide has three key sections:

1. Specific 2009 bushfire recovery information (including bushfire and rebuilding planning, on-ground assistance, counselling, and bereavement).
2. General information (including personal, financial and legal, accommodation and business support).
3. Local area guides (additional services located in bushfire-affected communities).

Your local community health organisation and your local doctor are also good sources of advice on relevant services. Take this guide with you on your next visit to discuss some options.
This guide is only available online.  Periodically visit this home page to ensure you have the latest version.

Contact the Fire Recovery Unit on 1800 055 714 or email fire.recovery@rdv.vic.gov.au should you require assistance with the Guide or require information about bushfire recovery.

Useful Contact Numbers

Fire Recovery Unit - 1800 055 714

The Fire Recovery Unit assists people and communities affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfires. The Unit provides a clear point of contact within the State Government for bushfire affected community members to obtain information and connect with services.

Email: fire.recovery@rdv.vic.gov.au

Community Engagement Coordinators

Community Engagement Coordinators (CECs) from the Fire Recovery Unit are an important interface between impacted communities and government. CECs provide hands-on support to communities, assisting with the resolution of community issues and helping to deliver rebuilding and recovery projects.

Victorian Bushfire Information Line - 1800 240 667

The Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) provides information during significant bushfire incidents and helps the community to prepare for bushfire risk.

VBIL staff can provide information on:

• major bushfires
• bushfire safety messages;
• community meeting information;
• Emergency Relief Centre location details;
• bushfire recovery information;
• Total Fire Bans and Fire Restrictions;
• Department Sustainability and Environment fuel reduction burns, other planned burns and community consultation.

Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund - 1800 180 213

The Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund (VBAF) supports individuals and communities in towns and suburbs affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfires. VBAF can provide information on open grants for people who were affected by the 2009 bushfires.