Fire Recovery Unit
The Fire Recovery Unit (FRU) was established on 1 July, 2011 following the closure of the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority (VBRRA). FRU’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 key objectives of FRU are:
- to provide a clear point of contact for information and connection to services within the State Government for bushfire-affected communities
- to understand community issues and needs by placing three dedicated Community Engagement Coordinators within fire-affected regions
- to monitor and report to stakeholders on the status of progress of relevant bushfire recovery activity
- to communicate key information to support bushfire-affected communities
- to strengthen connection and relationships between bushfire-affected communities and local government
- to encourage bushfire-affected communities to create and implement their own vision for the future, and
- to provide guidance and advice to communities on access to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund medium term allocation.
The Unit complements and works closely with specific programs that have been established within the Victorian Department of Planning and Community Development such as rebuilding and planning initiatives developed 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 Department of Human Services is continuing to support individuals impacted by the fires through a range of personal support programs. Visit the Bushfire Communities Support Program for more information.
Information on VBRRA, including Quarterly Reports are still available at archive.wewillrebuild.vic.gov.au. Please note, this archived website may contain references to activities or policies that have no current application.
| Download the Information Sheet about the Fire Recovery Unit (PDF 149.0 KB) |
| Download the March 2012 Fire Recovery Contacts Guide (PDF 416.3 KB) |
Victorian Bushfire Recovery Three Year Report
The Victorian Bushfire Recovery Three Year Report focuses on the progress and achievements made over the last 12 months including the delivery of programs, funding and support to communities and individuals affected by the 2009 bushfires. The report can be downloaded here
Bushfire Buy-back Scheme
Applications for the Government’s will open on 1 March 2012 and close on 31 May 2012. Application forms will be available for download from the Department of Justice (DOJ) website from mid February. To request a hardcopy application form to be sent to you, please email bushfirebuyback@justice.vic.gov.au or call (03) 8685 1314. For more information and frequently asked questions, see the website at www.justice.vic.gov.au/buyback
Contact a Community Engagement Coordinator (CEC)
| Regions covered | CEC | mobile phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hume - Murrindindi, Mitchell, Alpine, Indigo and Wangaratta | Kim Fawcus | 0400 278 555 | Kim.Fawcus@dpcd.vic.gov.au |
| Barwon South West - Loddon Mallee, Grampians, North, West & Eastern Metro - Nillimbik, Whittlesea, Yarra Ranges, Horsham, Greater Bendigo, Mt Alexander, Hepburn, Corangamite and Southern Grampians | Bec Nicoll | 0434 211 241 | Bec.Nicoll@dpcd.vic.gov.au |
| Gippsland & Southern Metro - Casey and Cardinia, Baw Baw, Latrobe, Wellington, Gippsland | Laurie Paton | 0438 307 083 | Laurie.Paton@dpcd.vic.gov.au |
Useful Contact Numbers
Fire Recovery Unit - 1800 055 714
The Fire Recovery Unit, within Regional Development Victoria, has been established to assist 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. To speak to the Fire Recovery Unit directly, please call 1800 055 714 or email fire.recovery@rdv.vic.gov.au
Victorian Bushfire Information Line - 1800 240 667
DSE, in partnership with CFA, has established the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) to provide information during significant bushfire incidents and to help 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, DSE fuel reduction burns and other planned burns and Annual DSE fire planning and community consultation.
Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund - 1800 180 213
The Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund (VBAF) was established on February 8 2009 by the Victorian Government in partnership with the Federal Government and Australian Red Cross, to support 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.
Bushfire Community Support Helpline - 1800 050 400
The Bushfire Community Support Helpline is available to all people affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfires, wherever they are now located. Helpline staff can provide information, advice, support and referral with any issue facing bushfire-affected people including: Accommodation, Finance, Personal assistance, Employment, Education, Couselling, Health and Legal issues.
| Email the Fire Recovery Unit or call 1800 055 714 |
