Financial Assistance
The Commonwealth and Victorian Governments, as well as the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund, released a range of emergency relief grants and payments including the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment, to help affected individuals and communities.
Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund
The Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund was established by the Victorian Government in partnership with the Federal Government and Australian Red Cross, to support people in towns and suburbs affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfires.
When the Appeal officially closed in April, 2009, more than $379 million had been donated to the Fund; with interest, that total now stands at $396.5 million.
Every cent raised by the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund has gone towards people and communities impacted by the fires, with the Fund’s administration costs covered by the Victorian Government.
Of the Fund’s $396.5 million total, about 80 per cent – $318.5 million – has been paid, with the remaining $78 million committed but not yet distributed.
The Fund has made 28,573 payments, the vast majority of them to individuals and families through Initial Emergency, Rebuilding and Recovery, and Support payments.
The remaining money is being paid out as milestones for community rebuilding projects are met, and as individuals and families continue to access available support services and programs.
For more information about these payments go to the Department of Human Services website, call the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund on 1800 180 213.
Tax relief measures
The State Government's response to the bushfires that occurred in Victoria in February 2009 included a range of tax relief measures.
To discuss tax relief for people affected by the bushfires, please contact the State Revenue Office on 13 21 61.
| Email the Fire Recovery Unit or call 1800 055 714 |
