Volunteers in bushfire-affected communities in the Alpine Shire will share in $780,000 Brumby Labor Government funding to support local volunteering during the recovery process.
Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad MP said the Alpine Shire Council had received $50,000 through the Bushfire Relief Volunteer Grants program.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to ensure volunteers have the right support to help communities recover after last summer’s horrific bushfire,” Ms Broad said.
“Alpine Shire Council has received the grant for its Alpine Shire Bushfire Relief Volunteer project which aims to provide immediate support to volunteers and community volunteer organisations providing relief in bushfire affected communities.
The project will provide co-ordination of the volunteer effort in Alpine Shire and build the resilience of the Alpine community. It will link closely with the existing community resilience committee.
Over 13,000 ha of private land/pastures has been impacted in this fire which will require significant volunteer support to re-establish. In addition there has been a loss of life, impacting heavily on the community..
“It’s important to support the invaluable contribution of those working tirelessly behind the scenes in Alpine Shire Council to help others,” Ms Broad said.
“The recovery work is continuing and we want to make sure those who are lending a hand are not forgotten,” she said.
Community Development Minister Peter Batchelor said the project was one of 57 new projects to share in more than $780,000 in grants.
“Organisations will use the funding in a variety of ways, from hosting family days, festivals, and fundraisers, to wildlife rescue, fence rebuilding and coordinating of donations,” Mr Batchelor said.
“Victoria’s amazing volunteers offered their help without asking for any payment. We’re pleased to offer this funding that can be used by organisations to meet their needs.”
Mr Batchelor said the Brumby Labor Government was also developing ways of supporting the rebuilding of both infrastructure and social networks.
“More volunteers will be needed down the track to assist with long term recovery and rebuilding, and we are committed to supporting them,”