Labor is continuing to stand with communities affected by January’s bushfires with more recovery support.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes today announced 17 community organisations will share in the Community Recovery Grants program.

Successful organisations span bushfire-affected areas, including the Longwood and Harcourt fire footprints.

Local communities know what they need to recover – and we’re backing them to make it happen.

The Member visited Murrindindi Shire today to share that funding will help local organisations to: 

• Get disaster relief funds to affected communities and address emerging recovery needs.
• Strengthen local recovery and prepare communities for future emergencies.
• Bring people together through local performances and community events.
• Deliver wellbeing programs for bushfire-affected residents.
• Put more recovery officers on the ground to coordinate community needs.

We’re putting local organisations at the heart of recovery, giving them the resources and flexibility to deliver what their communities need most.

This all builds on the wide range of supports already delivered including recovery hubs, financial assistance, clean-up, accommodation, legal, case management, and mental health services.

The Liberal-One Nation Coalition is promising $40 billion in cuts.

That only means one thing: cuts to the frontline services helping Victorian communities recover.

Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“Our communities have been through an incredibly difficult time, and they deserve support that meets their needs.”

“These grants will help local organisations turn community priorities into action – supporting recovery, rebuilding connections and helping people move forward together.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Paul Edbrooke

“Recovery doesn’t end when the fires are out – we’ll keep standing with these communities for the long haul.”

"These community recovery grants will go directly to organisations making a difference, giving them the support they need to deliver services, programs and community connection events.”