In early 2009, bushfires swept across Victoria, devastating 78 communities and 400,000 hectares of land. A total of 173 people lost their lives. The devastation resulted in 2029 homes destroyed along with 61 businesses, 5 schools and kindergartens, 3 sporting clubs and numerous other buildings.

On 10 February 2009, the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments established the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority to oversee and coordinate the largest recovery and rebuilding program Victoria has ever faced. The Authority is working with communities, businesses, charities, local councils and other government departments to help rebuild communities affected by the bushfires.

Each affected community has different needs and the priority is to help regions, towns and individuals to rebuild and recover in a way that is safe, timely, efficient, cost effective and respectful of those different needs.

Each and every community is being supported to help people recover and rebuild in the way that they want. Community organisations and individuals who have been affected are having their voices heard.

Local rebuilding plans have been developed to ensure each community’s economy, infrastructure and transport, environmental, and health and wellbeing requirements are met.

People affected by the bushfires are able to stay up to date with recovery and rebuilding through the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority (VBRRA) website at www.wewillrebuild.vic.gov.au.

For further information about the reconstruction, and the support that is available please click on the link below.