The Australian and Victorian Governments have confirmed $15 million funding to support the recruitment of 27 new Community Recovery Officers and progression of local Recovery Hubs.
Community Recovery Officers work with eligible councils to ensure community needs are understood.
Fifteen councils will share the $15 million as part of a joint investment under the Commonwealth‑State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The local government areas to receive funding are:
- Horsham Rural City Council
- Mount Alexander Shire Council
- Murrindindi Shire Council
- Strathbogie Shire Council
- Towong Shire Council
- Colac Otway Shire Council
- Corangamite Shire Council
- Mansfield Shire Council
- Mitchell Shire Council
- Moira Shire Council
- Pyrenees Shire Council
- Ararat Rural City Council
- Golden Plains Shire Council
- East Gippsland Shire Council
- Wellington Shire Council
The Governments said councils will manage staffing appointments and details of new Recovery Hub locations.
More than 430,000 hectares were burnt, and more than 1,500 structures were damaged or destroyed in the summer bushfires.
Victorian Minister for Natural Disaster, Recovery Vicki Ward said recovery works best “when it’s shaped by locals”.
“We’re giving councils the people and places they need to support their communities through the long road ahead,” said Ms Ward.
“We’ll always stand with Victorians as they get back on their feet after disaster.”
