A total of $1.15 million will be shared between the Murrindindi and Strathbogie Shire Councils to boost their bushfire Community Recovery Officer and Recovery Hub programs until June 2028.
The funding is part of the $15 million joint investment through the Commonwealth‑State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, supporting CROs and Recovery Hubs across 15 councils.
Community Recovery Officers work directly with councils to identify local needs, deliver tailored recovery programs and connect residents with the support they need.
Recovery Hubs provide a local one-stop shop for information, advice, trauma-informed support and recovery programs.
“Recovery works best when led by locals and informed by community. That’s why we’re uplifting local councils to best support recovery in their own communities,” said Victorian Minister for Emergency Services, Paul Edbrooke.
“We’ll continue standing alongside bushfire-affected Victorians, backing them with the support they need every step of the way.”
Senator for Victoria, Michelle Ananda-Rajah said the communities had experienced the compounding effects of natural disasters, from fire and floods to the economic pressures of fuel and fertiliser access.
“This funding will help the Murrindindi and Strathbogie Shire Councils with their recovery efforts and enable them to rebuild their communities,” she said.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain said the Australian Government will continue to stand with communities in Murrindindi, Strathbogie and across Victoria as they rebuild, recover and prepare for the future.
“We know recovery can be a long and difficult journey, and this funding is about making it easier for people to get the help they need, when and where they need it,” she said.
