General News
2 May, 2024
Bushfire appeal raises $90,000 to aid locals
Two months on, communities across the Pyrenees region are still reeling from the impact of February’s widespread bushfires — but owing to community generosity, relief is not far. Soon after the Bayindeen blaze was brought under control, the...
Two months on, communities across the Pyrenees region are still reeling from the impact of February’s widespread bushfires — but owing to community generosity, relief is not far.
Soon after the Bayindeen blaze was brought under control, the Bendigo Bank launched its Western Victoria Bushfire Appeal to assist impacted residents.
Now, following donations made by community banks, individuals across the country and various organisations, the initiative has successfully raised $90,000.
The first recipient of the grant is volunteer-based organisation, BlazeAid, which has received $10,000 to help fund showers at its camp in Buangor.
According to BlazeAid CEO Melissa Jones, the funds have assisted greatly with setting up the camp, where volunteers will be working to help repair properties destroyed in the fires.
“I want to thank those who have generously supported the appeal and in turn supported our organisation to strengthen and rebuild this community,” she said.
The 2024 appeal was led and supported by the Beaufort and Avoca Community Banks, who both kicked the appeal off with $10,000 donations.
With homes lost and significant farm infrastructure damaged or lost, the two banks in the affected districts wanted to help the local community get through the challenging time, Community Bank Beaufort chair Alan McCartney said.
“[We] are here to support our customers and our communities in any way we can,” he said.
“We are so proud the appeal has already raised $90,000 with the rest of the funds to be allocated over the medium and longer term based on where the community most needs them, and with the close consultation of community leaders, businesses, and organisations.”
The further distribution of funds will follow discussions with relevant stakeholders, including the Pyrenees Shire Council — with the Bendigo Bank’s charitable arm Community Enterprise Foundation, facilitating the overall appeal.
“All funds that have been donated are publicly donated funds so we’ve got a responsibility to ensure that they are [given out] in a really responsible way,” the foundation’s appeals and donor manager Fiona Beckwith said.
“We’ve set up a local advisory committee, which consists of members of the [Avoca and Beaufort] community banks, as well as the council and we’ve been meeting on a weekly basis.
“We’ve realised that bushfire recovery is a marathon not a sprint, so we know that we need to get important projects funded over [a period of time].
“Over the next few weeks, we’ll keep meeting and land on some of those projects that we will fund — I imagine it will be out on the ground in the next six months.”
Ms Beckwith said appeals like this one played a crucial role in the face of disaster management.
“Unfortunately, these events are becoming more and more prevalent,” she said.
“Being able to quickly enact an appeal and be able to have people, donate is really important.
“It’s not just about the money, it also shows that the community can come together as well.”
For those still looking to donate, the appeal remains open and can be found at www.community enterprisefoundation.com.au/disaster-appeals/western-victoria-bushfire-appeal/
More information on the recovery process can be found at www.pyrenees.vic.gov.au/Emergencies/Bayindeen-fire-recovery-information