Our thoughts are with those all those impacted by the recent devastating fires. Please stay safe, make sure you are aware of bushfire warnings in your area, and take care. The immediate concern is still personal and community safety as the fire danger continues in the day and weeks. Nonetheless some communities are already turning their attention to recovery efforts, with many landcare networks, groups and members already out on the ground assisting with the immediate aftermath.
There has been a hugely generous outpouring of support from the general public and landcarers from across the country. Landcare Australia in conjunction with the National Landcare Network has announced a Landcare-specific appeal [here] to assist with long term recovery and providing information for the general public on the positive role Landcare plays in recovery efforts [here].
There is also an effort to co-ordinate offers of assistance that cannot be handled locally – if you are in an affected region and need assistance please let us know what assistance you need either directly or via https://landcareaustralia.org.au/landcare-groups-support
IMMEDIATE NEEDS:
Injured Livestock & Wildlife: please report livestock injuries to Agriculture Victoria on 1800 226 226 so that animal health staff can perform an assessment. Agriculture Victoria is supporting landholders impacted by recent fires through animal welfare assessments and assistance, farm impact assessments and the referral of urgent cases of personal need. Injured Wildlife request Assistance by calling 03 8400 7300 or online https://www.wildlifevictoria.org.au/wildlife-information/report-a-wildlife-emergency
Financial Support: Affected farmers can access immediate financial support through both the Victorian Emergency Relief Assistance Payment by calling the VicEmergency hotline on 1800 226 226 and the Commonwealth Government’s Disaster Recovery Program Payment on 180 22 66. The Red Cross also has Emergency grants open for those who’ve lost their homes [here].
Fodder & Agistment: The Victorian Farmers Federation has secured an agreement with the Victorian Government to facilitate the transport of fodder to affected regions. This includes reimbursement of freight costs for transport of donated fodder. Farmers in need of fodder or those offering donations are encouraged to contact the VFF on 1300 882 833 or [email protected]. There are fodder depots in Corryong and Bairnsdale. The VFF is also listing offers of agistment on the website https://vff.org.au/vff/Resources/Donations/vff/Donations.aspx
VOLUNTEER OFFERS
Blazeaid is opening camps soon in Lexton, with plans for camps in Corryong and Buchan, and we know some Landcare groups and members are heavily involved with those efforts. Potential volunteers can register at [here] or blazeaid.com.au
Landcare: Most landcare volunteers will be local, however here is registration form for volunteers for people who are outside of those areas: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/volunteer-how-you-can-help-support-landcare-groups-and-other-community-groups. This is intended to capture current enthusiasm that can be directed to long term recovery. If you are in a fire affected area and are looking for volunteers currently please let us know.
DONATIONS
There are a large number of appeals for various aspects of fire recovery:
Other Appeals are listed at: https://about.abc.net.au/appeals/
OTHER INFORMATION:
We’ve also had some requests for information on previous recovery efforts and what role Landcare can play. Landcare Australia has developed a statement to outline Landcare’s critical role in the immediate, medium and long-term response to natural disasters such as bushfires. The statement outlines how Landcare groups assist during bushfire recovery, how we plan to support local Landcare groups and communities in affected areas, as well as what individuals and organisations can do to support. Landcare Australia Chair, Doug Humann AM as well as NLN Chair, Patrick O’Connor have both endorsed the statement which is now available on the Landcare Australia website here.
Stories about Landcare efforts in recovery are also available:
Bushfires can be very traumatic even for those not directly affected. If you, or anyone you know needs help, contact:
Community Trauma Toolkit: https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/toolkits/community-trauma-toolkit
