A new bush fire support program has finally been launched some four months after 22,000 hectares was torched in the Bayindeen bushfire to the north-west of Ballarat.
The initiative will be run by both Ballarat and Grampians Community Health to support victims of both the Bayindeen fire as well as the Pomonal and Dadswell Bridge fires.
The Chief Executive Officer of Ballarat Community Health, Sean Duffy, says it’s been a frustrating wait to get things going and he’d like to see a permanent disaster recovery team in place.
“I think the establishment of a long-term recovery program is still new for Victoria and we are still advocating that yes, it takes a while to stand it up, but we’ll be in there for the long term.”
“I think it is a little disappointing that it hasn’t got up yet, but we’re very pleased to be part of this,” Mr. Duffy said.
Mr. Duffy is encouraging impacted residents to reach out for assistance initially via the Pyrenees Shires website Bayindeen fire recovery information – Pyrenees Shire Council
