In February 2009 Australians came together in an unprecedented display of support for people affected by the Victorian bushfires. The Victorian Bushfire Appeal 2009 is closed and funds can no longer be accepted. Closing the Appeal does not mean closing off assistance for people and communities affected. Assistance will continue to be available through the Department of Human Services. The Victorian Bushfire Appeal 2009  has raised more than $379 million, which has been transferred to a trust account established by the Victorian Government. This, together with interest and other donations paid direct to the Victorian Government, means that more than $389 million is available to support individuals and communities in the wake of this country’s worst natural disaster. Your donations are reaching people in need The Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund was established to support individuals and communities in towns and suburbs affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfires.  An Advisory Panel made up of community leaders oversees the Fund's operation and the allocation of funds. A report outlining how funds raised by the Victorian Bushfire Appeal have been allocated (by the end of July) and distributed is available on the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund page on the Department of Human Services website.

A pictorial tribute to those affected by the bushfires (or watch on YouTube). Volunteers are continuing to provide support to communities in need. Photo: Rodney Dekker.

2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission Interim Report

The 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission Interim Report was tabled in Parliament on Monday 17 August 2009. You can download a copy of The Commission's Interim Report and Executive Summary from the the Royal Commission website.

Copies of the Interim Report and Executive Summary can also be ordered from Information Victoria by phoning 1300 366 356 or by email to: bookshop@diird.vic.gov.au, and will be available from libraries in fire-affected areas from Wednesday 19 August.

Working with affected communities

Red Cross volunteers continue to provide support to communities affected by the bushfires. Through a targeted outreach service, volunteers visit people to check on their wellbeing and provide personal support and information about relevant services. Outreach volunteers also provide support at various community meetings and events, such as volunteering days and parent information sessions.

Red Cross is committed to working with communities recovering from the bushfires and has established a Victorian Bushfire Recovery Unit to coordinate a medium and long-term recovery plan. The Victorian Bushfire Recovery Unit can be contacted by calling 03 8327 7824 or emailing donorinfo@redcross.org.au.

Community service hubs

Community service hubs continue to operate in a number of locations and are central places where people can access all bushfire-related services.

To locate your nearest community hub, go to the Department of Human Services website.

Missing persons enquiries

If you have an enquiry in relation to people missing or relocated as a result of the Victorian Bushfires, please contact your local police station.

Important contacts