How much do we really know about what has happened since 'Black Saturday'?  Tragically 173 people lost their lives when over 700 fires ignited across Victoria on that fateful day. 

 

Over 78 communities across 25 municipalities were affected, and 2133 properties were destroyed with another 1500 severely damaged.  Deb Symons, Executive Advisor to the Chairman of the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority (VBRRA), shed further light on what has occurred over the past nine months when she presented at the latest ARV Industry Seminar, held on Wednesday 25 November.

 

Deb’s work with the Authority has had a state wide focus, and she has worked closely with a number of communities to help to establish and ensure community input and engagement in the recovery process, acting as VBRRA’s Head of Community Engagement in the first six months following the fires. 

 

Immediate relief, the clean up of properties and the establishment of temporary villages was the focus of the early months, but the winter months has seen Community Recovery Plans developed, recovery projects underway and 160 community winter events held.  Over 1000 community projects have been identified, including the simplest of projects - such as training the older generation in how to send text messages.

 

In terms of aquatics and recreation, the Marysville Pool officially opens for business this Saturday 5 December.  With another bushfire season already upon us, it is another positive for the local community in their recovery.