Community Bushfire Recovery Program - Projects, Events & Activities

Even while the fires were still smouldering after Black Saturday, community members expressed a strong desire to get together with neighbours, friends and others who had also been through this devastating time. They wanted to share their experiences and give support to each other. This desire is still as strong today as it was in February 2009.

Bushfire recovery projects, events & activities were developed to respond to the different needs and wants of community members. The bushfire recovery program reached a very large number of locals as well as people from other bushfire affected areas. Where possible the program also supported local businesses.

Participation was free of charge as costs were covered mainly through specific grants from a variety of government and philanthropic sources. A number of the events were organised in collaboration with other organisations such as rotary and the local schools. The list below is a sample of the range of programs, events and activities initiated to assist bushfire affected people in their emotional and psychological recovery.

Events, Programs and Activities for Men

Blokes Night Out - An opportunity for bushfire affected males to get together in a non threatening environment to socialise and be inspired. Some of the well known people they met were Kevin Sheedy, Max Walker and Rex Hunt.

Special Events - Two golfing experiences were organised. The first one was a golfing day at Yering Meadows where 90 men came together to have a hit. Golf enthusiasts also had the opportunity to attend a weekend away.

Programs - Men Can Cook 1 & 2 brought a small group of men together for a period of 4 weeks in a local restaurant to get cooking tips. These programs provided participants with an opportunity to bond and support each other.

Events, Programs and Activities for Families

Community Get Togethers - Barbeques in bushfire affected were held on numerous occasions in a variety of areas. People just loved coming together in their local communities to meet up with neighbours and friends.

Singed Sisterhood - Two women who experienced the Canberra bushfires were brought down to Melbourne to share their experiences first hand with the local community.

Campfire Singalongs - Community members came together to sit around an open fire and sing old favourites.

Through the Eyes of a Child - An art based program over a period of 8 weeks which provided an opportunity for parents and children to come together in a creative environment to share their ideas and connect.

Mediation - Weekly meditation sessions were held providing techniques to destress and relax.

Rebuilding Expo - This event gave people an opportunity to meet with professionals in the building industry and other services providers to discuss their rebuilding needs

Guest Speakers - Evenings were held with Walter Mikac and Todd Russell who gave an insight into their own personal tragedies and what helped them to move forward.

Thanks Mate Race Day - This event provided an opportunity to say thanks to all emergency service workers and their families. Family Day Out at Healesville Sanctuary - A fun day for families to come together.

Events, Programs and Activities for Women

Women's Wellbeing Evening - Attendees at this evening heard from health professionals and were given pamper packs that put a smile on every face.

Relax, Rejuvenate, Reinvigorate - A group of 75 women were taken away to Queenscliff for a weekend of relaxation and fun.

Spring Harvest, Winter Harvest - These cooking programs were held over a period of 4 weeks and were very popular. Each week the women watched a cooking demonstration and then sample the food while having a chat.

Coffee 'n' Chat - Coffee and Chat is still held every Monday morning and has grown from strength to strength. Many new friendships have been created and participants support each other through the hard times.