Recovery Support Program
The free bushfire recovery support program was established soon after the fires to link individuals and families with someone who can help get things done on their behalf.
Recovery support workers are advocates, problem solvers, and experts on support that’s available They identify critical needs and options for grants. They refer people to important services. They are a constant presence in the lives of people during their recovery.
Recovery support workers are generally locals, employed by community health services and other local agencies. They are experienced in providing trauma-informed outreach and support.
Over the last year, thousands of people have been supported by this program, which is funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments.
Megan and Izaiah's story
After Megan was evacuated from her home in Cabbage Tree Creek, she went to NSW to stay with her 18-year-old son, Izaiah, and his father. When Izaiah and his father’s house was destroyed by bushfires, Izaiah planned to move back to Cabbage Tree Creek to live with Megan.
On their return home in February, they found their bathroom had been destroyed. A Recovery Support Worker from Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Cooperative (GEGAC), Cathy, supported the family with a GEGAC Appeal Grant to assist with the bathroom repairs.
Izaiah was new to the area and unsure what to do in his bushfire-affected community. GEGAC helped him to access Centrelink’s Youth Allowance and to apply for a Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management. The Case Support worker coordinated funding for his enrolment and provided funding for safety boots and clothing.
Megan and Izaiah are happy with the support they received from Cathy, GEGAC and the Case Support program, not just for their immediate recovery needs, but for providing Izaiah with opportunities for the future.
Stephen's Story
“I learnt on Facebook messenger that my house, and nearly every other on my road, had been burned to the ground. The following month being stuck at sea was a despairing, sleepless time. Homecoming was an assault to the senses and the feelings of being overwhelmed I share with many others who suffered a similar loss.
"Quite soon after my return, I was offered a Case Support Manager from Gippsland Lakes Complete Health (GLCH). At that time my life felt full of insurmountable problems. But there in the background, as a constant and positive force for good, was my Case Manager.
"When I needed it, she was able to quickly connect me to counselling services. Her assistance in dealing with Centrelink was also a big help, as my ability to deal effectively with most things was severely diminished.
"When so much in life changes, to have that constant support, that bright voice, the encouraging words, and importantly the determined and persistent effort made on my behalf, has been deeply appreciated. I will never forget it.
"There is a long list of organisations I would like to thank including the Red Cross, GERF, Salvation Army, Windermere, Samaritans Purse, the Burmese Christian community, the Sarsfield community, Tzu Chi Australia, Rotary Club, Lions Club, ADRA, and the Red Gum Church, to name but a few.
"When I wrote this, I had just been admiring the first tiny leaves unfurling on a Japanese maple which I planted several months ago on my property at Sarsfield. I marvel at how nature is bouncing back and beckons us all to follow her lead and thrive once more. Hope is everywhere now.
"Thank you to my Case Manager at GLCH and Bushfire Recovery Victoria. I can’t imagine being here and writing this without the help I received from you.”
Milena's Story
In her book, Mallacoota Time, Milena Cifali writes:
“How do I say goodbye to our ancient tree that held so many birds safe in its arms?”
Milena and her partner Jim lost their home in the fires, after Jim suffered a stroke only weeks earlier. Milena says, from the beginning, their cohealth recovery support worker Neville has been by their side, offering practical solutions and providing emotional support.
“Neville has been a constant in a sea of upheaval...an anchor in the storm for us. He has always been sensitive in allowing us to retain our choices and lead the way in our own recovery and has done so with intelligence and great respect to us.”
During COVID, Neville said:
“We had to have creative conversations with our clients. Funds that might normally go towards a social or sporting activity might instead go towards safety equipment for their farm motorbike, or a pushbike, or book vouchers – so they can still be entertained in a safe way.”
A town in focus
At the local level, wellbeing services are designed to fit the community. In Buchan, this means supporting trusted, pre-existing services like community health organisations and schools, and working with them to identify needs and fill gaps.
In addition to clinical mental health services (which were expanded following a $23.4 million Victorian Government funding boost) families in Buchan also have access to the town’s network of Bush Nurses. Case Support agencies are delivering services face-to-face, while BRV and other agencies work with local groups to arrange referrals.
A Royal Flying Doctor Service counsellor attends the Bush Nursing Centre twice a week, and financial counselling is available at BRV’s Buchan Hub. Art therapy, yoga and fitness sessions are available in town. More recreational and outdoor activities are planned now restrictions are lifting.
Buchan Primary School has continued focus on wellbeing support by running programs on recovery, parenting and relationships. Case Support agencies are also rolling out youth drug and alcohol outreach.
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