Bushfire Recovery Project

Supporting community organisations in the recovery from the 2019-20 bushfires

Communities and individuals are better able to recover from natural disasters, such as bushfires, if the local community is strong, connected and well-supported.

This is achieved by dedicated programs to strengthen local capacity and capability, placing a greater emphasis on community engagement, and ensuring a better understanding of the diversity, needs, strengths and vulnerabilities within communities

With support from the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, the VCOSS Bushfire Recovery Project is engaging community organisations and individuals in those areas of Victoria affected by the 2019-20 bushfires, to:

  • Build the capacity of community and social sector organisations to support their communities’ resilience and recovery
  • Advocate for the recovery needs of community organisations and vulnerable people impacted by bushfires
  • Contribute to effective current and future emergency and disaster recovery planning.

The project is being rolled out in the six streams listed below.

The best way to keep up to date with this project is to receive our dedicated Disaster Recovery Bulletins

Stream 1. Community organisations in recovery


Perspectives from the frontline

VCOSS Bushfire Recovery Project Consultation Report

This report explores the role of community organisations in bushfire recovery. It details barriers and opportunities for improved processes and approaches.

Read now



Stream 2. Building the capacity of community organisations in recovery

We are providing emergency and disaster recovery advice and information for community organisations through an ongoing series of Disaster Recovery Conversations.

Each session is focused on a different cohort of people.

Sign up to our regular newsletter to hear about the next event.

Children and young peopleOlder peopleDiverse communitiesDisability inclusionCaring for yourself and your staffArts and creativityGenderDisaster resilienceRecovery resourcesLong term recovery



Stream 3. What community organisations say about their role

We are gathering a range of recovery initiatives that highlight the central role of community organisations as champions of place-based community led bushfire recover.

  • Case Study 1: Gippsland Disability Advocacy
  • Case Study 2: North East Multicultural Association
  • Case Study 3: Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House
  • Case Study 4: The Sanctuary
  • Case Study 5: Creative Recovery
  • Case Study 6: The Buchan Rodeo
  • Case Study 7: Yinnar Hall
  • Case Study 8: CATS
  • Case Study 9: Gender and Disaster Australia

    Coming soon

    Stream 4. Evaluating community organisations

    We are developing a Bushfire Recovery Outcomes Framework for Community Organisations to help identify and measure their contribution to bushfire recovery.

    Stream 5. Community-led resilience

    We are working with key partners on a new collaboration to support and enable communities to lead their own resilience efforts.

    Stream 6. Clarifying who does what