Community generosity ignites $90,000 for Bendigo Bank’s Western Victoria Bushfire Appeal
Communities across the Western Victorian Pyrenees region who suffered during recent bushfires will receive $90,000 through Bendigo Bank’s Western Victoria Bushfire Appeal, with one grant already out the door.
The first grant has gone to BlazeAid, a volunteer-based organisation that works with communities in rural Australia after natural disasters. The appeal has donated almost $10,000 to help fund showers at the BlazeAid camp in Buangor.
CEO of BlazeAid, Melissa Jones said the funds have assisted greatly with setting up the BlazeAid camp, where volunteers would be working to help repair properties destroyed in the fires.
“I want to thank those who have generously supported the appeal and in turn supported our organisation to strengthen and rebuild this community. Community Bank Beaufort and Community Bank Avoca have spearheaded the campaign, and we are working together on the ground in a community-led approach,” Ms Jones said.
The Bendigo Bank 2024 Western Bushfire Appeal has been facilitated by the Bank’s charitable arm, the Community Enterprise Foundation, which has extensive expertise running appeals across Victoria and nationally.
The appeal has also been led and supported by Community Bank Beaufort and Community Bank Avoca, who both kicked the appeal off with $10,000 donations.
Community Bank Beaufort Chair, Alan McCartney said with homes lost and significant farm infrastructure damaged or lost including shedding, fencing and stock, the Community Banks in the affected districts wanted to do everything they could to help the local community get through this challenging time.
“Community Bank Beaufort and Community Bank Avoca are here to support our customers and our communities in any way we can,” Mr McCartney said.
“We are so proud the Appeal has already raised $90,000 with the rest of the funds to be allocated over the medium and longer term based on where the community most needs them, and with the close consultation of community leaders, businesses, and organisations.”
For those still looking to donate, the Appeal remains open and can be found here: Pyrenees Bushfire Appeal | Community Enterprise Foundation
More information on the recovery process can be found here: Bayindeen fire recovery information - Pyrenees Shire Council
