Vic: Cash on the way for devastated towns

AAP General News (Australia)
12-14-2009
Vic: Cash on the way for devastated towns

MELBOURNE, Dec 14 AAP - Communities razed by the Black Saturday bushfires can expect
an injection of cash before Christmas and in the lead-up to the first anniversary of the
disaster.

The Herald Sun newspaper said the Bushfire Appeal Fund would offer $870,000 to help
fire victims through the toughest days since February 7 and almost $600,000 to help towns
pay for memorial and commemorative events - up to $30,000 per devastated town.

Another $290,000 will be used for summer events to entertain locals and attract visitors
to towns doing it tough since the February 7 fire, which killed 173 people.

Bushfire Appeal Fund chair Pat McNamara said bushfire victims still faced tough times,
especially as the first anniversary of the disaster looms.

"We understand that the Christmas and summer period is going to be a particularly challenging
time. The fund wanted to be able to support them to take time out and spend time with
their family, friends and communities," he said.

Each fire-affected community will receive up to $30,000 to hold commemorative events.

AAP jrd/rs

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRE BLACK CASH

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