Community groups across Victoria’s bushfire-affected areas will share in funding to build or repair local community facilities such as playgrounds, skate parks, pavilions, community gardens and halls.

Up to $5 million in grants will be provided to support community development and connectedness off the back of the devastating bushfires and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Community groups, not-for-profits, Aboriginal organisations and other social enterprises will be eligible to apply for the Bushfire Recovery Grants for Community Facilities of up to $50,000.

Grant applications will be assessed by how the proposed project will directly benefit local communities. Applicants for community facilities grants must ensure the proposed works involve facilities that are accessible to everyone.

The Victorian Government has so far provided over $320 million for bushfire response and recovery after this season’s disaster. This includes over $100 million in the form of Victorian Government-funded or jointly funded grants and initiatives to individuals, businesses, councils and community groups.

This month, the $10,000 Small Business Bushfire Support Grant is available in the LGAs of East Gippsland, Alpine and Towong was extended to the LGAs of Indigo, Mansfield, Wellington and Wangaratta.

Almost 1,500 of these grants have been paid out to directly and indirectly affected small businesses and primary producers across Victoria.

The Bushfire Recovery Grants for Community Facilities program is part of the $35 million Community Recovery and Resilience Grants initiative jointly funded by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments. $5 million from the Initiative has been allocated for the grants, which will be administered by Bushfire Recovery Victoria.

To apply for these grants, visit brv.vic.gov.au.