Recovery from the fire that devastated parts of Yarroweyah and Muckatah in January has reached a significant milestone, thanks to the kindness and generosity of the Moira community.
The money and goods generously donated by individuals and service groups since the event have now been fully distributed to people affected by the fire.
Close to $65,000 was donated to help people through the recovery effort, with almost $20,000 distributed in the immediate aftermath to provide urgent assistance through cash payments and vouchers.
Community members have generously made donations through Moira FoodShare and Cobram Community House, alongside significant contributions from local community groups including Cobram Lions ($21,000), the Rotary Club of Numurkah ($10,000) and the Freemasons ($17,500).
Soon after the fire, Cobram Community House, Moira FoodShare and Cobram Lions Club formed a steering group to oversee the Community Fire Recovery Fund and ensure the donated funds were managed fairly and transparently.
The remaining funds have now been distributed to individuals and families who applied for assistance, with allocations assessed by an independent panel and based on the level of impact experienced.
Cobram Community House manager Christine Osborne said throughout the process, the steering group was committed to ensuring community donations were managed responsibly, decisions were made independently and transparently, and the generosity of the community was honoured by directing support to those most affected by the fires.
"The collaborative approach taken by all organisations demonstrated the strength of local partnerships and a shared commitment to supporting the community's recovery," Ms Osborne said.
"This was a really great amount raised from a small community."
Ron Simon from Cobram Lions Club and Chris Sutton from the Rotary Club of Numurkah thanked everyone who had contributed to the fundraising efforts.
"This is all local money, donated by the local community. It keeps on surprising me how Cobram people keep digging deep to help others," Mr Simon said.
"It was very important for Lions to be involved in this - it's what Lions are all about."
All proceeds from the Rotary Club of Numurkah's annual art show this year went into the community fund.
"This is locals supporting locals," Ms Sutton said. "Our members come from across the shire so this is a great thing to be part of."
Ray Donnan, who is the Cobram Freemasons Lodge Master, said it was very important for the Freemasons to be involved in the fire relief.
"There are people who lost everything and needed help. It's why we join service groups," Mr Donnan said.
Geoffrey Thompson, who is the highest ranking Freemason in north-east Victoria, explained the money had been raised by lodges throughout the region, and supplemented by head office in Melbourne.
"Freemasons are committed to caring for the community," Mr Thompson said.
Moira Shire Council Chair Administrator Dr Graeme Emonson expressed his deepest gratitude for the community's generosity in providing support and funds for those in need following the fire.
"It speaks to the strength and generosity of our community to see such selfless support when so many people are struggling with cost of living difficulties," Dr Emonson said.
"It also emphasises the strength of community organisations - including Cobram Community House and Moira FoodShare, and service clubs including Lions, Rotary and Freemasons - and the valuable contribution they make to the community."
Dr Emonson said the support for those impacted by the fire doesn't end with this distribution of funds raised by the community.
"Moira Shire Council has adopted a two-year plan, developed by the Recovery Committee and fire victims, and with funding from the Victorian and Commonwealth governments, to support and work alongside those affected during their recovery."
Read the full Post Event Recovery Action Plan at: www.moira.vic.gov.au
