The Allan Labor Government is supporting the fire affected community of Pomonal by enabling locals to access support and disaster-relief assistance under one roof at the town's Community Hall.
Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney today announced a $200,000 grant from the Tiny Towns Fund to help Ararat Rural City Council to set up a central Community Hub with critical infrastructure and resources.
The Hub will be central to supporting community-led recovery including hosting community meetings and drop ins, with the funding also going towards purchasing tools and equipment to help the cleanup effort at properties and public spaces.
The small township of Pomonal in Victoria's west and its tightknit community of about 300 residents was significantly impacted by bushfires which began on 13 February 2024 in the Grampians National Park. The fires caused widespread damage that claimed homes and impacted businesses.
Since last week's events, Regional Development Victoria has been working closely with the Ararat Rural City Council and Emergency Recovery Victoria to identify immediate recovery priorities in the area.
The Pomonal community is in need of a central location where residents can come together for support and coordinate the community-led relief and recovery activities, which the funding will provide.
The funding will be delivered by an emergency allocation from the government's Tiny Towns Fund and builds on the support being provided by the Albanese and Allan Labor Governments - this includes Victoria's personal hardship assistance payments up to a maximum of $2,240 per eligible family.
The Australian Government's Disaster Recovery Payment is also providing lump sum payments to help people seriously affected by the fires in Pomonal. For more information, visit the Services Australia website via servicesaustralia.gov.au
The Emergency Recovery Hotline has also been activated to process calls from anyone affected by fires or storms. To access recovery support, affected residents can call the Hotline on 1800 560 760.
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney
"This emergency allocation from our Tiny Towns Fund will help strengthen and support the Pomonal community as it works together to plan its recovery."
"Our thoughts go to out to the thousands of Victorian residents who are currently impacted by fires still burning in western Victoria, and we thank our firefighters for their tireless work protecting lives and properties."
As stated by Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes
"Recovery takes time, and Pomonal residents will need to be supported through that process. The community knows best about what they need - this funding allows recovery that's driven by locals, for locals."
