Inquiry into the 2019–20 Victorian Fire Season - Phase 2 Summary Report

Community reflections on relief The 2019–20 Victorian fire season had a profound effect upon individuals, families and entire communities impacted by bushfires in East Gippsland, North East and Alpine regions. For many people, remembering their experiences and providing their feedback about what happened during and immediately after the fires was traumatic and emotional.

However, there was a strong desire to share with IGEM those aspects of relief that worked well and those that did not.

Further to this, community members offered suggestions and ideas for how relief activities could be improved in future with the hope that this information could benefit others.

In documenting this information, IGEM has considered the Emergency Relief Principles as outlined in the SERRP. This section provides an undiluted account of the community experience in seeking relief from the impact of the fires.

Several consistent themes emerged which IGEM has highlighted through quotes.

Images in this section are illustrative of the themes, and do not represent those providing quotes.