As the rebuilding and recovery process begins, BRV will be wholly focused on the needs of Victorian communities, working closely with locals to ensure that rehabilitation projects are both locally driven and locally delivered.

Recognising the lengthy process of recovery – and the increased risk of longer and hotter bushfire seasons – the work of BRV will be permanent and ongoing. That includes a commitment to supporting any Victorian communities affected by future bushfires.

The critical work of BRV will begin immediately, even as emergency services continue to battle bushfires in Victoria’s north and east.

Priorities will extend across the immediate clean-up and ensuring the health and wellbeing of residents and farmers, to longer-term work to help local communities and local economies – like the agricultural and tourism sectors ;– get back on their feet.

To support this commitment, Community Recovery Committees will be established to ensure locals have a voice throughout this process, while local jobs and expertise will be prioritised wherever possible.

The agency will also be responsible for advising the Victorian Government on the coordination of efforts and the development of an overarching plan for the restoration and recovery of communities across our state.

Bringing a wealth of experience, former Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Ken Lay will serve as BRV's Chair, with Lee Miezis, Deputy Secretary at the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, offering extensive knowledge on fire and emergency management including the recovery at Wye River, to serve as CEO.

Read updates on the work of Bushfire Recovery Victoria.