$5000 grants for groups supporting those hit by South Australia’s Pinery fire

COMMUNITY groups planning projects to support the survivors of last year’s Pinery bushfire can claim one-off grants of up to $5000.

• Warnings about Pinery bushfire threat delayed by up to 45 minutes
• Key findings of reports into Pinery bushfires released
• Schools under threat were left to fend for themselves
• Government announces $1m in extra funding for victims

COMMUNITY groups planning projects to support the survivors of last year’s Pinery bushfire can claim one-off grants of up to $5000.

The State Government is calling for applications for the grants for projects that improve the “strength, resilience and health and wellbeing” of communities hit by the fire.

Communities across the state’s Mid-North were devastated by the huge fire on November 25 which claimed two lives, 91 houses, 388 other buildings and destroyed at least 86,000 hectares or agricultural land.

The State Emergency Relief Fund Committee, through the Community Strength and Resilience Initiative, has distributed more than $2 million.

“The (committee) is funded from donations to the SA Pinery Fire Appeal, meaning every dollar donated to the appeal will help those affected by the Pinery fire,’’ Communities and Social Inclusion Minister Zoe Bettison said.

More information and application forms are available at www.sa.gov.au/recovery or 8463 6405 or at the Pinery Fire Recovery Centre at Gawler.