Since the Black Saturday Bushfires in February 2009 more than 5,000 generous donors have contributed towards raising over $2 million for the Uniting Church Bushfire Disaster Appeal.

In the year that has passed since then SHARE has distributed more than $1.8 million to assist with initial emergency relief and community programs for the longer term recovery and renewal of affected communities.

As of 07/02/10 Bushfire Disaster Appeal funds have been distributed to affected communities and individuals through:

For a more detailed view of where the funds have been allocated, and examples of funded programs, please click below to view the funding distribution map.

The Uniting Church recognises that the rebuilding and recovery process for the affected communities and individuals is an ongoing task, and is committed to working closely with local groups to ensure the appropriate allocation of the remaining appeal funds to best meet the long term needs of affected individuals and communities.

We have asked some of the individuals involved in the recovery process to give us their account of the last 12 months. Please click on the links to read what they had to say.

Tony McEwan - Manager, Flowerdale Village 2009

Rev David Howie - Community Minister for Fire Affected Regions, Presbytery of Yarra Yarra

Rev Tracey Wolsley - Director, 'Our Place' Community Assistance Centre with Kath Tointon - CEO, Bendigo UnitingCare Outreach

• Tony McEwan
• Rev David Howie
• Rev Tracy Wolsley