Disaster help continues

By MARA PATTISON-SOWDEN
A YARRA Valley volunteer counseling service has been given a funding boost to continue helping survivors of the Black Saturday bushfires, while the valley will also benefit from agriculture and infrastructure funding.
The Yarra Valley Practitioners’ Project will receive $150,000 to offer a range of support services to residents affected by the horrors of Black Saturday.
Seymour MP Cindy McLeish said the good work of the YVPP was well recognised, “and I am pleased that the Coalition is providing additional funds to bring it to its natural conclusion”.
Bushfire Minister and deputy premier Peter Ryan said the funding would allow the YVPP to extend for a limited time its trauma recovery services for bushfire-affected individuals and families in the Yarra Valley and Marysville areas.
“This has been a great example of locals helping locals, and a community rebuilding itself through its own innovation, commitment and resilience,” he said.
“For their voluntary efforts, the Yarra Valley Practitioners’ Project took out the Community Award for Recovery in the most recent 2011 Fire Awareness Awards.
“The award was due recognition for those local practitioners who continue to volunteer their time and skills to those in need by offering alternative methods for people to relax and enhance their physical and mental wellbeing.”
Evelyn MP Christine Fyffe was delighted to announce $8.11 million in funding that would enable horticulture growers to access industry information and assist them in improving their performance, securing the industry’s long-term future.
She also commends the $5.8 million funding for state-wide infrastructure.
“Funding is provided to continue early planning works on the East-West Link and the proposed Doncaster Railway Line – both of which are desperately needed, as anyone trying to get from the Yarra Valley to the city will know,” she said.
“Not only does this budget spend money where it is desperately needed, the Government has also cut costs for businesses in these challenging economic times. 2012/13 will see employers save on average three per cent on their WorkCover premiums.”