Current at: 10 February 2009
A number of HIA members have been severely affected by the devastating fires that have destroyed lives and communities across Victoria.
Our sincere condolences go out to our colleagues, friends and families who have perished or lost loved ones, and to those members whose homes and properties have been destroyed.
The Victorian Government has responded swiftly to the disaster and established a taskforce comprising insurers, government agencies and construction associations.
Christine Nixon has resigned as Victorian Police Chief Commissioner and been appointed as the coordinator of the bushfire relief effort. The Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority will be responsible for coordinating activities of all local, state and Commonwealth Government agencies, and the many community organisations involved, to recover and rebuild.
Many members have already contacted us with generous offers of assistance and support.
HIA is attempting to support immediate needs for the most severely affected areas, including providing generators, cool rooms, demolition equipment and non-electric fuel pumps.
There will also be a need for temporary accommodation, agistment and rental accommodation. In the longer term, the insurance companies and the Government will need to access a large workforce of builders, contractors and trades.
HIA has established a database for members where equipment, materials and offers of support can be registered. Members can contact Sarah Moate on 03 9280 8275 or preferably by email on s.moate@hia.com.au. We will be passing on these offers of support and contact details to the Premier’s Coordinating Manager for Bushfire Relief.
HIA has also established a toll free number where you can leave your details and offers of support. That number is 1300 787 442.
The Victorian Government has also established a toll free number for offers of emergency accommodation. If you are in a position to offer accommodation, please contact 1800 006 468. Our current information is that there are about 3000 people who are without a roof over their head.
HIA thanks all of our members who have already responded generously to the disaster. There are a number of organisations which have set up financial support funds and HIA suggests that our members forward donations to those organisations. Individual donations can be made through the Red Cross website,www.redcross.org.au, or by calling the toll free number 1800 811 700.
Once again, we thank you for your support and our thoughts remain with our members, family, friends, and all the unfortunate people who have been affected by this tragedy.