One year on from the Bayindeen fires

Published on 25 February 2025

With the first anniversary of the Bayindeen bushfires, the Pyrenees Emergency Recovery / Resilience Network is acknowledging that late February is likely to be a challenging time for our affected communities.

The Emergency Recovery / Resilience Network was formed last year to provide guidance around recovery activities, supporting health and wellbeing, and building resilience for future events.

Members of the Network include four community members and representatives from Pyrenees Community House, the Bendigo Bank/Community Bank Avoca and Beaufort, Emergency Recovery Victoria, Ballarat Community Health, Beaufort Skipton Health Service, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), Upper Mt Emu Creek Landcare Network (UMEC) and Pyrenees Shire Council.

Pyrenees Mayor Cr Tanya Kehoe said Council knows that impacted communities would look after each other as the milestone approached, and encouraged individuals to reach out for help too.

“We know the people of the Pyrenees are very good at looking after their friends, family members and neighbours during disaster recovery but it’s equally as important to look after yourself. As they say, you can’t pour from an empty cup,” Cr Kehoe said.

“There is still plenty of recovery support available if you need it, whether it’s a cuppa and a chat with Council’s Recovery Team members, or referrals to agencies who can provide specialised support.”

The Emergency Recovery / Resilience Network meets monthly to ensure recovery actions are progressed. All disaster-affected areas within the Pyrenees are represented, with members having strong connections to their local communities.

Cr Kehoe said the Network and Pyrenees Shire Council is supporting communities to recognise the bushfire anniversary in a way they feel is best for them, with some holding low-key get togethers and others letting the date pass quietly.

The Network aims to help recovery from emergencies in a number of ways including aiding open communication between the community, Council, government agencies and community organisations.

Cr Kehoe said the network also aims to help achieve actions from Council’s recovery plan, and bring impacted residents’ experiences, views and concerns to the attention of authorities in an official capacity.

“Having four impacted residents as network members is crucial. This ensures local knowledge and insight is taken into account when planning recovery activities and building resilience for future emergencies,” she said.

The Network is committed to communicating recovery outcomes to the community and will be updating Pyrenees residents regularly. Keep an eye on the Pyrenees Shire Council website www.pyrenees.vic.gov.au/emergencyrecovery and Facebook page www.facebook.com/pyreneessc for updates.

Residents who need support can call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760.