Vic: Up to $100,000 for those injured in Black Saturday fires

AAP General News (Australia)
04-22-2009
Vic: Up to $100,000 for those injured in Black Saturday fires

MELBOURNE, April 22 AAP - Bushfire survivors severely injured on Black Saturday will
receive up to $100,000 from the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund to assist with their recovery.

Victorian Premier John Brumby and chairman of the fund's advisory panel John Landy
made the announcement at The Alfred Hospital on Wednesday.

A $50,000 lump sum payment will be provided to everyone who was severely injured in
the bushfires and hospitalised for a sustained period.

A further payment of up to $50,000 will be made available to those requiring specialised support.

Mr Landy said the grants would help assist the badly injured in their transition from
hospital to home.

"Many of the survivors of the bushfires who were most severely injured have left hospital
and we hope this money will make a significant contribution to helping them rebuild their
lives," he said.

"The funding will provide long term assistance for those with permanent physical injuries
who require ongoing medical treatment, surgery or rehabilitation."

Mr Landy said people whose temporary or new homes or vehicles needed to be modified
as a result of their injury would be eligible for the extra payment.

The payments will be determined on a case-by-case basis overseen by the Department
of Human Services.

More than $235 million has been allocated from the bushire appeal which closed on Friday
raising a total of $312 million.

AAP cmb/bd/gfr/ldj

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES VIC INJURED

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