Published November 2024

The Black Summer bushfires in 2019/20 were truly unprecedented. The loss of life, homes, wildlife, businesses, livelihoods and the impacts on mental health and the social fabric of so many places was enormous. The effects were compounded by the lockdowns and restrictions that came with the COVID-19 Pandemic, as well as devastating flooding in parts of the country just months after the fires.

We acknowledge the blood, sweat and tears that have been invested by so many individuals and community groups into the recovery process to date, the work that is still ahead and the ongoing efforts in communities that are at-risk of future disasters.

The response to our bushfire appeal was overwhelming, with the depth of generosity reflecting the breadth of impact and the shared desire to assist. We are grateful to the thousands of donors who trusted us to get the funding to community groups in the affected areas, when the time was right for them. Thank you for your support, which made FRRR’s granting and capacity building activities possible.

This report sets out how the $26M donated to our Foundation has supported communities in their recovery to date. We have shared a few stories from the 920+ projects undertaken to date to showcase the difference the funds have made.

Watch the video, read the report below, or download the PDF here.