Bushfire video series shows community recovery

The recovery of all Australians affected by the Black Summer bushfires remains a high priority for the Coalition Government.

The National Bushfire Recovery Agency and Tourism Australia today launches the 'Open for business' video series on bushfire recovery. The 15-part series shines a spotlight on everyday Australians as they rebuild their lives, 12 months on from the 2019-20 bushfire season.

The videos were funded from the Coalition Government's $2 billion National Bushfire Recovery Fund. More than $1.3 billion has already been provided to affected communities to boost tourism, the economy, and support mental health.

Minister for Agriculture, Drought, and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the series would help Australian and international audiences to better understand and support communities as they rebuild.

“Regional communities are the back-bone of our country, and it's important we don't forget those hit hardest by the devastating 2019-20 bushfire season,” Mr Littleproud said.

“These short videos show communities are back 'open for business', but also acknowledge that people and communities are going through their recovery journeys in a way that suits them.”

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said that driving tourism to bushfire-affected regions would help to support local jobs and economies.

“Our message to Australians is to visit these incredible regions, stay for a few days, eat and shop local. Many of the small businesses impacted by the bushfires are back open for business and they need our support to help their long-term recovery,” Mr Tehan said.

A new episode will be released each Monday. The first episode focuses on the village of Cobargo in New South Wales. In the videos, viewers will see unique stories from communities across New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Victoria.

The Australian Government established the National Bushfire Recovery Agency in January 2020 to lead and coordinate the national response to supporting communities affected by the 2019-20 bushfires.

Further details on the 'Open for business' video series are available at: www.bushfirerecovery.gov.au.