The New Year has been a difficult time for Victoria and many states across Australia still suffering from the tragic bushfire disaster.

The fires have been devastating for communities, individuals and businesses and have caused extensive damage and heartache. The impacts of these fires will be long-lasting.

This week, the Victorian Chamber visited Canberra to meet with the Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, Treasurer, the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP, Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, Andrew Colvin APM AOM, head of the new National Bushfire Recovery Agency, industry associations and business owners to discuss the impacts of these fires on businesses.

The Chamber team took the opportunity to raise directly with the Government issues many of our members have spoken of and the need to aid directly and indirectly impacted business. As a result of our advocacy, we are confident that a comprehensive business package of assistance will be available shortly.

As part of our response to the bushfire disaster, the Victorian Chamber and the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) established a 12-month, $500,000 support package to assist businesses affected by the Victorian bushfires. The Chamber and VTIC have also committed to holding Board and other meetings in fire affected regions to inject much needed trade and cashflow. We encourage members to make a similar commitment. More information on where to hold your meetings and how to make bookings will be available on our website.

All services under this package will be provided at no cost to any business in a Victorian natural disaster declared area, including mental health support, access to our local training and business mentoring, access to our Workplace Relations Advice Line, and more. For further information on our support package, please read our joint media release.

Thriving business is the lifeblood of our communities, providing the jobs, goods and services on which we all rely and our focus is on supporting businesses and rebuilding communities to ensure they can prosper once again.

We acknowledge the many individuals and organisations that have played a vital role in the emergency response and recovery effort. Individuals and businesses alike have been extremely generous with their time, money and resources.

The Victorian Chamber and VTIC will continue to work with the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments on a comprehensive, whole of State package that delivers meaningful support and business outcomes, to ensure recovery from the bushfires is swift and sustainable.

For further information, please call the Victorian Chamber on: 03 8662 5333 or email the team at: disaster@victorianchamber.com.au.