Victorian Bushfires Recovery

During early 2009, the state of Victoria was devastated by deadly bushfires which claimed the lives of 173 people. The ACT immediately mobilised a team to the worst affected areas and established a base at the Marysville Golf & Bowls Club. The aim of the Trust was to equip the community with the resources to drive their own recovery and support them through the rebuilding process.

During 2009, 2010 and into 2011, the ACT was involved in the recovery effort in a number of ways:

• Established a temporary village for the Marysville community
• Connected key community groups with their local government and relevant philanthropic organisations
• Provided a one-stop information service on all aspects of the recovery and rebuilding process
• Developed a strong relationship with the Marysville and Triangle Development Group Inc. from its inception in February 2009
• Sourced a print and paper supplier willing to donate the cost of printing 5,000 copies of the Marysville Memorial Book.
• Assisted in numerous local fundraising events & mentored local businesses to get back on track

The Marysville Catalyst Project was envisaged, initiated and is currently being driven by ACT in partnership with Linfox. This project was designed as a key component in establishing a Marysville economic engine for growth in jobs, tourist visits and business confidence. The project includes the conversion of the local golf course into a Greg Norman International branded Golf Course, construction of a complex comprising golf & bowls clubhouse, Spiegeltent performing arts facility, play and stay accommodation, social hub and community meeting rooms/breakout rooms. The primary feature of this facility will be to provide a major economic basis and infrastructure to facilitate and encourage numerous other local businesses and communities to invest in the Marysville and Triangle district.