BankSA announces bushfire recovery grant recipients as fire season begins in earnest

BankSA has announced nearly $50,000 in bushfire recovery grants to support Adelaide Hills communities still rebuilding after the horrific Sampson Flat bushfires earlier this year.

As the Adelaide Hills brace for summer, BankSA’s bushfire recovery grants will provide much-needed financial assistance to:

•  Kersbrook Primary School: $10,000 to fund new playground equipment in an area damaged by fire.
•  Hills Volunteering – the Hut Community Centre: $10,000 to fund first aid training for local Hills community members.
•  Playford Council / Humbug Scrub Fire Groups: $10,000 to fund a new bus shelter and community gathering place.
•  SA Veterinary Emergency Management: $10,000 to fund additional resources to help manage large animals in emergency situations.
•  National Trust of South Australia: $5,000 to fund the repair of the popular Roachdale Reserve Nature Trail in the Mount Lofty Ranges.
•  The Horse Federation of SA Inc: $1,950 to fund safety and fire awareness workshops for local Hills horse owners.

The grants are from BankSA and Westpac’s Natural Disaster Recovery Fund, which has been established to aid the recovery of communities affected by natural disasters.

BankSA Chief Executive Nick Reade says it is important for the state to provide ongoing support to Adelaide Hills communities that are still rebuilding after the devastating bushfires that swept through the region in January.

“Damage from the Sampson Flat bushfires is still evident across the Adelaide Hills, so these grants are intended to help reinvigorate local communities in their continued recovery efforts,” Mr Reade said.

“We know from previous natural disasters that around six to nine months following a major event is a crucial time for local communities and their restoration activities, which is why BankSA is stepping in now with financial assistance.

“As we head into summer and a new fire danger season, we also want to provide any support we can to local communities to try and avoid a similar bushfire disaster in the future.”

Following the Sampson Flat bushfires earlier this year, BankSA invited community organisations and not-for-profit groups in the Adelaide Hills to apply for a recovery grant.

Mike Walsh, principal of the Kersbrook Primary School which received one of the grants, praised BankSA for its initiative.

“The bushfires affected every child and family in the region, with many still suffering as they wait on insurance claims to rebuild their homes and properties,” Mr Walsh said.

“Our school also sustained major damage from the bushfires, including the playground area where our kids love to play, so this BankSA grant is an enormous boost for us.”

Media contact:  Jayne Flaherty 0478 335 544 / flahertyj@banksa.com.au