Bushfire relief funding is so complex, professional grant writers are being hired to help communities apply

Almost a year on from the deadly summer bushfires of 2019-20, some weary communities are having to hire professional grant writers or relying on volunteers to fill out complex grant applications. Key points: The Local Economic Recovery Fund is distributing $448.5 million in partnership between federal, state, territory and local governments Residents in Cobargo, NSW now have support from a full-time staff member and several volunteers to submit applications One local businesswoman says people are "exhausted" and is worried the grant schemes are too complex The New South Wales Government is overseeing the rollout of several joint state and federally-funded grants for bushfire-affected towns, where some residents are still living in tents and caravans. The criteria for the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund makes it clear that projects "for the day-to-day delivery of essential or core local government services" are not eligible. "The work of the officers has laid the groundwork for greater community resilience and future disaster preparedness, with staff providing direct assistance to communities who are considering applying for grant programs," the spokeswoman said. "Throughout 2020 the NSW Government has actively encouraged philanthropists and the not-for-profit sector to contribute support to bushfire recovery efforts and assist communities to develop community-based projects and apply for grants."