Nationals leader Peter Ryan (right) talks with YVPP founder Karen Dickson and client Toni Mitchell. Looking on are Seymour candidates Anthony Rolando (Nationals) and Mike Laker (Liberal). 54962
By Kath Gannaway
THE COALITION has gazumped the government, promising $450,000 to keep the Yarra Valley Practitioners Project going.
The volunteer counselling service began in March 2009, just weeks after the 2009 bushfires.
More than 70 volunteers have helped more than 1000 individuals through their practitioner clinics and school outreach programs in the Yarra Valley, Kinglake and Marysville.
The organisation which was funded initially through Rotary Australia with support from the Eastern Ranges GP Association and other benefactors, has called on the government for the past year to provide the $450,000 to keep the service alive, arguing the need is ongoing.
Karen Dickson, founder and president of the YVPP said trauma experts had indicated that at least three to five years’ support was imperative for individual healing and rebuilding. She said the YVPP’s services had increased in demand over the past 18 months.
Ms Dickson said the organisation was advised in a letter from Premier John Brumby in July this year, following a meeting with VBRRA chair Christine Nixon and CEO Ben Hubbard, that the project was not a key priority in recovery plans.
“It does not meet funding criteria for the Department of Health and therefore the government is not in a position to provide funding at this time,” the letter stated.
On Thursday, Coalition leader Ted Baillieu and Nationals leader and Shadow Minister for Bushfire Response Peter Ryan said the group would have their money by January if they won government in November.
The announcement, made by Mr Baillieu at the group’s headquarters in Yarra Glen, was met with relief and applause.
“Donations are not enough to keep this crucial not-for-profit service going and despite growing demand for counselling, John Brumby won’t provide the funding to support YVPP,” he said.
Liberal MP Christine Fyffe said the Premier knew about the issue but had done nothing to ensure the project continued.
She welcomed the Coalition’s commitment to fund the project.
A spokesperson for the government said millions of dollars was being provided for counselling and psychological support services. “In the Yarra Ranges, ongoing funding has been provided for post-bushfire counselling and psychological support is still being provided through a range of services including two fully accredited counsellors working from the same location that the Yarra Ranges Practitioners Project operates from, Cameron House,” he said.
“The local council has also received additional funding to run support programs for men, women and children.”
On Friday, the government spokesman said: “The government, through VBRRA, has met with representatives of the group and provided assistance to seek alternative funding from the Bushfire Appeal Fund and from private donors.
“We will continue to work with the organisation to find an outcome.”
