TWO years on after the devastating 2019-20 Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Island bushfires, the Webb family is rebuilding their lives at Cudlee Creek with the help of generous donations from the community.
After the fire tore through their property on December 20, 2019, Marc and Rhiann Webb lost everything.
They are one of more than 1000 families, individuals and businesses to share in $9.07 million donated by the community, organisations, businesses, the state government - and even music sensation Elton John - through the State Emergency Relief Fund.
Mr Webb was incredibly thankful to receive more than $30,000 in government grants, which is now supporting his family rebuild their home.
"The support from the SA community was and continues to be amazing," he said.
"We are still receiving special rates on some purchases related to the rebuild from local suppliers, and the local community understand that bushfire recovery is a five-year journey, not an overnight mop up, and the grants we received from them have definitely helped us after the bushfires."
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The State Emergency Relief Fund, which included a state government contribution of $2m, helped a total of 1062 people through 2979 gift donations including:
- $2.85m to 195 households whose residence was destroyed;
- $2.9m to 937 households to repair property infrastructure;
- $1.96m to support loss of income to 509 businesses; and
- $1.12m to support community projects.
Human Services acting Minister John Gardner said the compassion, generosity and support of South Australians was helping communities rebuild.
"Two years on, it is heart-warming to see the impact that the funds from the SA Bushfire Appeal has made on the lives of our Adelaide Hills and KI residents who were impacted by the fires," he said.
"Our community dug deep in SA's hour of need and they can be incredibly proud their contribution is helping people rebuild their homes, sports clubs, community facilities and farms.
"We continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with both our Adelaide Hills and KI communities every step of the way in their recovery through this anniversary and in the years ahead."
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