The Black Summer bushfires caused severe damage to the Mallacoota district in East Gippsland, Victoria. With 83% of the land area burnt and 123 home destroyed, many residents were displaced. After the bushfires, floods further damaged the community’s infrastructure. Residents, along with the country were also impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This caused significant disruptions to rebuilding and restoring the community of East Gippsland. 

The Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program has provided $2.16 million to build a number of accessible cottages known as Miva Miva cottages. This is a unique housing project for those who were impacted by the bushfires in 2019-20. 

The Mallacoota District Health Support Service (MDHSS) successfully acquired a loan to purchase Ballymena Holiday units. These 5 self-contained, ready-made villas were renamed Miva Miva Cottages. MDHSS also purchased an adjoining block of land to extend and build additional independent living units.

Revitalising local culture moving forward  

The Miva Miva cottages aim to help those in need of accessible accommodation in Mallacoota and nearby areas. This includes permanent, temporary, and emergency housing for visitors. This will help increase accessible housing, tourism and long-term jobs creation for the community. 

Over the next 12 months the project will promote the arts and culture of Mallacoota. They will do this by using local artists and craftspeople to express artistic and community values. This includes commissioning Aboriginal artworks for display and Aboriginal performances (music and dance) to mark project milestones. The community is putting art and culture at its centre to have powerful and tangible socio-economic benefits.  

To learn more about the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program, please visit 2019–20 Black Summer bushfires | NEMA.