Environment Minister Gavin Jennings said that while the focus had been on relieving the human suffering caused by the fires, injured birds and animals and the people caring for them also had to be looked after.

"We know that more than 1000 marsupials, birds and reptiles injured in the fires have been treated by Victoria's wildlife carers and that many others have had to be euthanased," he said.

Details: www.dse.vic.gov.au or 136186.

Helpers get grant

SMALL businesses and individuals who provided exceptional support to communities in the aftermath of the bushfires will be acknowledged with a grant from the $180million Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund, fund advisory panel chairman John Landy has announced.

Mr Landy said grants of up to $8000 would be available to acknowledge the efforts of those who supported others during and after the bushfires.

He said the grant was not intended to compensate for lost income or outgoings, nor as payment to the many people who provided voluntary services, but as an acknowledgement of exceptional involvement.

Details: 1800180213 or www.dhs.vic.gov.au/bushfireappeal

Aid for businesses

PREMIER John Brumby has announced the State Government will contribute $500,000 towards a new private sector trust fund to provide assistance to small businesses impacted by the fires.

The Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Relief Fund will help support small businesses indirectly affected by the fires and will receive matching funding from Victorian and Australian businesses.

"Small businesses are the backbone of our regional and rural communities, generating jobs and driving growth.

"I congratulate VECCI for bringing together corporate support to establish this new fund which will provide vital support to those small businesses which are experiencing challenges after these fires," Mr Brumby said.

Small businesses in bushfire-affected areas that were not burnt out but are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the bushfires may be eligible for grants of up to $5000 initially.

Further needs-based payments for people directly affected by the bushfires are being considered by the panel.

Details: 1800180213 or www.dhs.vic.gov.au/bushfireappeal