Bushfire victims receive first donations from $28.6M appeal

The first allocation of funds raised through Bendigo Bank's national Bushfire Disaster Appeal, in partnership with The Salvation Army, have been released to affected Australian communities.

The appeal, which raised $28.6 million from 131,000 donors, will see 100 per cent of the funds distributed directly to affected communities.

Local communities will have input into where the funds are spent, with plans to release money to meet specific needs as they change over time.

Funds for affected individuals and communities will be used for providing immediate relief, rebuilding the social fabric of communities, stimulating economic development and improving social inclusion.

"Disaster recovery is a marathon, not a sprint and we are in this for the long haul. Funds are already being directed to immediate relief efforts and will also be used in the medium to longer term recovery for families and communities, which from hands on experience can take many years," a Bendigo Bank spokeswoman said.

"As the disaster and its impacts continue to unfold, we are committed to supporting affected communities in the weeks, months and years to come."

Families and businesses on Kangaroo Island - which has lost more than 200,000 hectares to fires - have already received generators to provide them with essential access to electricity.

To ensure the investment stays within the local economy, the generators were purchased at Mitre 10 Kingscote.

United Petroleum chief executive Gary Brinkworth said he was happy the company was able to be one of the appeal's largest donors by contributing $1 million.

"As a 100 percent Australian owned and operated company, United Petroleum is pleased to have been able to donate to this fund to help the communities we serve," he said.

As a member of these communities, we know these practical and essential donations will help with the immediate as well as the long-term recovery, so we are very proud to be able to support with our donation."

Crown Resorts' James Packer echoed the sentiments.

"Australians are digging deep to support each other in these tough times, it's truly inspiring. My family and Crown are eager to do more and the best way we can help is through our donation," he said.