The FCVic Evaluation Full Report for Year 2 of the Stronger than Before project provides valuable insights into the ongoing efforts to rebuild financial resilience among older bushfire residents. Here’s a breakdown of the key points highlighted in the report:

1. Continuation of Service Provision: Year 2 of the Stronger than Before project focused on rural service provision and outreach in Alpine-Towong and East Gippsland, areas heavily impacted by bushfires. Additionally, the project expanded its scope to encompass 18 fire-affected local government areas (LGAs), demonstrating a commitment to broader community support.
2. Objective and Scope: The primary goal of the program was to enhance the capacity to respond to the risk of financial elder abuse post-disaster. The report underscores the various factors contributing to the vulnerability of older individuals living in remote areas, including cost of living, limited income support, lack of community connections, health issues, and challenges related to digital access.
3. Vulnerability Factors: The report emphasises that disasters exacerbate the vulnerability of older individuals to financial elder abuse, particularly when social support systems are weakened. Rurality, in itself, serves as a significant driver of vulnerability due to factors such as limited transportation options, low digital inclusion, and reduced availability of local businesses and social services.
4. Role of Financial Counsellors: Financial Counsellors are recognised as playing a crucial role in assisting older individuals at risk of financial elder abuse. Collaborative efforts with FCVic, the peak body representing financial counsellors, are highlighted as cost-effective measures that provide access to local services across all disaster recovery areas, maximising reach and impact despite sector funding constraints.
5. Community Awareness: Despite the importance of financial counselling for older individuals at risk, the report indicates that awareness of this support remains low within communities. It suggests prioritising intermediaries and service providers who interact with older demographics, such as those in libraries, health, allied health, and home care, to increase awareness of professional financial counselling services.

Overall, the report underscores the ongoing challenges and efforts in rebuilding financial resilience among older bushfire residents, emphasising the critical role of financial counselling services and the need for greater community awareness and support.

FCVic would like to thank the financial counselling services across the state who have contributed to financial elder abuse prevention and intervention work, Cath Smith Consulting for evaluating the program and DFFH for the funding.