Summary

Audio and video interview with Councillor Jan Vonarx by Liza Dale-Hallett at Myrtleford on 12 May 2010.

Jan Vonarx is an elected Councillor for the Alpine Shire and was involved in Shire relief and recovery efforts following the Black Saturday bushfires.

This interview forms part of the Victorian Bushfires Collection, which includes a number of interviews from residents who live in north east Victoria.

Description of Content

The interview includes Jan Vonarx's emigration to Australia in 1974, her involvement in the local community, entering local politics in 2004, changes that have impacted the Myrtleford community, changing demographics in the region, impact of the drought, the 2003 and 2006 bushfires. In particular the interview covers the establishment of a relief centre following the 2009 bushfires, managing volunteers and donations, ongoing issues relating to rebuilding and wildfire overlays, the community resilience committee, the poor media coverage of the Beechworth fire, the building of a community memorial, and the impact of the bushfires on the community.

Physical Description

2 digital files, 1 video MTS file and 1 audio WAV file.

Significance

Jan Vonarx indicates in her interview that only 8% of the Shire's land is rateable which puts significant pressure on its 14,000 residents in terms of providing local services. She also highlights the issue of media coverage and the sense of being forgotten by the media and by the Royal Commission.

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