In the recently released Australian Bushfire Report, the charity organisation says 93 per cent of the funds donated have now been disbursed or spent, with the remaining sum allocated for further assistance and longer term recovery.

The report states that $201m has been provided in direct cash assistance through grants to 6085 people, with some people receiving multiple grants, depending on their circumstances, and those hardest hit by the fires receiving amounts over $80,000.

More than one year after the fires, 245 people came forward in financial need for the first time.

The funding program has included grants for bereavement, injury, emergency, re-establishment, primary residence repairs and discretionary financial hardship situations.

The report states less than five per cent of donated dollars have been spent on administrative costs.

During the fires 49,718 people were supported at evacuation centres and over the phone ($5m).

After the fires and up until the end of June 2021, more than 40,100 people have been assisted with recovery through 1-1 and group support, training and workshops, information and referrals.

6085 people received financial assistance to meet urgent needs, make repairs, cover funeral or hospital costs, or find a safe place to live.

Communities in 46 local government areas have been covered by the Red Cross recovery program.

On the ground and online Red Cross has so far supported:

Kiah resident Annette Evelyn lost her home in the bushfires and said she received support from the Red Cross both in immediate response to the emergency and when rebuilding her home.

"They were absolutely fantastic, without that money, I wouldn't have been able to meet the council regulations to rebuild. It was a Godsend," Annette said.

"It was also good mentally, it took a lot of pressure off the worry of how I could manage."

Annette said the majority of the money she received came from the Red Cross, but there were also other helping hands.

The money allowed her to better prepare her new home for any future fires and disasters that might be of threat.

"I feel so much safer and more secure, if another disaster came, I would feel more able to defend my house. I am ok now," Annette said.

The delivery of the recovery grants over a longer period is something Annette views as necessary and positive.

"They were dotting their i's and crossing their t's to make sure it was being distributed where it was really needed," she said.

"My experience with the Red Cross was fantastic, I can't give them credit enough."

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