Communities affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfires will share in $1.4 million in further funds from the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund for 13 projects identified as rebuilding priorities by local community recovery committees.

Projects will include the Kinglake West Reflective Garden Project, upgrades to halls in Carrajung South, Bruarong and Jindivick and the Picnic Point Reserve in Longwarry.

"Community rebuilding is an essential part of the healing process and an important way to build on the strengths and connections within affected communities," says John Brumby, Victorian Premier.

The new projects are part of the $43 million announced under the Appeal Fund to help the community rebuilding process.

"The projects have been developed by committees based on locally identified priorities and are being supported as part of the community rebuilding process overseen by the Victorian Bushfire Recovery and Reconstruction Authority," says Pat McNamara, chair of the Advisory Panel.

The Appeal Fund has raised over $391 million in total, including over $7 million in interest.

More than 95 per cent of the Appeal Fund — around $375 million - has already been committed to individuals and communities directly affected by the bushfires. Of this amount, $302 million is committed to individuals and $73 million is allocated to community initiatives.

Over $262 million has been paid to people and communities directly impacted by the bushfires to assist them with rebuilding their lives.

Around $113 million has been committed to community projects as well as gifts and programs providing ongoing support to individuals, that will be spent over the medium to longer term as projects roll-out and milestones are met. The remainder of the fund is set aside for future recovery efforts.

Proposals are currently being finalised, including significant projects for affected areas. Projects to have been approved include:

• upgrade of Carrajung South Hall

• gardening as Recreation in the Latrobe Community

• Bruarong Hall Upgrade

• Jindivick Hall Upgrade

• Kinglake West Reflective Garden Project - $264,184 to create a peaceful garden for the local community

• Kilmore East Rotunda - $28,767 to construct a new rotunda to provide a suitable gathering space for the community