As the third anniversary of the Black Saturday fires approaches, the mayor of the worst affected communities says they no longer want to be defined by Australia's worst peace-time disaster.

Murrindindi Mayor John Walsh, whose shire takes in the towns of Kinglake, Marysville and Flowerdale, yesterday told an audience including Julia Gillard that constant reminders of the fires would hinder further recovery.

A KINGLAKE West woman says the State Government’s bushfire awareness television and radio commercials are a cruel slap in the face for fire victims.

POLICE are asking for the public’s help to nab hoons using Nillumbik’s rural roads as racetracks.

Diamond Creek police Sgt Andrew Brick said groups of up to eight P-platers had been spotted overtaking on double lines along the winding roads between Wattle Glen and Warrandyte North to Kinglake in the past few months.

Following the bushfires, the Victorian Government coordinated the donation and purchase of a wide range of material goods as part of the establishment of temporary villages in Flowerdale, Kinglake, Marysville and Whittlesea. As occupancy numbers continue to reduce in the temporary villages, the Department of Human Services is keen to ensure that goods no longer required for the ongoing recovery effort continue to benefit bushfire affected communities into the future.

The State Government has already offered some of these goods to Murrindindi Shire Council to ensure that as many donated and government-purchased goods continue to contribute to community recovery from the 2009 bushfires. However, there are more than 100 items that remain. Goods available include building materials, household appliances and furniture.

In January and February 2012, DHS is inviting former Blue Referral Card holders, community groups and businesses in the Shire of Murrindindi and the City of Whittlesea to register their interest in acquiring these goods. All items are available free of charge, although successful applicants will be required to meet all costs associated with the removal and transport of goods from their current location.

An independent assessment process will be undertaken to determine the allocation of goods.  In the event that demand exceeds supply for particular goods, applicants will be prioritised in following order:

1. local community based organisations and eligible individuals
2. local small business
3. local council
4. broad-based charity organisations, and
5. other government departments and agencies.

A comprehensive list of available goods, the application form and the terms and conditions can be downloaded from www.dhs.vic.gov.au/bushfire-goods-distribution after 20 January or phone (03) 9096 5027. Applications can be made for up to five items. Interested parties must lodge an application by 28 February 2012.