Less than three weeks before the one-year anniversary of the blazes that ravaged parts of the south-west, survivors were desperate for political leaders to listen to their concerns.

Then-Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Premier Daniel Andrews both visited the region in the immediate aftermath.

But as details of how the blazes started through power infrastructure emerged, calls for change have largely fallen on deaf ears.

Federal Energy Minister Angus Taylor and Wannon MP Dan Tehan held a town-hall style forum in Terang on Friday. Credit where credit is due, they listened to the concerns of those impacted.

One, Terang lawyer Ian Pugh, summed up the mood. "People are really hurting. We are scared and nervous," he told them.

The Sisters dairy farmers Jill and Brad Porter and Jack Kenna have been vocal since the fires. They have led a community campaign for greater regulatory powers for Energy Safe Victoria, the group which oversees power companies like Powercor.

Mr Tehan praised the neighbouring property owners for the time and energy they had invested on behalf of their community, describing them as "absolute fighters".

Mr Tehan and Mr Taylor listened to the concerns and while their advocacy is heartening, the state government has the power to act. Mr Andrews and his government need to understand the impact these fires had on people like the Porters and Mr Kenna. And only by listening to their experiences can they act.

The Standard has campaigned on behalf of victims, which has resulted in significant admissions of fault from Powercor, replacement power poles and inspections of thousands of others across the state.

It has also resulted in a national first with insurance companies now offering some victims of the fires no-cost compensation offers.

Survivors want Mr Andrews to visit.

On their behalf, we invite Mr Andrews to visit, listen and then act to toughen ESV's powers and hold Powercor to account.