Financial assistance

Government Assistance Grants

Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund

Millions have been generously donated through the Australian Red Cross to assist individuals and communities affected by the bushfires. An independent panel of community leaders is overseeing the distribution of the Fund.

New emergency payments are now available through the Fund.

• Compassion and Bereavement Payment - to provide immediate support to those families that have lost loved ones in the 2009 Victorian bushfires
• Initial Home Dislocation Payment - funding for people who have lost their principal place of residence or are otherwise unable to return to their home
• Severe Injury Payment - funding for people who have been hospitalised and required surgery or further hospital treatment
• Household Repairs Payment - a short-term measure to help people affected by the bushfire make minor repairs to property. It aims to assist in meeting costs associated with repairing fire, water or smoke damage, or other repairs
• Tools of Trade Payment - payment to assist people who have lost equipment vital to their trade and employment (including safety equipment) and are an employee working for a registered business.

For more information call the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund on 1800 180 213 or email vicbushfireappealfund@dhs.vic.gov.au

How do I find out about other assistance?

Other grants are available through the Department of Human Services and other agencies. For more information about these grants, contact the Bushfire Hotline on 1800 240 667 or go to the home page of the Department of Human Services website .

How can I donate to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund?

Donations to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund can be made through the Australian Red Cross website .

A Government led clean-up operation is about to get underway to clear more than 80,000 tons of debris from bushfire-affected properties.

Grocon will manage the bushfire clean-up and demolition program on behalf of The Commonwealth and Victorian Governments.

The clean-up and demolition operation is voluntary and open to any person who owns property affected by the recent bushfires.

Properties will be cleared for free.

People may register their property as part of the clean-up and demolition program, or may apply for reimbursement if they have already cleared their property.

Register online for the clean-up or reimbursement or call 1800 136 762.

If you have already registered, please login .

People who would like to work with Grocon on the clean-up and demolition program are asked to email them at firecleanup@grocon.com.au .

Contacts

Gippsland Region

Regional Agribusiness Manager:  

Mr Warrick Wilson
Ph:   03 5176 1761 Fax:  03 5176 1682
Regional Office: 16 Kay Street , Traralgon 3844
Office Hours:   8.30am - 5.00pm weekdays  
Email:    traralgon@ruralfinance.com.au

Sub-Regional Office: 

Shop 2, 9 Peart St Leongatha 3953
Ph: 03 5662 5910 Fax:  03 5662 5795
Office Hours:   8.30am - 5.00pm weekdays
(appointment time recommended)
Email :   leongatha@ruralfinance.com.au

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment

Victorian Bushfires - January/February 2009

Recently, Victoria has sustained significant devastation due to numerous bushfires burning across the state. On 29 January 2009, bushfires in the central Gippsland region of Victoria destroyed a number of houses. The bushfires were contained on 3 February 2009 after burning for over seven days.

On 7 February 2009, the bushfires in and around the Bendigo, Bunyip, Churchill, Clonbinane, Kilmore, Kinglake, Marysville, Murrindindi, Strathewen and Wandong areas destroyed a large number of properties. Tragically there were a large number of people who lost their lives in addition to the many people admitted to hospital with severe burns and other critical injuries.

Given the devastation caused by these bushfires, the Commonwealth Government is providing a range of recovery assistance measures to support those Australians who have been adversely affected. 

Individual Assistance

Financial Assistance

• Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP)
• Assistance for Funeral/Memorial and Related Costs
• Income Recovery Subsidy
• Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA)

Other Assistance for Individuals

• Relaxation of Newstart requirements
• Counselling Support
• Recovering your Proof of Identity

Community Assistance

• Emergency Relief
• Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA)
• Social Housing
• Local Government
• Farming and Small Business
• Schools
• Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority
• 2009 Victorian Bushfires Appeal Fund

More information about these assistance packages .

Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund

The Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund (GERF) is a not for profit incorporated association that provides some funding support to those people affected by emergencies.

As a matter of operational principal, the fund does not take direct referrals; rather cases must be referred by local government or the Department of Human Services .

It focuses on providing money for immediate needs, such as food, clothing, utensils, furniture, bedding and children's educational needs as distinct from capital items covered by insurance or Government grants.

Since its inception in the 1970s, the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund has paid more than $1.75 million to local people.

As a result of the 2006-2007 bushfire season, the fund distributed more than $220,000 to 155 Gippsland families.

Since the flood/storm event in June 2007, GERF have distributed $ 448,250 508,000 to 235 244 households and 16 businesses, and has received $ 569,000 574,000 in donations.

The Fund is a registered charitable organisation, making all donations tax deductible. All donations are returned to the community and no costs are deducted. The volunteer committee relies on donations and support from the general community.

Donations can be made direct to the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund via post to (PO Box 508 Traralgon 3844) or at any branch of the National Australia Bank in Victoria .

Those seeking assistance from GERF should do so through Local Government.

Insurance policies

Home and landowners should check and, if necessary, change their insurance policies before another emergency.

Disputes relating to replacement of items destroyed by the 2006-07 fires or 2007 flood/storms can be taken to the Insurance Ombudsman. Claimants must first use the dispute settlement process offered by their insurance company. The Insurance Ombudsman can be contacted at www.insuranceombudsman.com.au or by phone on 1300 780 808.

Taxation obligations

If taxpayers in the affected areas are experiencing any difficulties meeting tax obligations, have any questions, or require assistance they can call the Tax Office on 13 11 42 during business hours.

Further information on Australian Government assistance is available at www.disasterassist.gov.au