The Andrews Labor Government will provide tailored, targeted and timely support for Victorians doing it tough after a spate of fires around the state.
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan today announced a case support program for people living in fire affected areas such as Cardinia Shire, Baw Baw Shire, Latrobe Valley, Wellington Shire and East Gippsland Shire.
The targeted bushfire case support program is on top of the over $660,000 in emergency relief payments already provided to individuals and households by the Labor Government.
The bushfire case support program provides people affected by fire with a case manager as a single point of contact to help access important support services such as financial assistance, mental health support and services to repair or rebuild damaged properties.
Community relief centres were established at Koo Wee Rup, Pakenham, Drouin, Bairnsdale, Morwell and Sale, with more than 1,200 locals attending. These centres are now closed.
Two recovery centres run by local government are now open to provide people with access to information and services they need to start their recovery, one at the Bunyip Showgrounds and Recreation Reserve and another at Kernot Hall in Morwell.
Emergency relief payments under the Government’s Personal Hardship Assistance Program continue to be available at the recovery centres.
We know that bushfires can have a devastating personal impact, so we’re establishing tailored mental health and crisis support at community meetings and recovery centres, and we’re working with LifeLine Australia to make sure more staff are on hand to help those in crisis.
People can access a case support worker by contacting their local council, visiting one of the recovery centres or by calling 1800 560 760.
Information about recovery centre locations and opening hours can be found at
Quote attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan
“Fires can have a devastating impact on families. We’re standing with them, with tailored, targeted and specialist support to help them back on their feet.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Lisa Neville
“I know there are families who have lost everything and are suffering. We are standing with them, and will continue to give them the support they need to recover and rebuild.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020