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Page Last Updated:
Monday, 23 November 2009 |
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Home>Residents>Community recovery
The following information is provided to support the community in times of crisis, such as recent drought, and bushfire.
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 Bushfire recovery information
Drought assistance
Improved drought assistance measures
Information and assistance
| Bushfire recovery information | |  Top
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| COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE
Victorian Bushfire Case Management Service: 1800 050 400
You are encouraged to make contact even if you are unsure of your eligibility - anyone who has been bushfire affected may be eligible for case management.
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| WHERE DO I GET MORE INFORMATION?
There is a wealth of information on many government sites regarding the types of assistance accessible for bushfire recovery. Some of the sites of interest are:
Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority - was established by the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments to oversee and coordinate recovery and rebuilding program resulting from the February 2009 fires. The Authority is working with communities, businesses, charities, local councils and other government departments to help rebuild communities affected by the bushfires.
Victorian Government - contains information including Finance; Bushfire Updates; Education; Financial Assistance; Health; Housing; how to help; and many other topics relevant to the recent bushfires.
Department of Human Services - information including assistance for individuals, businesses and primary producers affected by bushfires.
Centrelink - for many types of financial assistance relating to bushfires
Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund - the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund was launched in partnership with the Australian Government and Red Cross to support communities impacted by the Victorian fires. This site details how to donate, and also how to access funds for fire-affected families.
Department of Primary Industries - details information for primary producers affected by bushfire.
Department of Sustainability and Environment - details information regarding current fire events around the State, bushfire recovery information, wildlife information, and other services.
Country Fire Authority - details information regarding current fire events around the State. The 'updates and advice' page also contains relevant community newsletters in fire-affected regions.
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| Drought assistance | | Council is encouraging farmers and small businesses not to rule themselves out of being eligible for Drought Assistance without making an application.
In order to qualify for subsidies individual farmers have to obtain individual Exceptional Circumstances Certificates. These are available through Centrelink.
Where can I get further information?
Your first point of call should be Centrelink Drought Assistance 132 316
For further drought information follow the links at the bottom of this page:
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| Improved drought assistance measures | | On 25 September 2007 the Australian Government announced additional drought assistance measures for irrigators, dryland farmers and small businesses severely affected by the drought.
These new measures will make it easier for farmers and small businesses to access Exceptional Circumstances (EC) assistance, provide grants directly to irrigators, and help with the social pressures facing farming families and communities across rural and regional Australia.
Summary of support for drought affected communities
A range of support measures is available to farmers and communities in drought affected areas. Drought related services include:
Financial assistance
All areas of Victoria are now covered by some form of Exceptional Circumstances support.
Farming information
DPI can provide one-to-one advice to farmers in the most severely drought-affected areas. There are also helpful publications on a range of farming issues.
Counselling and support
There are a number of support services available to help people experiencing personal or family pressures caused by drought.
Water information and initiatives
The Victorian Government have a number of water initiatives. Information is available from the DPI website, in addition to links to information on water resources and water authorities.
Climate and weather
Information on current weather conditions and climate, including drought, is available from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), the Bureau of Meteorology and other organisations.
Support for non-farm businesses
Remember:
Your first point of call should be Centrelink Drought Assistance 132 316
Anglicare drought support - domestic water supply and transport costs. Please call 0400 059 242 for more information.
Drought relief for country sports
Provides grants to help rural Communities develop sustainable approaches to water management to allow greater use of swimming pool and sports ground facilities.
For further information please contact Department for Victorian Communities Grants Information Line — 1300 366 356
Future farm planning
Provides access to advice to help with making decisions about crops and production in the short term, medium and longer term e.g. extension advice on tree and vine survival, rural financial counselling for farmers from Non English speaking backgrounds.
For further information please contact DPI Customer Service Centre — 136 186
One to one extension services and advice for farmers
Is available for farmers affected by drought.
For further information please contact DPI Customer Service Centre — 136 186
Drought employment program
Provides drought affected people with work on a range of on ground projects on private and public land to protect and sustain important environmental assets. Projects may include fencing, pest, plant and animal management, stock containment and environmental works.
For further information please contact NECMA — 02 6043 7600
Rural financial counsellors
Can provide free, independent and confidential financial assessment to primary producers, fishers and small rural businesses who are suffering financial hardship.
For further information please contact Benalla — 03 5761 1611
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| Information and assistance |
| Required Assistance |
Agency |
Telephone |
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| Determining what assistance is available and how to access it; determining which agencies to speak to and helping to make initial contact |
Alpine Shire |
03 5755 0555 |
| Counselling and Support Services |
Ovens and King Community Health Service |
Myrtleford: 03 5731 3503 Bright: 03 5755 0123 |
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Upper Hume Community Health Service |
02 6022 8888 |
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Rural Financial Counselling |
03 5761 1611 |
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Lifeline |
131 114 |
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Upper Murray Family Care Free Drought Counselling |
03 5723 4000 |
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Suicide HelpLine-Victoria |
1300 651 251 |
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Centrelink – Wangaratta Farmers Helpline |
03 5723 4399 or 1800 050 585 |
| Financial Support |
Rural finance |
03 5761 1611 |
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Centrelink |
03 5723 4399 |
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| Technical Information on Livestock, Feed, Animal Health, Natural Resources and Water |
Department of Primary Industries |
136 186 |
| Injured Wildlife |
Wildlife Rescue hotline |
0500 540 000 |
| Small Business Advice and Referral |
Regional Development Victoria |
03 5721 6988 |
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