Community support after the floods and locust plagues
Recent heavy rain, floods and locust plagues have caused stress and financial hardship in some regional communities.
The Department of Human Services is coordinating financial assistance and health and wellbeing services for people who have been affected.
A range of services are available in each community including financial counselling, material assistance and family and individual counselling.
The financial assistance package which was available to communities affected by the September floods has been extended for communities affected by the subsequent floods. This includes funding to replace or repair damaged community infrastructure and grants of up to $15,000 for clean up and recovery which are administered by the Rural Financial Counselling Service.
The Rural Financial Counselling Service providing low interest loans to small business owners and primary producers to support business continuity. The service also provides free confidential financial counselling and can visit people to talk about options and assistance available. Phone: (03) 5381 1646
If you or someone you know needs health and wellbeing advice or support talk to your local doctor or contact your local council. Each council has officers that are working to support local communities.
If you or someone you know needs support immediately call Lifeline on 131 114 or the Mental Health Advice Line on 1300 280 737. Both services offer confidential 24 hour support.
Beyondblue offers expert information about depression and a referral service, phone: 1300 224 636.
Mensline offers telephone support, information and referral , helping men to deal with relationship problems in a practical and effective way. Phone: 1300 789 978
For further information visit the Emergency Management website.
