Emergency Tools of Trade Payment for Individuals
Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund
Am I eligible?
You are eligible for the Emergency Tools of Trade Payment if, as a result of the 2009 Victorian bushfires, you have lost equipment vital to your trade and employment (including safety equipment) and are an employee working for a registered business.
You are not eligible for this payment if you apply for and receive the Commonwealth/State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangement for businesses directly affected by the bushfires.
What trades are included?
Any type of employment that requires specialised tools may be eligible for funding including:
- roofers and fencers
- hairdressers
- hospitality and catering workers
- waste and rubbish removalists
- labourers.
What assistance is available?
If you are eligible for the Emergency Tools of Trade Payment you will receive of up to $5,000, based on the cost of replacing your tools.
Payments will be made to your nominated bank account, please talk to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund about alternative arrangements.
How do I claim?
Applications for this payment closed on 9 October 2009. However, if you have not already received the payment and believe you may be eligible, you can contact the Bushfire Appeal Fund on 1800 180 213.
Further enquiries can be made by by email: vicbushfireappealfund@dhs.vic.gov.au.
What information do I need to provide?
The Victorian Government recognises the extraordinary circumstances that families are facing and will work with
individuals to ensure that any necessary information can be obtained in a flexible and sensitive manner.
The Victorian Government will need to reasonably establish:
- proof of identity
- that you are employed or undertake a specific trade that requires equipment
- the equipment is needed for your main source of employment and it was destroyed or damaged a result of the bushfires
- that you do not have any other means or resources that would allow you to purchase the equipment you need to return to work.
Proof of identity can include:
- passport
- drivers licence, Key Pass or other photographic dentification
- marriage certificate
- birth certificate
- concession card
- medicare card
- utility bill or bank statement.
A statutory declaration must be signed by you and your employer.
If you require assistance with providing required information please contact the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund on 1800 180 213.
Who can witness a statutory declaration?
People authorised to witness statutory declarations include lawyers, police, pharmacists, school principals, ministers of religion, bank managers, doctors, vets and Housing Services Officers.
If you require assistance with getting your statutory declaration witnesses please contact the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund on 1800 180 213.