Additional support and services
In addition to financial matters there may be other affairs you need to consider, such as replacing lost documentation. Below is a list of services being provided to help affected people.
Land tax relief
The State Revenue Office will apply compassionate consideration for land tax relief claims to people who lost property in the bushfires.
Further details are available on the State Revenue Office website (external link) or by calling 13 21 61.
Licensing and registration assistance
VicRoads are providing face to face registration and licensing advice, processing requests and issuing on the spot cash refunds to bushfire survivors through relief and recovery centres.
Information is available from the VicRoads website (external link) or by calling the VicRoads Call Centre on 13 11 71.
Legal assistance
Free legal advice is available through the legal helpline 1800 113 432 to assist bushfire survivors with legal issues stemming from the fires.
The Bushfire Legal Help Handbook (external link) covers a number of topics including insurance, property, fencing, debt, utilities, wills and estates, Coroner’s process, lost documents and family and relationships.
Public transport assistance
Free public transport will be provided to individuals and families who have lost their homes and have received the Emergency Grant or Temporary Living and Re-establishment grants until 1 October 2009. Call Metlink on 131 638 for further details or see the Metlink website (external link).
Replacing lost birth and marriage certificates
The Office of Births, Deaths and Marriages will help people who lost birth and marriage certificates in the fires obtain new certificates at no cost.
Full details are available at The Office of Births, Deaths and Marriages (external link) on 1300 369 367.
Stamp duty relief
The State Revenue Office is providing stamp duty relief to those who lost non-commercial vehicles and homes in the bushfires.
Further details are available on the State Revenue Office website (external link) or by calling 13 21 61.
State Trustees
State Trustees (external link) is offering services free of charge to those affected by the bushfires. Contact the State Trustees Bushfire Help Line on 03 9667 6073.