Information for people affected by the Victorian 2009 bushfires
The Victorian Government recognises that recovery takes time. A range of supports and services have been made available to meet the ongoing needs of people and communities recovering from the 2009 fires.
Health and wellbeing
Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement
A number of services are available, including Bushfire Discussion and Support Groups and specialist counsellors. Visit the website for more information and to access useful resources, or contact the Centre on (03) 9265 2111.
Bushfire Communities Support Program
The program provides assistance to individuals, families and communities affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfires. For more information contact the Bushfire Community Support Helpline on 1800 050 400.
Emotional support resources
A fact sheet resource has been developed to assist people with managing their emotional wellbeing after an emergency.
Psychosocial recovery database
Mitchell Community Health Services has established a Bushfire Psychosocial Recovery Database to help people locate health and counselling services and other initiatives in the Hume region in north-east Victoria. Assistance to locate state wide services is also available by contacting 1800 050 400.
Financial assistance
Rural Finance
Concessional loans for the 2009 bushfire have now closed. The Rural Finance website has historical information about assistance that was available. Learn more by visiting the website or by calling (03) 5448 2600.
Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund (VBAF)
The psychological counselling and wellness voucher program and the counselling support program have been extended to August 2012. For more information contact: 1800 180 213. Other financial assistance from the fund has now closed.
Housing and accommodation matters
Rebuilding Advisory Service (RAS)
The RAS provides information and assistance relating to rebuilding matters. For more information, contact the Bushfire Response Planning Unit on (03) 9098 8947.
Other support
Fire Recovery Unit
The Fire Recovery Unit, within Regional Development Victoria, have been operating since July 2011. The Unit aims to assist the ongoing recovery of communities affected by the 2009 bushfires by facilitating strong relationships and clear responses to identified community needs.
Obtain bushfire recovery information by calling 1800 240 667 or by emailing the Unit at: fire.recovery@rdv.vic.gov.au.
