Support for People
Services available to people affected by the 2009 Victorian Bushfires
People affected by the 2009 Victorian Bushfires can receive support through a number of government and community agencies.
Those still needing personal support with their recovery are encouraged to download the Victorian Government Bushfire Recovery Services Guide (PDF 297.9 KB) (WORD 531.0 KB) or call the Fire Recovery Unit on 1800 055 714.
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Evaluation of the Victorian Bushfire Case Management Service is available online at the Victorian Bushfire Case Management Service |
The following services are also able to help:
Personal support, counselling and general health services
| Mensline | 1300 78 99 78 | www.menslineaus.org.au |
| Kids Helpline | 1800 55 1800 | www.kidshelp.com.au |
| Beyondblue | 1300 22 4636 | www.beyondblue.org.au |
| Lifeline | 13 11 14 | www.lifeline.org.au |
| NURSE-ON-CALL | 1300 60 60 24 | www.health.vic.gov.au/nurseoncall |
| Mental Health Advice Line | 1300 280 737 | www.health.vic.gov.au/mhal |
| Parentline | 13 22 89 | www.parentline.com.au |
| Relationships Australia | 1300 364 277 |
Alternatively, you can contact the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement on 1800 642 066 (freecall). The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement provides telephone information and referral options as well as grief counselling services for people who have been bereaved.
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How to connect with others who were affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfires If you have moved away as a result of the 2009 Victorian bushfires, a new website enables you to reconnect with people from the bushfire-affected community at piecetogether.net.au. The website was established by the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund in 2013 as a way of assisting those misplaced by the fires to feel connected to their original communities and enable support through the ongoing recovery process. EACH Social and Community Health also maintains the website blackssaturdayandbeyond.com.au where those affected by the 2009 fires can share stories, questions and answers and get information and resources. |
Building advice and legal assistance
| Bushfire Building Advice Line | 1300 360 320 | www.buildingcommission.com.au |
| Victorian Bushfire Legal Help | 1800 113 432 | www.bushfirelegalhelp.org.au |
Government services
| Centrelink - Employment Services | 13 2850 | www.centrelink.gov.au |
| Centrelink - Youth and Student Services | 13 2490 | www.centrelink.gov.au |
| Centrelink - Family Assistance | 13 6150 | |
| Centrelink - Disability, Sickness and Carers | 13 2717 | |
| Child Support Agency | 13 1272 | |
| Housing and Community Building (DHS) | 1300 650 172 |
Small business support
| Victorian Business Line | 13 22 15 | www.business.vic.gov.au |
| Email the Fire Recovery Unit or call 1800 055 714 |
