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.
Information, updates and publications about all aspects of recovery will continue to be provided by the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.
A new Bushfire Communities Support Program began on 1 March 2011. The program will build on the successful work of the Case Management Service and Community Service Hubs.
Those needing personal support with their recovery are encouraged to call the Bushfire Communities Support Helpline on 1800 050 400. This service is available to all bushfire affected people, whether or not they have sought help from the case management service previously.
The Helpline staff can provide information, advice, support and referral with any issue facing bushfire-affected people. This could include accommodation, finance, personal assistance, employment, education, counselling, health and legal issues.
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Evaluation of the Victorian Bushfire Case Management Service has been released Access the complete evaluation report, an evaluation overview and a comprehensive literature review by visiting 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.
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 |
