For more than three months, Australia has been ravaged by catastrophic fires and these have escalated to unchartered levels recently. We have already witnessed the tragic loss of lives, properties, wildlife and livelihoods with more devastation expected. Our thoughts are with all our community, particularly those that have been directly impacted by these recent events.
Here are a range of resources available to help you and communities through the recovery where needed.
General resources to help you
- The Australian Tax Office has a dedicated page offering support for impacted areas with lodgement and payment deferral dates. You can also phone them on 1800 806 218
- Banks stand ready to help customers impacted by bushfires. Read this article from the Australian Banking Association
- Financial assistance options are available from the Federal Government including the Disaster Recovery Allowance.
- Beyond Blue support service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support the mental health of people affected by the bushfires on 1300 22 4636.
- Beyond Blue also has free information resources online. Emotional responses after a disaster has information about normal responses to disasters, what's beyond a normal response and some tips on dealing with the emotional impact of a disaster. More detailed information is available in the booklet Looking after yourself and your family after a disaster
- Assistance can be provided from charities including Lifeline , Australian Red Cross and Salvation Army .
- State support is available for NSW , QLD , VIC and TAS communities affected by the bushfires.
Make a donation
It is during times like these we often draw on the strength of our community and peers. If you want to show your support by donating, below are links to the local State fire services:
Help those affected
Help the wildlife
Please continue to stay alert and remain safe. To all of the amazing firefighters, volunteers, ADF staff and everyone involved in fighting the bushfires and assisting the many people, businesses and wildlife impacted over the next few years, a huge thank you.
ARE YOU OK? If you've been directly impacted or displaced, involved in the emergency response or watching from afar - Natural disasters such as bushfires that cause widespread loss, damage and disruption to communities can take it's toll on you. No matter your circumstance, you don't have to go it alone over the coming days, weeks and months. Help is available. Counselling, mental health and disaster welfare services are available across fire-affected areas of NSW at various evacuation and recovery centres. The following are free services available 24 hours a day, seven days a week Mental Health Line – 1800 011 511 Lifeline - 13 11 14 MensLine Australia- 1300 789 978 Kids Helpline Official - 1800 55 1800 Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636 National Debt Helpline free financial counselling 1800 007 007 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am–4.30pm) Australians are brave and resilient, and we will get through this bushfire crisis together. Check in with your family, friends and neighbours - ask "Are you OK too?".
Should you find yourself impacted by a natural disaster, even an alternative disaster to the bushfires, please contact our office so we can provide you with any additional assistance you may need at this difficult time. We wish to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a Happy and Prosperous 2020. We truly appreciate and value your continued loyalty and support.
