Bushfire recovery and assistance

Bushfire recovery and assistance

Published on 20 January 2020

Benalla Rural City has not been directly effected by fire in our municipality. We are grateful to have been spared the devastation experienced by neighbouring shires.

We recognise that our community members have connections that spread far and wide. Many people who live or work in Benalla Rural City are directly effected by fire through businesses, homes, land and through their families, friends and community groups across the North East.

All bushfire recovery information is available on the VicEmergency website.

Where to get mental health help

A Bushfire Counselling Line has been set up for affected areas in the North East. The line is staffed by experienced clinicians Monday–Friday from 9am–6pm. These clinicians provide direct advice, consultation and referral as required to local services.

Where to go and who can help? Call the Bushfire Counselling Phone Line on 1300 514 811 Monday–Friday from 9am–6pm  to access free counselling services and advice on options.

For urgent assistance, speak to your GP, local health professional or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For Mental Health Crisis 1300 881 104.

For online or phone and app support you can seek help from:

headtohealth.gov.au smilingminds.com.au moodgym.com.au mindspot.org.au Drinking water

Benalla has been effected by hazardous air quality through smoke coming from bushfires across the North East. Under normal conditions, we recommend drinking water tanks are maintained on a schedule that includes cleaning once every three years. Recent air conditions may create additional contaminants. Adjust your tank cleaning schedule to account for the smoke and dust present in the air during the summer bushfires.

If rainwater tastes, looks or smells unusual, use bottled water for drinking, food preparation, brushing teeth and feeding to animals until you can get your tank assessed and cleaned.

Find more information on the Better Health Channel's page - Bushfires and your private drinking water supply.

Bushfire case support program

After a bushfire it can be challenging to know what to do to get back on your feet. The Department of Human Services offers a case support program to provide practical support for people effected by the Victorian bushfires.

Case Support can be provided for people from bushfire impacted areas in East Gippsland and North East Victoria. It is a free service. 

Call 1800 560 760 from 8am–6pm weekdays and 9am–5pm weekends or email [email protected]

The Bushfire Case Support Program is funded by the Commonwealth State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and the Victorian Government.

Financial hardship

A Disaster Recovery Allowance is available for people who can show they have lost income as a direct result of the bushfires. The list of eligible areas and more information about the fund is available on the Department of Human Services website.

Residents of other shires should see their Council's websites for information about personal hardship programs that directly effect them.

The Australian Banking Association is encouraging people and businesses suffering from financial hardship due to bushfires to contact their banking institution to receive assistance. For more information about what type of assistance might be available and whether you'd be eligible, call your bank or find your bank's hardship team.

Information for business

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Victorian Tourism Industry Council have established a $500,000 support package to assist businesses affected by the Victorian bushfires.

Services available at no-cost to businesses in a Victorian natural disaster declared area include: 

Mental health support Local training and business mentoring with a focus on health, safety and wellbeing and business restoration Workplace relations advice line Membership fee waivers

More information is available on the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry website.

Injured wildlife

Use the Help for Injured Wildlife tool to locate and contact the closest relevant wildlife carers, rescue and rehabilitation organisations to help injured wildlife.

Other information about sick, injured or orphaned wildlife is available on the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning website.

Useful links