8 January 2020
We're here to help.
We know the road to recovery will be long. Our agents will be here every step of the way to support you, and your local community. Our team will continue to work with our bushfire impacted customers and provide support through the claims process.
If you’re in urgent need of emergency assistance, such as temporary accommodation or emergency cash payments, this can be accessed before a claim is lodged or assessed. Please contact your local Elders Insurance agent to discuss your immediate needs.
To assist you with understanding the support services available to bushfire affected communities we’ve put together the following resource. It outlined a range of state and federal government disaster assistance services available to local communities. Although this list may not be exhaustive it is intended to be a helpful starting point to support your recovery.
To follow is information relating to bushfire and disaster assistance services available for each state including links to information about financial assistance options and additional support services.
National Support Services
Bushfires – Support for people directly affected by bushfires in disaster declared areas
Australian Government, Department of Human Services
Call Human Services on 180 22 66 for:
The Department of Human Services also have mobile service teams providing on the ground support in various bushfire affected areas. Specialised staff are available to help you access disaster recovery assistance, payments and supplier services.. They can also help you access Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support services using free self service facilities at these locations. To find out more about where you can access mobile services click here.
The Australian Government has made available an additional $40 million of funding assistance that can be used for food vouchers or to pay for utility bills, clothing and petrol. This money is being distributed by the following organisations. For information on eligibility and to access the fund please contact:
Removal of debris
The Victorian, New South Wales and South Australian governments have announced they will fund the removal of debris for both insured and uninsured residential and commercial properties destroyed by the bushfires, so communities can start rebuilding as soon as possible. The schemes will include hazardous and non-hazardous materials.
To begin the process, please register for this service as soon as possible. Information relevant to each state is available in the links below.
Once registered, you will be contacted by the assigned Government contractor to arrange a site inspection to agree on what is, and what isn’t, to be removed. Following the completion of the works, you will receive a completion certificate. Elders Insurance is committed to pass on any benefit that is received from the scheme to our customers, meaning you will receive the full benefit of your insurance policy.
Support for primary producers
Emergency Bushfire Response in Primary Industries Grants Program
Australian Government
For more information on the Emergency Bushfire Response in Primary Industries Grants Program please contact 1800 900 090:
Bushfire support and information - find local agricultural support
Australian Government, Department of Agriculture
Support programs and services for rural communities
Support for small business and non-profit organisations
Tax obligations release
Taxpayers in bushfire impacted postcodes will have until 28 May 2020 to lodge and pay Business Activity Statements (BAS) and income tax returns.
Call the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Emergency Support Infoline on 1800 806 218 for help.
National Debt Helpline
The National Debt Helpline is a not-for-profit service that helps Australians tackle their dbet problems.
Mental health services
Extra funding is available for anyone experiencing distress as a result of the bushfires. For immediate distress and trauma support, please contact Services Australia on 180 22 66 or visit Primary Health Network to locate local primary health service.
In addition, anyone experiencing distress as a result of these events can seek immediate advice and support through the following organisations:
Destroyed passports
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will replace passports that have been lost or damaged in declared natural disasters free of charge, visit Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for more information.
Banks and other financial institutions
If you have been impacted by the recent bushfires please contact your bank or financial institution to access a wide range of help, including deferring loan payments, waiving fees and consolidating debts.
Energy companies
Many energy companies have indicated they can provide assistance to individuals who have been affected by the recent bushfires. This could include bill credits, waiving debt, or advice on accessing government assistance. Please contact your energy provider for further information.
State-based Support Services
The Australian Government portal DisasterAssist provides disaster assistance information filters by state and disaster type. Visit the portal access information relevant to individual state incidents.
New South Wales
Assistance for bushfire affected communities (NSW)
NSW Government, Service NSW
Visit a Service NSW Centre or call 13 77 88 between 7am and 7pm to connect with a Customer Care specialist who can check eligibility and help access available assistance being offered by local councils, the NSW State Government and Federal Government through the NSW Government’s recently established Bushfire Customer Care Program.
Disaster Assistance – Financial Support
NSW Government, Office of Emergency Management
Call the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 for:
Call the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444 for:
Support for rural communities
Other rural programs and services:
South Australia
Relief and recovery information for current bushfires in SA
Government of South Australia, Department of Human Services
Disaster Recovery Assistance and Information (SA)
Government of South Australia
Call the SA Bushfire Recovery Hotline on 1800 302 787 for:
Support for business
South Australian Business Bushfire Recovery
Government of South Australia, Department for Information and Skills
Call the South Australian Small Business Bushfire Recovery Grant Enquiry Line on 8429 3242 for:
Support for primary producers
Recovery grants for bushfire affected primary producers
Government of South Australia, Primary Industries and Regions SA
Call the PIRSA Recovery Hotline on 1800 931 314 for:
2019/2020 bushfire information for primary producers
Government of South Australia, Primary Industries and Regions SA
Call the PIRSA Bushfire Hotline on 1800 255 556 for primary producers and/or animal owners seeking urgent assistance and information on agricultural impacts or animal issues.
Victoria
Relief and Recovery - VicEmergency
Victoria State Government
Financial Assistance - VicEmergency
Victoria State Government
Call 1800 961 054 for:
Bushfire Support and Information (East Gippsland)
East Gippsland Shire Council
Emergency Recovery Information - Gippsland and Upper Murray Fires
Victoria State Government, Agriculture Victoria
Practical information for managing a farm after a fire including livestock management as well as information about bushfire recovery, bushfire financial support and personal and family support.
Support for business
Information for business owners - VicEmergency
Victoria State Government
Support for landowners
Information for landholders with bushfire damaged fences
Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning (DELWP)
Call 136 186 (Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm) to discuss:
Queensland
Recovery after a disaster - Financial Assistance and Support Services
Queensland Government, Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors
Call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 for:
Support for primary producers
Disaster Recovery
Queensland Government, Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority
Call 1800 623 946 for:
Further information
For further information about how to access our customer assistance options or to make a claim please contact your local Elders Insurance agent.