The Victorian and federal governments have announced a further $37 million for fire victims.
“This additional support acknowledges disaster recovery is complex, and we must ensure all available measures have been undertaken,” Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said.
“We will continue to work together with the Victorian Government to make sure that effective assistance gets to where it’s needed and communities are able to move on to the next stages of recovery.”
Around $33 million will go towards providing the temporary homes, while around $4 million will fund increased legal services for families, small businesses and primary producers to help with navigating insurance and housing issues.
Support will be delivered by Disaster Legal Help Victoria and other existing legal centres.
The Rural Financial Counselling Service will also receive $880,000 to employ more financial and wellbeing counsellors.
The services will provide free, confidential support to farmers as they work through the financial impacts of the natural disaster, including analysing their business position, negotiating with lenders and accessing government support.
The wellbeing counsellors will provide mental health support.
“Legal assistance is a vital part of emergency relief and recovery, and I thank the legal assistance sector for their work in providing Victorians the crucial legal help they need,” Victorian Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny said.
The Rural Financial Counselling Service can be accessed by calling 1300 771 741.
For more information on DRFA packages and supports, click here.
