The Australian and Victorian Governments are supporting Grampians communities affected by the recent bushfires. Disaster assistance is now available under the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Support from the Australian and Victorian Governments to Ararat Rural City Council, Macedon Ranges, Northern Grampians and Southern Grampians Shires includes assistance with the establishment and running of emergency relief centres, psychological first aid and council-led financial counselling and counter-disaster operations.
This includes evacuations, cleaning up debris, road closures and establishing temporary access routes.
Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV) is working with local councils to understand the assistance required, the Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Jenny McAllister jointly announced with Victorian Minister for Emergency Services and Natural Disaster Recovery, Vikki Ward.
“I know many families and households will be feeling these impacts particularly keenly during the Christmas period. I’d like to thank the brave work of first responders and community members,” Jenny McAllister said.
Information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s website at disasterassist.gov.au and the VicEmergency website at emergency.vic.gov.au/relief.
The emergency grants can also be accessed at the Ararat, Stawell and Hamilton Relief Centres or by calling the VicEmergency hotline on 1800 226 226.
“We are thinking of everyone who has had to leave their homes this Christmas – we know this is a challenging time for our community and you will be supported throughout this period,” Vikki Ward said.
