If you have been impacted by the recent floods, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the State or Federal Government.
1. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT DISASTER RECOVERY PAYMENT
This is a one-off payment to eligible Australians of $1,000 per adult and $400 per child. Claims can be lodged with Services Australia here for a period of up to 6 months.
2. DISASTER RECOVERY ALLOWANCE
The Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) provides income support payments to employees, primary producers and sole traders who can demonstrate they have experienced a loss of income as a direct result of the floods.
Claims can be lodged up until 14 April 2023. For eligibility and further information see Services Australia.
3. VICTORIAN EMERGENCY RELIEF ASSISTANCE PAYMENT
Emergency relief assistance from the Victorian Government may be available if you are unable to live in your home following an emergency. Further information and an online application form can be found here.
4. ASSISTANCE FOR BUSINESSES
Refer to the business.gov.au website for further information in relation to support that is available to businesses affected by the floods.
5. LEADING YOUR BUSINESS DURING DISASTERS
This checklist from Business Victoria may be useful from a business operations perspective for those leading a business.
6. FLOOD RECOVERY HOTLINE - 1800 560 760
This is a state-wide number for Victorians impacted by the October 2022 floods to call for help or assistance with:
- navigating available supports
- clean-up
- temporary accommodation
- mental health and wellbeing support
The recovery hotline is open from 7.30am-7.30pm every day.
7. EMERGING MINDS GUIDE - HELPING CHILDREN IN A FLOOD EMERGENCY
In response to the weather and flooding events occurring in different areas of Australia, Emerging Minds have developed resources to provide guidance to families on supporting children through these experiences.
8. DISASTER TALKS PODCAST
A new podcast series has been released as a collaboration between The Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma, Loss and Grief Network (ACATLGN) of which AAPi is a member, the Australian National University and UNICEF Australia. This 3-part series speaks with educators and young people about their experiences of disasters and captures their reflections on what worked, what they learnt and what they wished they had known before the disaster.
9. AAPi SUPPORT
AAPi is here to support you. Reach out to our team or connect with peers on the community forum. AAPi members can receive free HR support. We also have a bursary for any member facing financial hardship and unable to renew their membership.