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Victorian Bushfires

Agricultural and Animal Assistance

Fencing

Fence damage caused by bushfire - Government will reimburse reasonable insurance excess to a maximum of four hundred dollars ($400) on all insured Crown land boundary fences destroyed or damaged by bushfires (bushfire or fire suppression backburn) regardless of the tenure of the land where that fire originates.

Fence damage caused by fire agencies' machinery - Government will repair or pay 100% restoration cost of fences damaged on private land as a result of machinery used in control of bushfires (includes damage to fences for emergency vehicles access).

Fire control lines - Government will fully fund the rehabilitation of fire control lines established by DSE or CFA as part of Incident Management during bushfire suppression activity regardless of the origin of the bushfire (public / Crown or private land).

Re-fencing properties after bushfire (WorkSafe Victoria) - Provides advice for handling hazards that you may encounter when searching though or cleaning up fire affected areas.

Livestock

Help for animals affected by the bushfires (DPI)

Recovery

DPI Bushfire Response and Recovery - Provides support to landholders affected by fire. DPI is working closely with landholders to assess their immediate needs relating to animal welfare, hay, fencing and livestock.

Recovery after fire: Practical steps for landholders (PDF, 2.2MB) (To view this document you will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer). (DPI) - Helps primary producers and landholders get back to business after the emergency vehicles have pulled out.

Wildlife, rescue groups and veterinary care

Bushfire Wildlife Volunteer Grants Program (DSE)
The Victorian Government will provide up to $350,000 in grants for to assist volunteer wildlife rehabilitators, foster carers and veterinarians. Phone 13 61 86

Albury-Wodonga Equestrian Centre - (02) 6043 2776 or 0407 263 881 - Has room for horses.

Animal Aid - 9739 0300 - Provides shelter for domestic pets, veterinary care for injured pets, food and bedding for pets, and a list of people offering agistment for larger livestock.

Cat Protection Society - 9434 7155 or 9434 7255

DOGS Victoria - A source of assistance re dog accommodation and minding.

DPI Customer Service Centre - 13 61 86 - Urgent help for farmers to assess sheep and cattle.

Greyhound Adoption Program - 5799 0166 - Taking in any greyhounds who have been affected by the fires.

Help for Wildlife - 0417 380 687 - How to assist wildlife.

Lort Smith Animal Hospital - 9328 3021 (North Melbourne), 9407 2030 (Plenty Valley)

Lost Dogs Home - 9329 2755 (office hours) / 0417 356 013 (after hours) - Emergency accommodation at its Cranbourne and Melbourne premises. Free veterinary care also provided.

Pet Industry Association - More than 850 dog boarding places and 550 cat boarding places donated by members.

RSPCA - 9224 2222 - The RSPCA will continue to work in areas devastated by bushfires.

Triple R Equine Welfare Crisis Network - 0411 434 123 - Assists with temporary housing and/or transport of horses.

University of Melbourne's Faculty of Veterinary Science

  • For injured dogs and cats, contact the Veterinary Clinic and Hospital on 9731 2232 (24 hours).
  • For injured horses, contact the Equine Centre at the University of Melbourne on 9731 2268.

Victorian Farmers Federation - 1300 882 833 - Fodder and agistment.

Wildlife Connect - 13 11 11 - Injured wildlife animals.

Wildlife Victoria - 1300 094 535 - injured, sick or orphaned native animals.

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Banking, Finance, Insurance, Legal, Superannuation & Tax

Banking

HSBC - 1300 308 008 - Will provide assistance to customers affected by the bushfires.

Commonwealth Bank - 13 22 21 - A special emergency assistance package will assist residents across Victoria impacted by the bushfires.

St George - 1800 804 728

  • Westpac Telephone Banking - 13 20 32
  • Business Direct - 13 27 72

Finance

Credit & Debt - Victorian Bushfire FAQs (Consumer Affairs Victoria)

Financial Planning Association of Australia - 1800 626 393 - Offering a Pro Bono Referral Service to Australians affected by the Victorian Bushfires.

Insurance

AAMI - 13 22 44 - AAMI customers affected by the bushfires.

AMP - 13 14 37 - AMP customers affected by the bushfires.

Apia - Apia customers affected by bushfires call 13 50 50.

CGU - 1300 550 194 - Emergency assistance for CGU Insurance customers.

CommInsure - 13 24 20 (24 hours, 7 days a week).

Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) - 1800 337 444 - The Financial Ombudsman Service has established a dedicated hotline for all bushfire and flood victims seeking help and information on insurance or other financial issues experienced as a result of the disasters. Please call 1800 337 444 and your call will be put directly through to our disaster helpline team.

GIO - 13 10 10 - GIO customers affected by the bushfires.

HBA - 13 12 43 - Provides information for customers who have been affected by the bushfires.

HCF - 13 13 34 - Helpline for members affected by the bushfires.

Insurance Council of Australia - Call 1300 728 228 for any policyholders who may be having difficulty finding their insurance documents, or relatives and friends of people affected by the bushfires and have queries about who their insurer may be.

Manchester Unity - 13 13 72 - Helpline for members affected by the bushfires.

Medibank - 13 23 31 - Medibank will waive health insurance premiums for the remainder of 2008-09 financial year, for members who have lost their homes as a result of the Victorian bushfires.

QBE - 1300 650 502 - Information for policyholders affected by the bushfires. QBE have established a dedicated catastrophe number for brokers - 1300 650 500.

RACV - 13 19 03 - RACV members affected by the bushfires. Members can lodge claims for their lost or damaged cars and homes, as well as receive immediate support, beginning with $500 Coles Myer vouchers and cash deposits of $5,000 in their bank accounts, as well as emergency accommodation.

Suncorp - 13 11 55 - For Victorians impacted by the bushfires.

Westpac Insurance Claims - 1300 369 989

Legal Advice

Law Institute of Victoria - Bushfire Legal Help Call 1800 113 432 to get free legal help and advice. Operates 8.45 am – 5.15 pm Monday to Friday.

State Trustees Bushfire Help Line - 9667 6073.

The Victorian Bar - 1800 113 432 (Monday - Friday 8:45 am - 5:15 pm) - Free legal help for people affected by bushfires.
Victims of the bushfires who want to appear before the Royal Commission must lodge an application to appear by 4pm on 9 April 2009. The Victorian Bar is offering free assistance to help people lodge their applications effectively, and will also provide assistance at no charge to those appearing at the preliminary hearing on 20 April 2009.

Stamp duty

Stamp duty waiver - 13 21 61 - The State Revenue Office has set up a special telephone hotline for anyone affected by the bushfires. Measures have been put in place to ensure stamp duty relief for those who lost family homes or vehicles in the fires.

Superannuation

Australian Prudential Regulation Authority - 1300 131 060 - Superannuation fund members affected by bushfires. Provides information about early access to superannuation funds on compassionate grounds.

Tax

Australian Taxation Office - 1300 304 975 - If you've been affected by bushfires don't worry about tax matters, the Tax Office will work with you to help you sort out your tax affairs.

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Bushfire Updates

Bushfire Media Releases - The Premier of Victoria

CFA - Important safety advice

CFA - Statewide Current Incident Summary

CFA - Updates & Advice

Victorian Bushfire Information Line - 1800 240 667

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Clean-Up and Rebuilding

Bushfire Clean-up

Register online for the clean-up or reimbursement or call 1800 240 667.

Chemical clear-out assistance - Through the drumMUSTER and ChemClear programs, Agsafe is offering assistance to all chemical users affected by the recent Victorian bushfires. For further information contact 1800 008 707.

Rebuilding

Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority - Provides a central point of contact for all recovery and reconstruction information as a result of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires.

Bushfire Building Advice line - 1300 360 320 - The Building and Plumbing Industry Commissions have launched a telephone advice service to assist people whose homes have been lost or damaged in the bushfires. The Bushfire Building Advice line will operate from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (AEDT) Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.

Building Commission - Consumers - Information from the Building Commission on Victoria's bushfires, including seminars, resources, guides and general information is available by viewing the consumer section of the website. The new residential building standard will apply across the State from 11 March 2009.

Building Commission - Industry - Industry: Information from the Building Commission on Victoria's bushfires, including seminars, resources, guides and general information is available by viewing the industry section of the website. Information on the new Bushfire construction regulations that have been consolidated in the Building Regulations 2006 and are available here. Information on volunteering is also available.

Victorian Bushfire FAQs (Consumer Affairs Victoria)

Returning safely to your property

Advice and information to assist people affected by the bushfires return to their properties safely will be available at all community services hubs. Download A guide to a safe return to your property (PDF, 799 KB). (To view this document you will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer). Published by the Building Commission.

Bushfires have the potential to cause a number of environmental health concerns beyond the immediate damage caused by the fire. For more information see:


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Education

Victorian Bushfire Resource (DEECD) - In response to the current bushfire crisis, the Department has developed a series of resources to help provide practical, immediate support for parents, schools and early childhood communities during this very stressful and emotional time.

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Financial Assistance

Financial Assistance for Individuals

Victorian Grants

The following emergency payments are now available through the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund.

Compassion and Bereavement Payment (DHS)
A Compassion and Bereavement Payment is available to assist families of individuals who have died in the 2009 Victorian Bushfires.
You have until 31 December 2009 to lodge a claim for the Compassion and Bereavement Payment.
Further enquiries can be made by calling the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund on1800 180 213.

Emergency Tools of Trade Payment for Individuals (DHS)
You are eligible for the Emergency Tools of Trade Payment if, as a result of the 2009 Victorian bushfires, you have lost equipment vital to your trade and employment (including safety equipment) and are an employee working for a registered business. ABN not required.
You have until 31 December 2009 to lodge a claim for the Emergency Tools of Trade Payment.
Further enquiries can be made by calling the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund on1800 180 213.

Household Repairs Payment (DHS)
You are eligible for the Household Repairs Payment if you are the owner of your primary place of residence and it has been damaged but not destroyed as a result of the 2009 Victorian bushfires.
You have until 30 June 2009 to lodge a claim for the Household Repairs.
Further enquiries can be made by calling the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund on1800 180 213.

Initial Home Dislocation Payment (DHS)
A one off payment is available to people whose principal place of residence is unfit to live in or inaccessible for more than 1 week as a result of the 2009 Victoria Bushfire.
You have until 31 December 2009 to lodge a claim for the Initial Home Dislocation Payment.
Further enquiries can be made by calling the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund on1800 180 213.

Severe Injury Payment (DHS)
A grant of up to $7,500 is available to people who were injured by the bushfire and stayed overnight in hospital and have had or will require additional surgery or hospital treatment.
You have until 31 December 2009 to lodge a claim for the Severe Injury Payment.
Further enquiries can be made by calling the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund on1800 180 213.

Local Government Payment (DHS)
Bushfire-affected councils will share in $9 million from the Victorian Bushfire Relief Fund, to deliver disaster-related services that directly benefit residents.

Destroyed Homes Payments (DHS)
You are eligible for the Rehousing and Recovery - Destroyed Homes Payment if you are the owner/occupier whose residence has been destroyed as a result of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires. The residence must have been your principal place of residence at the time of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires.
You have until 30 December 2009 to lodge a claim for the Rehousing and Recovery – Destroyed Homes payment. Applications beyond this date will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Further enquiries can be made by calling the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund on 1800 180 213.

Damaged Homes Payment (DHS)
You may be eligible for the Rehousing & Recovery Grant – Damaged Homes Payment if your home has been damaged and is in need or repair as a result of the 2009 Victorian bushfires. The Rehousing & Recovery - Damaged Homes Payment is to assist with the repair of bushfire damage to homes, outbuildings or other structures to your principal place of residence. This grant is only available to home owners, where it is your principal place of residence.
Further enquiries can be made by calling the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund on 1800 180 213.

Tenant Contents Payment (DHS)
You are eligible for the Rehousing and Recovery - Tenant Contents Payment if you are the tenant whose primary place of residence was destroyed as a result of the 2009 Victorian Bushfire
You have until 30 December 2009 to lodge a claim for the Rehousing and Recovery - Tenant Contents Payment. Applications beyond this date will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Further enquiries can be made by calling the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund on 1800 180 213.

Rural Properties Recovery Assistance Payment (DHS)
You are eligible for the Rural Properties Recovery Assistance payment if you own a property in the bushfire affected area that has suffered damage or destruction.
You have until 31 December 2009 to lodge a claim for the Rural Properties Recovery Assistance Payment.
Further enquiries can be made by calling the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund on 1800 180 213.

Severe Injury Transition to Home Payment (DHS)
Severely injured victims of the 2009 bushfires will receive up to $100,000 from the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund to assist with their transition from hospital to home. A $50,000 lump sum payment will be provided to those who were severely injured and admitted to hospital for a sustained period. A further payment of up to $50,000 will be made available to those who require specialised support.
Further enquiries can be made by calling the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund on 1800 180 213.

The Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) offer a range of new and existing Grants for Fire Affeced Communities:

Emergency Volunteer Support Grants - Bushfire Relief (DPCD)
Applications for these grant programs are now closed. These programs have provided more than $1.5 million to more than 100 organisations to support volunteers in bushfire-affected communities across Victoria. All applications currently submitted are under assessment and applicants will be notified of the outcomes by 30 June 2009.

Victorian Volunteer Small Grants - Bushfire Relief (DPCD)
Applications for these grant programs are now closed. These programs have provided more than $1.5 million to more than 100 organisations to support volunteers in bushfire-affected communities across Victoria. All applications currently submitted are under assessment and applicants will be notified of the outcomes by 30 June 2009.

Special Grants to Neighbourhood Houses in Affected Areas (DPCD)
Funding up to $10,000. Neighbourhood Houses in bushfire-affected communities will receive a one-off grant to help with emergency relief and recovery activities. Affected houses will be contacted by the department shortly.

Community Recovery in Bushfire Affected Communities (DPCD)
This grant is for communities with existing Community Building Initiatives and other areas as required. Relevant locations will be contacted by the department

Bushfire Relief for Community Sports Clubs Recovery Fund (DPCD)
Aims to support sports clubs devastated by the bushfires for rebuilding and reparation works. Affected organisations will be contacted shortly.

Bushfire Community Events Grants are for local governments and community organisations in fire-affected communities to host community events to assist in the recovery process. Grants@DPCD is accepting applications from the Local Government Areas of Nillumbik, Whittlesea, Yarra Ranges, Cardinia and Casey. Regional Development Victoria (RDV) will accept applications from local governments and community organisations in other fire-affected areas.

The State Revenue Office has set up a special telephone hotline for anyone affected by the bushfires. Measures have been put in place to ensure stamp duty relief for those who lost family homes or vehicles in the fires. Phone 13 21 61 for further information.

  • Cars - the first $1050 of stamp duty on a vehicle for those families who had lost a vehicle in the fires.
  • Homes - the first $21,970 of stamp duty on new homes for those who had lost a home in the recent bushfires.

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) has set up a dedicated team to manage enquiries from people affected by the bushfires. The TAC can help bushfire victims in the following ways:

  • Cover medical costs and other services if you have been involved in a transport accident during the fires
  • Provide compensation if you have lost a family member due to a transport accident during the fires.

The TAC encourages bushfire victims to contact the TAC on 1800 332 556 (toll-free outside Melbourne) or 1300 654 329 to lodge a claim.
There are TAC representatives on the ground at bushfire relief centres who can also help you lodge a claim.
For more information on the TAC and the support it can provide, please visit www.tac.vic.gov.au

Commonwealth Grants

The Australian Government has announced federal assistance for people affected by the fires that have devastated Victoria. Support is available for anyone who has been affected by the fire who meets the criteria. You do not need to be an existing Centrelink customer to receive this assistance.

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) (Centrelink)
Payments of $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child.
Factsheet and Claim Form available.
For eligibility or other queries contact Centrelink on 180 2211.

Funeral/Memorial Assistance (Centrelink)
A payment of $5,000 for funeral/memorial and any related costs for the immediate families of Australians who have died in the Bushfires in the State of Victoria that commenced 29 January and may continue into March 2009.
Factsheet and Claim Form are available.
For eligibility or to speak with a Centrelink social worker contact Centrelink on 180 2211.

Income Recovery Subsidy and Newstart Allowance (Centrelink)
Immediate financial assistance from the Commonwealth Government is also available to small business owners and farmers, as well as their employees, who have experienced a loss of income as a direct result of the Victorian bushfires.
Factsheet and Claim Form are available.
For eligibility or other queries contact Centrelink on 180 2211.

Financial assistance for businesses

Rural Finance is administering on behalf of the Victorian and Australian Governments, Clean-up and Restoration Grants and Concessional Loans to primary producers and small businesses whose properties have been physically affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfires.

Primary Producers - Primary Producers whose properties have been physically affected in the 2009 bushfires are eligible to seek assistance in the form of grants and/or concessional loans:

  • Bushfire Assistance Loan - Concessional loans are available to eligible primary producers who have suffered losses as a result of physical bushfire damage to their property and who are assessed to be in need of financial assistance.

    • Small Businesses - Small Businesses physically affected in the 2009 bushfires are eligible to seek assistance in the form of grants and/or concessional loans.

    • Clean-up and Restoration Grant - The Clean-up and Restoration Grant provide a one-off grant to small businesses who have suffered direct physical damage as a result of the 2009 bushfires in Victoria for clean-up, removal of debris and business restoration. They comprise two components, an initial grant of up to $5,000 and a supplementary grant of up to $20,000.
      • To apply for the initial grant of up to $5,000, an Application for Bushfire Initial Clean-up and Restoration Grant – Small Businesses will need to be completed. ABN required.
      • To apply for the supplementary grant of up to $20,000 the Application for Bushfire Supplementary Grant – Small Businesses should be completed. A detailed assessment of this application will be undertaken by an officer of Rural Finance.
    • Bushfire Assistance Loan - Concessional loans are available to eligible small businesses that are assessed to be in need of financial assistance as a result of losses or damage caused by the physical impact of bushfire. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate that the business has reasonable prospects of trading profitably in the future including a capacity to service borrowings. Each case will be assessed on its merits.

    Small Businesses Grants & Loans - Small Businesses physically affected in the 2009 bushfires are eligible to seek assistance in the form of grants and/or concessional loans.

    • Clean-up and Restoration Grant - The Clean-up and Restoration Grant provide a one-off grant to small businesses who have suffered direct physical damage as a result of the 2009 bushfires in Victoria for clean-up, removal of debris and business restoration. They comprise two components, an initial grant of up to $5,000 and a supplementary grant of up to $20,000.
    • To apply for the initial grant of up to $5,000, an Application for Bushfire Initial Clean-up and Restoration Grant – Small Businesses will need to be completed. ABN required.
    • To apply for the supplementary grant of up to $20,000 the Application for Bushfire Supplementary Grant – Small Businesses should be completed. A detailed assessment of this application will be undertaken by an officer of Rural Finance.
    • Bushfire Assistance Loan - Concessional loans are available to eligible small businesses that are assessed to be in need of financial assistance as a result of losses or damage caused by the physical impact of bushfire. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate that the business has reasonable prospects of trading profitably in the future including a capacity to service borrowings. Each case will be assessed on its merits.

    Income Recovery Subsidy and Newstart Allowance (Centrelink) - Immediate financial assistance from the Commonwealth Government is also available to small business owners and farmers, as well as their employees, who have experienced a loss of income as a direct result of the Victorian bushfires. For eligibility or other queries contact Centrelink on 180 2211.

    Free business advice services - Any bushfire-affected business is able to access free, independent business advice to help them determine how best to respond to the impact of the bushfires on their business.
    The Victorian Government is providing 100 professional business advisers to deliver this service through Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) and the Small Business Mentoring Service (SBMS).
    All bushfire affected businesses and primary producers are eligible for free business advice services.
    Register for free business advice and counselling services or phone the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15.

    Australian Taxation Office - Business - Provides information specific to bushfires on insurance, lost or damaged property, lost tax records, charitable assistance and employers.

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    Health

    Carers

    Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres - 1800 059 059 - As a result of the recent bushfires, Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres can help carers take a break (respite), provide support for carers and provide extra help for people with temporary care needs.

    Counselling

    State Coroner's Office of Victoria - 9684 4396 (Business hours 9:00 am - 5:00 pm), 1800 136 852 (Freecall)

    GriefLine - 9596 7799 - Provides caring and compassionate listening in times of sadness and grief. Operates every day of the year, from 12 noon to 3:00 am.

    Kids Helpline - 1800 551 800 - 24 hour telephone and online counselling for children and young people.

    Lifeline - 13 11 14 - Providing care in times of crisis.

    NURSE-ON-CALL - 1300 606 024 - Health and counselling line.

    Parentline - 13 22 89 - Provides a statewide telephone counselling service to parents and carers of children aged from birth to eighteen years.

    Fact Sheets

    A range of fact sheets are available from the DHS Environmental Health website to help you prepare and understand the health issues associated with bushfire. The following fact sheets are available:


    Health Alerts

    Air quality (EPA Victoria)

    Water quality (Melbourne Water) - Bushfires in catchments update.

    Medicare

    Residents who have lost property or belongings in the Victoria bushfires can obtain their Medicare number from any Medicare office or by calling Medicare Australia on 13 20 11. Medicare Australia will also provide Medicare numbers, on request, direct to hospital staff, health professionals, pharmacists and other support services. This will allow people to continue to have access to Medicare rebated health services. Temporary replacement cards will be available for anyone who no longer has their Medicare card. These cards can be issued by Centrelink, Medicare Australia, or other agencies like Red Cross.

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    Housing & Property

    Accommodation

    Property Information Lines are operating for people who have lost homes or buildings:

    Recovery centres and community service hubs - If you have been affected by bushfires and need access to services and information about financial assistance, housing or other services you should visit your nearest Relief Centre, Recovery Centre, or Community Service Hub.

    Victorian Bushfire Accommodation Donation Line - 1800 006 468 - Available from 8am to 8pm. Allow Victorians to register spare accommodation that can be provided to those left homeless from the state's horrific bushfires.

    Building

    Victorian Bushfire FAQs (Consumer Affairs Victoria)

    Buying & Selling Property

    Victorian Bushfire FAQs (Consumer Affairs Victoria)

    Renting

    Renting (Consumer Affairs Victoria) - 1300 558 181 (local call) - Information for tenants and landlords affected by the Victorian bushfires. A list of FAQs.

    Bond repayments on bushfire-affected properties (Consumer Affairs Victoria) - 1300 137 164 (local call) - For advice on bond-related issues.

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    Identification and documents

    Consulates in Australia - Foreign nationals who have lost documentation in the bushfires can contact their nearest consulate. A list of consulates is available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.

    Licences, registrations and/or authorities relevant to firearms, weapons and the security industry (Victoria Police) - Assistance for licence holders who have been significantly impacted by the recent Victorian bush fires. In response to the genuine needs of persons who have been injured or displaced as a consequence of the bush fires, Victoria Police have created a Bushfire Notification Form.

    Licensing arrangements - VicRoads - 13 11 71 - VicRoads has priority licensing services in place for communities affected by the Victorian bushfires.

    Medicare - Residents who have lost property or belongings in the Victoria bushfires can obtain their Medicare number from any Medicare office or by calling Medicare Australia on 13 20 11. Medicare Australia will also provide Medicare numbers, on request, direct to hospital staff, health professionals, pharmacists and other support services. This will allow people to continue to have access to Medicare rebated health services. Temporary replacement cards will be available for anyone who no longer has their Medicare card. These cards can be issued by Centrelink, Medicare Australia, or other agencies like Red Cross.

    Passports - PASSPORTS DAMAGED OR DESTROYED IN RECENT BUSHFIRES IN VICTORIA: The Australian Passport Office is replacing free of charge until 12 February 2010 any current Australian passport damaged or destroyed as a result of the recent bushfires in Victoria. Eligible applicants should contact the Australian Passport Information Service (APIS) on 131 232 for further information.

    Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages - As part of Government's assistance to victims of the Victorian bushfires, the Registry has created a special application form for people seeking replacement birth, marriage or change of name certificates. Application form and 'FAQs' fact sheet are available to download from the Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages website.

    State Trustees Bushfire Help Line - 9667 6073. Advice on:

    • Lost documents, including Wills, Powers of Attorney
    • Finalising loved one's affairs and administering their estate
    • Helping you manage your financial affairs while you get back on your feet
    • Assistance with managing the financial affairs of someone else affected by the fire
    • Funeral arrangements
    • Locating next of kin or beneficiaries
    • Or simply working out what to do next

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    Personal Possessions & Tools of Trade

    Medals

    The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM MP, has announced that the Replacement medals policy will be relaxed. Those family members who have lost the medals of loved ones in the Victorian bushfire can now apply to have them replaced. Application forms can be obtained on the Defence Honours and Awards website or by calling the toll-free Customer Response Team on 1800 111 321

    Musical instruments

    The Music Council of Australia "Resound" program, in partnership with the Dandenong Ranges Music Council, is organising donations of musical instruments to musicians of all ages and ability who have lost instruments in the recent Victorian bushfires. All applications will be considered and instruments replaced as soon as possible.

    Complete the application form.

    Tools of trade

    Emergency Tools of Trade Payment for Individuals (DHS)
    You are eligible for the Emergency Tools of Trade Payment if, as a result of the 2009 Victorian bushfires, you have lost equipment vital to your trade and employment (including safety equipment) and are an employee working for a registered business. ABN not required.
    You have until 31 December 2009 to lodge a claim for the Emergency Tools of Trade Payment.
    Further enquiries can be made by calling 1800 180 213.

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    Transport & Travel

    Cars

    CityLink - 1800 854 770 - CityLink customers who have been directly affected by the bushfires.

    Public transport

    Metlink - Latest updates on services.

    V/Line (country trains) - Latest updates on services.

    Free public transport will be available to bushfire victims until 1 October 2009 on all public transport services in Victoria, including metropolitan trains, trams and buses, V/Line trains and coaches and town bus services. Information on how to apply for the grant is available from the DHS website or by calling DHS on:

    Metropolitan:

    • Eastern Region - 9843 6000
    • North & West Region - 1300 664 977
    • Southern Region - 9213 2111

    Regional:

    • Barwon-South West - 5226 4540
    • Gippsland - 5177 2500
    • Grampians - 5333 6669
    • Hume - 5722 0555
    • Loddon-Mallee - 5434 5555

    VicRoads

    Licensing arrangements - 13 11 71 - VicRoads has priority licensing services in place for communities affected by the Victorian bushfires.

    Registration arrangements - 13 11 71 - VicRoads has priority registration services in place for communities affected by the Victorian bushfires.

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    Utilities, Telephone, Post & Communications

    Power

    For information on dealing with energy issues resulting from the bushfires, visit safety advice (Word, 95KB) for bushfire affected communities and safety information for generator use (Word, 86KB). More energy information is available on power outages, including how to stay safe and who to contact to restore power.

    Energy Safe Victoria - Important information for the electrical trades regarding the victorian bushfires (PDF, 40KB). (To view this document you will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer).

    Electricity Distribution Companies:

    Citipower - 13 24 12 - Power outage update. Updated 12 February 2009.

    Jemena - (Jemena Electricity Networks - 13 26 26 / United Energy - 13 20 99) - Power outage update.

    Powercor - 13 24 12 - Power outage update. Updated 12 February 2009.

    SP Ausnet - 13 17 99 - Power outage update. Updated 10 March 2009.

    Electricity Retailers:

    AGL - If, as a result of the Victorian bushfires you require assistance with your energy account, please call the AGL Bushfire Support team on 1300 659 925.

    Origin Energy - Origin has continued to undertake a range of initiatives in response to the ongoing devastation caused by Victoria’s bushfires. Call 13 24 61.

    TRUenergy

    Telephone

    Optus - Prepaid handsets with $1000 value to Optus customers who have had either their Fixed or Mobile service disrupted. Customers should call 1300 300 937 for further assistance.

    Telstra - 13 22 03 - Disaster Relief Package includes:

    • Free call diversion from fixed line to another fixed or mobile service of their choice
    • Mobile calls to be charged at fixed line rates for local and STD calls made on their mobile service
    • Free reconnections

    Update from Telstra regarding Victorian bushfires.

    Water

    Melbourne Water - Bushfires in catchments. Updated 4 March 2009.

    Post

    Temporary delivery operations have been set up at the Whittlesea Recovery Centre for Kinglake, Kinglake West and Pheasant Creek, and at the Healesville Delivery Centre for Marysville, Narbethong and surrounding areas. Mail in the other affected areas is being held at the nearest post office and delivery is being attempted as soon as access is made available.

    Australia Post is providing free mail redirection for all residents and businesses in the fire affected areas. Mail redirection forms are available at all post offices.

    For more information, please call the Customer Contact Centre on 13 13 18. Updated 19 February 2009.

    Computers

    AIIA - Families affected by the bushfires will be offered a free computer to help them stay in touch with friends and family. Register to receive or provide ICT support.

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    Weather Advice

    Forest Fire Danger Index - FFDI (Bureau of Meteorology)

    Victorian weather and warnings (Bureau of Meteorology)

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