The Australian and Victorian Governments are supporting communities affected by the recent bushfires with disaster assistance 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 (evacuations, cleaning up debris, road closures, establishment of temporary access routes).
Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV) will continue to work with local councils to understand the assistance required to support communities due to these bushfires.
More information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government's website at disasterassist.gov.au(opens in a new window) and the VicEmergency website emergency.vic.gov.au/relief(opens in a new window).
As stated by Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Jenny McAllister:
"The assistance activated today will ensure communities can access essential supplies and accommodation in their time of need.
"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.
"We will continue to work hand in hand with the Victorian Government to help the community get back on their feet.
As stated by Victorian Minister for Emergency Services and Natural Disaster Recovery, Vicki Ward:
"We thank all of our emergency service workers and volunteers who have been working around the clock responding to fires across the state since last week."
"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."
