The assistance will be jointly funded under Category A and B of the Disaster Recovery Funding arrangements and include: emergency roadworks, expanding the Emergency Recovery Hotline, expanding the Recovery Support Program, and additional mental health and wellbeing support.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt and Victorian Minister for Emergency Services and state Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced the additional aid for the devastated community last week.
“This significant investment will boost recovery for individuals, families, homeowners, businesses, and councils in Victoria recovering from this widespread flooding,” Mr Watt said.
“Previous assistance for Councils and individuals is already making a big difference on the ground, but this new funding program will expedite the response for several communities.
“The breadth of the programs we are jointly funding demonstrates that we are listening to the community, we recognise the broad range of needs, and working with all levels of government to deliver that support where we can.”
Minister for Emergency Services and State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes also looks forward to providing additional assistance for the Rochester community.
“As communities begin to recover and rebuild, we will be there to support them each step of the way - this includes vital support for mental health and wellbeing during this difficult recovery phase,” Mrs Symes said.
“I can’t thank our emergency services workers, volunteers, councils and community groups enough for collaborating to support the critical response work.”
Expanding the Emergency Recovery Hotline enables residents affected by disasters to access information about available programs to help them recover and connect them with mental health, business, legal and financial support services.
To access recovery support, impacted residents can call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760.
You should contact your local council if you are eligible for re-establishment assistance.
Information on disaster assistance, including the Personal Hardship Assistance Program, is available on the Federal Government’s website at disasterassist.gov.au and the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing website at services.dffh.vic.gov.au/personal-hardship-assistance-program
