In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) for help.
The National Bushfire Recovery Agency was established to lead and coordinate the national response to rebuilding communities affected by the ‘Black Summer’ bushfires in 2019-20.
We remain focused on helping these communities recover, however we will also support people impacted by the current 2020-21 bushfire season where we can, including directing people to immediate recovery support services and programs in their State or Territory.
As a first step, call and talk to your relevant State or Territory disaster authority:
- ACT – Call Access Canberra on 132 281 or visit the ACT Bushfire Recovery web page.
- New South Wales – Call 13 77 88 or visit the NSW Bushfire Customer Care Service web page.
- Northern Territory – Call 131 444 or visit the SecureNT web page.
- Queensland – Call 1800 173 349 or visit Queensland Government's Recovery after a disaster web page.
- South Australia – Call 1800 302 787 or visit the South Australian Government’s Recovery website.
- Tasmania – Call (03) 6232 7551 or visit the TasAlert website.
- Victoria – Call 13 22 15 or visit the Bushfire Recovery Victoria website.
- Western Australia – Call (08) 9395 9341 or visit the WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services website.
If you need help with translating and interpreting, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (within Australia). This service is for people who do not speak English in their daily lives, and for agencies and businesses to communicate with their non-English speaking clients.
It can help to talk
Natural disasters like bushfires and other traumatic ‘natural’ events are extremely challenging. You may have strong emotional and physical reactions.
Talking to someone can help. For crisis support, call Lifeline’s dedicated bushfire recovery hotline on 13 HELP (13 43 57) or visit the Lifeline website.
New national disaster recovery agency
Work is underway to establish a standing National Resilience, Relief and Recovery Agency.
The new agency will strengthen the Australian Government’s ability to support recovery from disasters and emergencies of national significance, and to build resilience.
It will be set-up by 1 July 2021, in time for the 2021-22 disaster season.
You can read more about this announcement on our News page.