As at 9 September 2020
Volunteer Firefighter Payment
Applications for the volunteer firefighter payments have closed. If you have an enquiry about an existing application please contact the state offices below.
The Australian Government provided support to volunteers over the 2019-20 fire season with payments of up to $300 per day, with a total cap of $6000. The payments are tax-free and not means tested.
ACT, NSW, TAS, SA and QLD participated in this program.
- ACT: visit ACT Emergency Services Agency
- New South Wales: call 13 77 88
- South Australia: call 1300 364 587 or visit Service SA
- Queensland: call 1800 268 462
Paid Leave
Commonwealth public servants who volunteer with state rural fire services are now able to access a minimum of four weeks (20 days) of paid emergency services leave to work on the front lines separate to their regular annual and sick leave arrangements.
Mental Health Support
Front line emergency distress and trauma counselling is available now. You can access up to to 10 free mental health support sessions as an individual, family or emergency service personnel.
Contact your GP to find mental health support in your local area that meets your needs.
For immediate support, you can contact:
Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 | www.lifeline.org.au.
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 | www.kidshelpline.com.au.
New assistance measures have been introduced including free distress and trauma counselling sessions (available for individuals and families and emergency services personnel affected by bushfires). You can be connected to this free counselling through:
- Recovery centres and evacuation centres
- Mental health services commissioned by Primary Health Networks (PHNs)
- Existing mental health counselling hotlines, including Lifeline and Kids Helpline
Bushfire affected individuals and families, and emergency response personnel will also be eligible to receive Medicare rebates for up to 10 psychological therapy sessions through GPs, psychologists and other mental health professionals. To find out more about the services please speak to your GP, or visit www.health.gov.au.
Other Financial Assistance
State governments are providing financial assistance to individuals and families affected by the bushfires, including eligible volunteer firefighters.
Financial hardship
If you are experiencing financial hardship, you can talk with a financial counsellor or find a financial counsellor near you.
Call the free National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 (Monday to Friday 9:30am-4:30pm) or visit www.ndh.org.au
Visit www.moneysmart.gov.au for other financial help available to support you after a bushfire.
Key contacts
National
| Contact name | Contact number |
|---|---|
| Disaster Recovery Payment and Allowance | 180 22 66 |
| National Debt Helpline | 1800 007 007 |
| Salvation Army Disasters Assistance | 1300 662 217 |
| St Vincent de Paul bushfire assistance team | 13 18 12 |
| Lifeline - Bushfire Recovery Hotline | 13 43 57 |
| Kids Helpline | 1800 55 1800 |
NSW
| Contact name | Contact number |
|---|---|
| Service NSW | 13 77 88 |
| NSW Bushfire Clean-Up Assistance | 1800 885 539 |
VIC
| Contact name | Contact number |
|---|---|
| Vic Emergency Hotline | 1800 226 226 |
| Bushfire Recovery Victoria | 1800 560 760 |
SA
| Contact name | Contact number |
|---|---|
|
SA recovery hotline Volunteer Firefighter Payment |
QLD
| Contact name | Contact number |
|---|---|
| QLD disaster and alerts | 132 500 |
| QLD Volunteer Firefighter Payment | 1800 268 462 |