This page contains information on support for emergency services workers (paid and volunteer) and their families.
For mental health support, visit our mental health support page.
You can also call Lifeline’s dedicated bushfire recovery line on 13 HELP (13 43 57) for immediate help.
Type of support | How to access |
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Support from telecommunications providersTelecommunications providers including Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone may offer specific relief for volunteer firefighter customers. This includes free mobile phone bills during certain times. |
Talk to your service provider. |
Access to paid leaveCommonwealth public servants who volunteer with state rural fire services can access at least four weeks (20 days) of paid emergency services leave. This leave is so that they can work on the front lines and is separate to their regular annual and sick leave. |
Talk to your employer to discuss your access to these, or similar, arrangements. |
Volunteer firefighter paymentsApplications for the volunteer firefighter payments have closed. This funding has supported volunteer firefighters who lost income while being called out for long periods of volunteer service. Support has been provided to more than 3,200 volunteers. Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia and Queensland took part in this program. |
To ask about an existing application:
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Type of support | How to access |
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Free financial counsellingIf you are experiencing financial hardship, free financial counselling support is available. |
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Type of support | How to access |
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Australian Government funded support is available for families and individuals recovering from the bushfires. This includes emergency services workers (both paid and volunteer). |
Visit our Support for families and individuals page. |