Schools and early learning services play a critical role in supporting communities to respond and recover from the bushfire crisis, whether they have been directly or indirectly affected by fires.
While the physical impact of the bushfire crisis is obvious, the mental health impact may not be. To support educators in looking after themselves and those in their care Be You has developed a Bushfires resource pack. For individuals and communities directly affected by the bushfire crisis, a range of financial relief and support services are available. Listed below are some of the major relief packages available. This list is not comprehensive, and additional programs may be available to you.
Bushfire response: Resources for educators
Provider: Be You, a national initiative from Beyond Blue, for educators to promote and protect positive mental health in children and young people.
https://beyou.edu.au/bushfires-response
Disaster Recovery Allowance
Funding Provider: Department of Human Services
Amount: See below
Closes: 1 July 2020 Click here
Short term payment to help if a declared disaster directly affects your income. You can be eligible for up to 13 weeks to the equivalent of Newstart or Youth Allowances.
Disaster Recovery Payment
Funding Provider: Department of Human Services
Amount: See below
Closes: 5 July 2020 Click here
One off payment if a declared disaster directly affects you and your family. Payments can be made up to $1000 per adult and up to $400 per child under the age of 16 years.
Red Cross Emergency Grants
Funding Provider: Red Cross
Amount: Up to $5000
Closes: 30 April 2020 Click here
Grants available to those who have lost their homes in bushfires from 1 July 2019 to 28 February 2020. You must provide evidence of identity, proof of residence and details for a financial transfer.
NSW Disaster Recovery Grants (Bushfires)
Funding Provider: Rural Assistance Authority
Amount: Up to $15,000
Closes: Various depending on listed Local Government Areas – 18 June, 23 June, 24 May and 2 July 2020.
Grant program open to help small business, primary producers, sports clubs and not for profit organisations, following the Declaration of Natural Disaster by NSW Government. Ensure your Local Government Area (LGA) is listed and eligible for this program.
NGS Super
NGS Super will be able to assist members impacted by bushfires via financial hardship and early release of funds, benefit payments and insurance claims.
NGS has extended their Grief Counselling service to encompass bushfire-affected members as well, regardless of whether members are making a claim. Call Grief Support Service on 1300 820 733 for a confidential discussion.
Contact Customer Relationship Manager on 0438 092 990 or via email ktomita@ngssuper.com.au for assistance.
HESTA (Superannuation Fund)
See:https://www.hesta.com.au/campaigns/bushfire- support.html
Call 1800 813 327 if you have any questions about your super at this time of crisis.
Members Equity Bank (ME Bank)Financial Hardship Assistance
See: https://www.mebank.com.au/support/financial- hardship/
ME has activated its natural disaster hotline to support ME customers affected by bushfires, particularly if you have suffered loss of property, employment or are experiencing financial difficulties.
Call 1300 500 520 to discuss how ME can assist members with their circumstances and needs.
Teachers Mutual Bank (TMB) – Bushfire crisis response
See: https://www.tmbank.com.au/bushfires
TMB is offering a range of relief measures to assist you if you have been directly impacted. Members who have suffered losses in the bushfires to contact them on 13 12 21 and they will provide you with assistance for your circumstances.
Teachers Health (Health Fund)Bushfire Assistance Package
See: https://www.teachershealth.com.au/about-us/news/ teachers-health-bushfire-assistance-package
A Bushfire Assistance Package is available for eligible members, providing relief on health fund premiums during this difficult time.
NAB Disaster Relief Fund
Funding Provider: NAB Bank
Amount: $2000 plus other benefits to NAB customers
Closes: Ongoing
$2,000 emergency grants are available for NAB customers. NAB are also providing additional support for loans, business and agribusiness.
Commonwealth Bank Bushfire Recovery Grants
Funding Provider: Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Amount: Up to $50000
Closes: 31 March 2020
Grants for a large range of community groups including fire services, schools, sports clubs and non government organisations. Grants help replace or repair facilities damaged by fire.
Westpac Disaster Relief
Funding Provider: Westpac Bank
Amount: $2000 plus other benefits to Westpac customers
Closes: Ongoing
Grants are available up to $2,000 to provide support for temporary accommodation, food and clothing; assistance given to customers with home loans, insurance, business accounts, insurance, etc.
ANZ Bushfire Relief Package
Funding Provider: ANZ Bank
Amount: Various for ANZ Customers
Closes: Ongoing
Various support is available for ANZ customers to support those affected by fires. This includes suspension on repayments of loans, interest rate relief, etc. Contact ANZ on 1800 149 549 or www.anz.com/hardship