VFBV

VFBV has prepared this handy Fact Sheet that lists State grants and services for people impacted by bushfires.

The Fact Sheet is intended as an easy reference for Brigades and members helping to support any CFA members or community members who are in need of assistance.

If you are aware of a service or grant that is not included, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will add it.

The State and Federal Governments have announced additional assistance to local councils in areas affected by bushfires in December 2014 and January 2015.

The councils include; Ararat, Benalla, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Mildura, Moira, Southern Grampians, Strathbogie, Wangaratta, West Wimmera and Wodonga.

For details, see the State Government’s media release at http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/additional-disaster-assistance-for-victorian-bushfires

UPDATED 29 January 2015 - Now includes Concessional Loans for Primary Producers

The Victorian Government lists financial assistance, health and safety advice, and local recovery support for residents affected by the 2015 Victorian Bushfires at its Emergency Relief and Recovery Victoria website:

http://www.recovery.vic.gov.au/2015-victorian-bushfires

The site also includes phone numbers for Lifeline (13 11 14) and Nurse On Call (1300 60 60 24).

VFBV is actively supporting volunteers experiencing difficulty after the 2013/14 bushfires.

In response to enquiries about assistance for volunteers affected by these fires, we have compiled information about the support currently available from the State Government and other agencies.

See below to download a list of useful contacts and information on the assistance available from the State Government and other sources.

The CFA member assistance program is now available 24 hours a day and has a new phone number – 1300 795 711.

The program has been upgraded to provide a more tailored service for CFA members and their immediate families.

Closer links with other CFA support services such as peer and chaplaincy support and compensation programs, as well as short-term counselling support across the state, will make it easier for members to access the support they need.

Around 100 counselling sessions are taken up each year by CFA members and their immediate families about a range of issues including relationships, parenting advice, depression, anxiety, addiction and trauma.

Information cards will be distributed through regional offices, peer support coordinators and sent with the spring edition of Brigade magazine to promote the new 1300 795 711 number.

Contact the organisational wellbeing team on 9262 8836 for further information about the program or other wellbeing initiatives.

See https://news.cfa.vic.gov.au/news/new-member-assistance-program.html for some useful links on CFA welfare for members.

Country Fire Authority (CFA)
The Official public website of the victorian Country Fire Authority

CFA Online (Brigades Online)
Private site for CFA Members only

CFA Pix
CFA's official image gallery

Emergency Memberlink
Emergency Memberlink is a recognition program for CFA and VICSES staff and volunteers that provides benefits and discounts to our members.

Australasian Fire Authorities Council AFAC
The Australasian Fire Authorities Council (AFAC) is a peak fire and emergency services industry body established by its members to collaborate on matters of international, national and regional importance.

Australian Government Disaster Assist

Australian Government assistance to Australians affected by disasters, both in Australia and overseas. 

Bushfire CRC
Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre

Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE)
The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) is Victoria's lead government agency for sustainable management of water resources, climate change, bushfires, public land, forests and ecosystems.

Emergency Management Australia (EMA)
EMA pursues a cooperative and collaborative relationship with Australian Government agencies such as the Department of Finance and Administration, Geoscience Australia and the Bureau of Meteorology.

Bureau of Meteorology (BOM)
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology is a world-class national meteorological agency providing expertise and services to assist Australians in dealing with the harsh realities of our
natural environment, including drought, floods, fires, storms, tsunami and tropical cyclones.

The Fireman
Since 1947 ‘The Fireman’ has provided news and information to CFA brigades, keeping fire-fighters up to date on developments within the organisation.

Victorian Emergency Services Association (VESA)
VESA was formed in 1983 with the objective of providing a focus for representing the views of Volunteers of VICSES on issues which affect them.

Youth Central
Youth Central is the Victorian Government's web-based initiative for young people aged 12-25

CAVFA

The Council of Australian Volunteer Fire Associations (CAVFA) is a collaboration of eleven volunteer fire brigade associations within Australia. The Council was established to give volunteer fire-fighters a united voice in discussions and negotiations with government and key stakeholders.