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Australian Bushfires - support and resources availble - 15th January 2020
During recent months, Australia has experienced one of the most devastating fire seasons on record. Thousands of people have been displaced, natural habitats have been destroyed, businesses crippled and sadly there has also been tragic loss of life.
Our heartfelt thoughts rest with those that have been affected during these harrowing events.
If you or your business have been impacted by the recent fires, there are a range of resources available to assist.
General resources to help you and your clients
- The Australian Tax Office has a dedicated page offering support for impacted areas with lodgement and payment deferral dates. You can also phone them on 1800 806 218
- Banks stand ready to help customers impacted by bushfires. Read this article from the Australian Banking Association
- Financial Assistance options are available from the Federal Government including the Disaster Recovery Allowance.
- Beyond Blue support service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support the mental health of people affected by the bushfires on 1300 22 4636.
- Beyond Blue also has free information resources online. Emotional responses after disaster has information about normal responses to disasters, what's beyond a normal response and some tips on dealing with the emotional impact of a disaster. More detailed information is available in the booklet Looking after yourself and your family after a disaster.
- Assistance can be provided from charities including Lifeline, Australian Red Cross and Salvation Army.
- State support is available for NSW, QLD, VIC and TAS communities affected by the bushfires.
Make a donation
It is during times like these we often draw on the strength of our community and peers. If you want to show your support by donating, below are links to the local State fire services:
- NSW Rural Fire Service
- QLD Fire and Rescue
- SA Country Fire Service
- VIC Country Fire Authority
- Tasmania Fire Service
- Western Australia
Help those affected
Help the wildlife
Stay safe Australia, we are thinking of you.