For Now and Beyond the Bushfires: Community support

The 2019-20 bushfires have ceased, however the demand for resources and support is still required and available to these communities. APMHA is also aware that these fires may have impacted or re-triggered residents affected by bushfires from previous years.

On this page you will find:

Links to relevant bushfire updates and information including state based bushfire relief programs
Resources to help you support yourself, family, friends and community
A breakdown of our services, what you can access and how
Online and phone support services available

Beyond the Bushfires

In response to the 10th Anniversary of the 2009 Bushfires in Victoria, APMHA created a number of resources to support these communities. Some of these resources may be useful to you. Click below to review to check them out.

2009 Anniversary Community Resources

Additional websites available

Where to go and who can help?

Call our Bushfire Counselling Service on

1300 514 811

between 9am-5pm Mon-Fri

to access free counselling services and advice on options.

For all states adversely affected by the bushfires:

DisasterAssist is being used as a temporary website for the current bushfire disaster as well as for disaster recovery payments. Here you can find an interactive map of Australia with information about what the Government is doing to help individuals, communities, businesses and local governments to recover.
The Department of Human Services also has comprehensive information and support for all states and regions adversely affected by the bushfires.

To access assistance in New south Wales and Victoria, please review the information below:

If you are in NSW, you can access the

Bushfire Customer Care Service

on 13 77 88

between 8:30am – 4:30pm Mon-Fri

Click here for more information about NSW

If you are in VIC, you can access the

Bushfire Case Support Program

on 1800 560 760

between 8am-6pm Mon-Fri

9am – 5pm Sat & Sun

to access practical support around:

Your needs & options
Available services & support
Immediate financial support grants
Financial counselling & assistance

Community information
Paperwork: information & advice
Business owners: information & advice

Bushfire Case Support Program information

Victorian Bushfire Appeal Relief Grant information

If you need urgent support, please speak to your GP, your local health professional, or call lifeline 24/7 on 13 11 14.

For Mental Health Crisis, please call 1300 881 104.

Other services you can contact for counselling support included:

Parentline 13 22 89
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
NURSE-ON-CALL 1300 60 60 24 – for expert health information and advice 24/7
Australian Psychological Society Referral Service 1800 333 497

Other Medicare rebateable options:

From 17th January 2020, additional mental health services, including telehealth services are now available to people adversely affected by the 2019-2020 bushfires. This means that new Medicare rebates can be accessed for mental health support under eligible private psychologists, Social Workers, and Occupational Therapists.

MBS Item Numbers & Factsheet

Region Specific Information and Updates

For both New South Wales and Victoria there are a number of government sites that can keep you up to date with relevant information about bushfire affected regions. It is important to note that these apps, and websites listed below only reflect the state they are servicing. If you have or are planning to cross from one state to the other, please ensure you review information and apps from both states for a accurate information.

Fires Near Me - NSW

Fires Near Me contains relevant information about the bush fires in New South Wales. This website includes an active map of all bushfire warnings and incidents, and further information about travelling during fires, bushfire survival plans and the Neighbourhood Safer Places. Alternatively, this information can also be assessed on the Bushfire Information Line 1800 679 737.

Vic Emergency Website - Victoria

The Vic Emergency website contains relevant information about the bushfires in Victoria. This website includes an active map of all bushfire warnings, incidents and road closures, details for community meetings and Relief Centres, and further information about finance assistance, staying safe and personal well-being. Alternatively, this information can also be accessed on 1800 226 226.