January 15th, 2022Storm and Flood Recovery Support
We can assist you with Support is still available for residents affected by the storms and floods that impacted homes and businesses across Victoria in June 2021, and financial counsellors are urging residents to put their hands up for assistance.
Five community organisations*, funded as part of the Victorian Government’s Storm and Flood Recovery Support Program, are providing free financial counselling to the communities most impacted by the disaster. The financial counsellors want community members to know: it’s not too late to ask for help.
“Don’t wait until things become unmanageable,” says Colin Handreck, Team Leader of the Financial Counselling program at Cafs (Child and Family Services Ballarat). “Early action is best, and usually the earlier you seek assistance the more options there are available for you.”
Even six months on, it is normal for people to still be experiencing the economic aftermath of an emergency event – with some problems only emerging now. According to Laura Powell, Team Leader at Anglicare Victoria in Bendigo, “disasters create financial impacts.”
“Your house might still be standing, but you may be struggling on a reduced income due to loss of work. You may not have had a financial loss, but if your mental health has been impacted through trauma, that can affect how you’re able to keep on top of your bills and expenses.”
Financial counselling is a free and confidential service to help people experiencing or at risk of financial hardship regain control of their situation. Financial counsellors can help people understand their options, rights and entitlements, and empower them to make informed choices.
Financial counselling is available for anyone impacted by disaster, not just people on low incomes or government payments, and there are no restrictions based on residency or visa-status. It is confidential and judgement-free.
“We see a lot of people who have never had to ask for help before,” explains Kim Hubber, Team Leader at EACH in the Yarra Ranges. “They are usually the ones doing the helping, and for them, putting their hand up to seek assistance can often be the hardest step.”
“You’ve got nothing to lose by giving us a call and finding out how we can support you to get back on your feet,” says South East Community Link’s Head of Financial Wellbeing, Kay Dilger. “Our message to people after any kind of emergency is the same: we’re here to help, and everybody is entitled to assistance.”
While some government assistance payments have already ended, there is still time for eligible residents to apply for the remaining disaster recovery support payments before applications close at the end of May. The financial counsellors, who can support people to access their entitlements, are here to stay.
Leonie Cooke’s team at Anglicare Victoria in Gippsland – who for the past two years have been working to support their community to recover following the Black Summer Bushfires – are now also helping individuals and families affected by the more recent flooding in the Gippsland region.
“A common issue we see after any disaster is problems with insurance,” Leonie says. “We can help you to understand your options, and can even advocate on your behalf with your insurance provider.”
*Residents can contact their local financial counselling agency via the details below:
GIPPSLAND: Anglicare Victoria – 1800 286 260 – fcpgippsland@anglicarevic.org.au
CARDINIA: South East Community Links – 03 9549 5288 – fcs@secl.org.au
YARRA RANGES AND MURRINDINDI: EACH – 03 9871 1817 – fcintake@each.com.au
MACEDON/LODDON: Anglicare Victoria – 1800 244 323 – financial.counselling@anglicarevic.org.au
HEPBURN/CENTRAL HIGHLANDS: Cafs Ballarat – 1800 692 237 – welcome@cafs.org.au
Funding for the Storm and Flood Financial Counselling Program is provided by the Victorian Government via Consumer Affairs Victoria.
