Natural Disasters
Help in natural disasters takes many forms, including financial help. Natural disasters are common events in Australia’s vast climates and often include fires, floods and storms, tropical cyclones, droughts and earthquakes.
Without warning, you can find yourself needing assistance and support following a natural disaster. When the government declares a state or federal emergency, a number of financial supports become available. In larger disasters, a localised disaster hub may be established where you can go to find out what assistance and support is available.
Where Can I Go For Help In Natural Disasters?
| Financial Assistance Service | How They Can Help |
| Services Australia | You can use their platform and search for available assistance during declared emergencies. |
| Australian Red Cross | By providing on the ground assistance following a disaster. They also offer tools and resources to support you in disaster preparation, response and recovery. |
| The Salvation Army | They also provide on the ground assistance. |
| Local Emergency Relief Services | Search for your local emergency assistance services to see what assistance they are providing at the time of a disaster. |
| Victorian State Government | By providing the Personal Hardship, Emergency Relief and Emergency Re-establishment assistance programs. Information on further assistance during an emergency can be found here. |
| National Debt Helpline | With a free and confidential financial counsellor who can support you in managing debts following a disaster. |
| Local Government | By serving as a hub of information and a provider of disaster managements groups. See your local council for further details. |
| No Interest Loan | By offering you no interest loans to help you avoid money problems in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Contact your local NIL’s provider or Good Money Store. |
Can Better Place Australia Help Me?
Yes. Better Place Australia Free Financial Counselling and Mediation Services are available to people who have money troubles, including those experiencing financial trouble after a natural disaster. If you live in one of the many government funded areas across Victoria, you can take the first step by enquiring online or requesting an appointment.
You can also read real stories about people with financial troubles and how Better Place Australia financial counsellors mediated for them.
