Emergency relief centres have been set up across southern Riverina and North East Victoria to assist those forced to evacuate their homes due to bushfires, and financial assistance is being made available by the federal and state governments for those in Towong and Snowy Valleys shires.
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On Friday residents were told there was room for 500 evacuees at Bandiana Barracks in Wodonga in "permanent structures" (not tents) - while Corryong High School (27-45 Towong Road), Tallangatta Memorial Hall, Wangaratta Performing Arts Centres, and The Cube Wodonga have all opened their doors to evacuees.
People in the Upper Murray who have evacuated their homes were asked to register at the Corryong or Tallangatta relief centres.
People in affected areas were also encouraged to register with the Red Cross via https://register.redcross.org.au/ or by calling 1800 727 077. People can use the register to let others know they are safe, and to find people that may be affected by the bushfires.
Emergency Re-establishment Payments of up to $42,250 per household will be available for eligible Towong residents who have 'been affected by fire at their primary place of residence'.
The grants will be available to be put towards clean-up, emergency accommodation, repairs, rebuilding and replacing some damaged contents.
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Emergency Relief Assistance Payments of up to $560 per adults and $280 per child up to a maximum of $1960 per household, will also be available to Towong residents.
These grants are designed to help with immediate needs of food, shelter, clothing and personal items.
One-off Disaster Recovery Payments of $1000 per adult and $400 per child under 16 are also available for eligible residents in Towong, Greater Hume and Snowy Valleys shires.
Those who have lost their income as a result of the bushfires might also be eligible for a 13-week Disaster Recovery Allowance, depending on their income level.
Residents have until June 30, 2020, to apply for the disaster recovery payment and allowance. The state government and Towong council will be able to apply for funding to help cover the cost of restoration of essential public assets like roads and hospitals.
Senator Bridget McKenzie said all levels of government were committed to helping families recover from the fires.
"We know from experience it will take years for communities and families to get back on their feet after these terrible fires," she said.
Information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government's Disaster Assist website at disasterassist.gov.au, the Department of Health and Human Services website at Services.dhhs.vic.gov.au and the VicEmergency website.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
