Freshcare understands that a lot of Australians are going through tough times at the moment. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of resources for our regional communities to access on this weeks update.
Natural Disaster Relief
Flood Relief for NSW, Queensland and Victoria residents.
If you’re being affected by an active natural disaster, Services Australia have specific payments to help.
Find out if you’re eligible here and look up specific areas that are currently being assisted on Disaster Assist.
Residents in targeted areas in Gympie and Dallarnil who have been impacted by severe flooding over recent days may be eligible for financial assistance, including Emergency Hardship Assistance grants of up to $180 per person and $900 for a family of five or more.
Applications can be made through Community Recovery Portal.
Natural Disaster Relief for Queensland Businesses
The Queensland government is currently providing grants and loans for businesses affected by flooding and receiving survey submissions on how businesses have been impacted and what assistance they require.
Find out more at Business Queensland.
NSW Flood Assistance Resources
NCOSS (NSW Council of Social Service) have compiled a list of useful resources for NSW individuals and communities impacted by the floods in NSW. This includes evacuation, financial support, disaster response guidance and safety information.
Find out more at NCOSS
Local Council flood information. For local council flood information, click on the following: Blue Mountains, Camden, Central Coast, Hawkesbury, Penrith, Wollondilly.
Natural disaster assistance for NSW primary producers. For a summary of emergency assistance, primary producer support, financial assistance, animal welfare and management, health and wellbeing and other support, click HERE.
Hawkesbury flood recovery information. For support from the Hawkesbury Community to help with recovery from both the 2021 and 2022 floods, click HERE. For Hawkesbury Council 2022 flood related information, click HERE.
Flood Recovery Small Business Grants. NSW small businesses and not-for-profits (NFP) affected by the severe weather and floods in February and March 2022 can now apply for up to $50,000 in government support. Click HERE.
Disaster Recovery Payment: $1,000 for adults and $400 for children
The Disaster Recovery Payment is a one-off, non-means tests payment of $1,000 for adults and $400 for children, who have been seriously injured, lost their homes or whose homes have been directly damaged, or the immediate family members of a person who has lost their life, as a direct result of the storms and floods. Click HERE to find out if you are eligible, or phone Services Australia on 1180 22 66.
Disaster Recovery Allowance: short-term income support for 13 weeks
The Disaster Recovery Allowance provides a short-term income support payment to assist individuals whose income has been affected as a direct result of the storms and floods, for up to 13 weeks. Click HERE or phone Services Australia on 1180 22 66.
Farm Household Allowance
The Farm Household Allowance program provides assistance to farming families experiencing financial hardship, no matter the cause of that hardship. The program provides eligible farmers and their partners with a package of assistance that includes:
– up to four years of fortnightly income support (in every 10-year period)
– ancillary allowances such as Pharmaceutical Allowance, Telephone Allowance, Rent Assistance and Remote Area Allowance
– a professional financial assessment of the farm business (worth up to $1,500)
– funding to help develop skills, access training and pay for professional advice (up to $10,000 and can now include reasonable travel and accommodation to undertake training)
– regular support of a case manager.
For further information, click HERE.
Disaster Relief Grant
The Disaster Relief Grant helps people to recover from the effects of a disaster and re-establish a basic standard of living. It is not provided to replace insurance or compensate for losses. You may be eligible for financial support if:
– Your home (primary place of residence) was damaged by a natural disaster
– You do not have insurance for the damage
– You are a low-income earner with limited financial resources
Click HERE or phone Resilience NSW on 13 77 88 and ask about the Disaster Relief Grant.
Rural Assistance Authority Natural Disaster Assistance
For disaster relief loans and natural disaster transport subsidy, click HERE.
Disaster Assistance finder
For tailored information on available disaster assistance, please click HERE or contact the Disaster Customer Care Service at Service NSW on 13 77 88.
Benestar Mental Health Support
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by Benestar is a confidential counselling, coaching, and wellbeing service free for all Freshcare certified businesses, their staff, and immediate family members. The service offers help to manage work and life experiences, issues, or concerns that arise from time to time.
Access hours of health and wellbeing blogs, podcasts, videos, meditations, self-assessments, activities and more via the BeneHub website and app. View content anytime, anywhere or speak to one of Benestar’s coaches using LiveChat or online messaging.
To register simply follow the steps below to create your BeneHub account.
- Visit www.benestar.com and go to BeneHub Login
- Enter Company ID FCR and Token FCR01
For more information visit www.freshcare.com.au/benestar-eap
Benestar Support Hub Lismore
The Benestar support hub has been open Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00 in Lismore from 10 March 2022, and will close on Thursday 31 March. The hub has provided individuals with easy and convenient access to psychological and emotional support to address any concerns impacting their health and wellbeing.
How to make an appointment with a clinician
To book an appointment with a clinician, employees and their family members should call the Benestar Client Service Centre on 1300 360 364.
COVID Relief
Western Australia
Level 1 COVID-19 Business Assistance Package
A new COVID-19 Business Assistance Package has been announced for Western Australian businesses adversely affected by increasing COVID-19 cases in the community and the necessary implementation of Level 1 public health and social measures.
Small business tenants can apply for rental relief grants of up to $3,000 (based on $500 per week for 6 weeks).
To be eligible for the Rent Relief small business must meet the following criteria:
- Have an annual turnover of more than $50,000.
- Have a valid and active Australian Business Number (ABN).
- Have an Australia-wide payroll of less than $4 million.
- Be able to demonstrate a 30 per cent reduction in revenue for any six-week consecutive time frame between 1 January 2022 to 30 April 2022, compared to the equivalent period in 2021.
- Provide proof of tenancy (lease) in WA (excluding Government tenants).
Visit Business Development Corporation for more information.
Further resources for COVID and disaster support can be found here for Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory, NSW, Queensland and Tasmania.