Emergency relief and recovery

I need financial support

If you need financial assistance after an emergency, please visit the Department of Humans Services (DHS) website or call 1300 650 172.

You can also download these DHS fact sheets:

• Dealing with financial matters after an emergency (PDF, 298KB)
• Emergency re-establishment assistance (PDF, 108KB)
• Emergency relief assistance (PDF, 106KB)

I need counselling and health advice

Talking to someone can help after a traumatic event. We encourage you to use GPs, 24-hour phone helplines or specialist counselling and support services.

• NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 606 024
• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• Parentline on 1300 301 300
• Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800

The role of the Australian Red Cross

During an emergency, the Australian Red Cross works to meet the basic human needs of individuals and communities.

The Red Cross website has a range of information about preparing for, responding to and recovering from an emergency.

Download the Red Cross fact sheets below:

• Coping with a major personal crisis (PDF, 219KB)
• Talking to children — parents’ guide (PDF, 160KB)
• Helping children and young people cope with crisis — information for parents and caregivers (PDF, 2MB)
• Looking after yourself and your family after a disaster (PDF, 3MB)