Natural disaster assistance and services
Help after natural disasters is usually divided into two types:
- Immediate relief (first response): search and rescue, shelter, food rations etc.
- Recovery assistance (which may be individual, or community based): grants, low interest loans, food or fodder drops, tax breaks or concessions, or other physical, financial, or mental support services.
Australian Government assistance
- Disaster Assist
- Drought, disaster and rural support
- Help in an emergency
- Rural Financial Counselling Service
- National Emergency Management Agency
State Government assistance
Northern Territory
Queensland
- Natural disaster information
- Queensland natural disaster assistance
- Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority
- Customer Call Centre (Department of Primary Industries) 13 25 23
Local assistance
Local councils, organisations or clubs may also be able to provide information and/or support.
Counselling services
If you are suffering hardship or stress, even if you don’t require financial assistance, there are a variety of counselling services that can offer suggestions based on your circumstances.
- Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636
- RUOK? | 1800 RUOKDAY (7865329)
- Lifeline | 13 11 14
- Salvos Counselling (Salvation Army)
Local community groups may also be able to offer support.
Protecting your most important asset – You!
‘Protecting your greatest asset – You!’ is a short talk designed to assist people affected by drought, although it is applicable to anyone who is ‘doing it tough’. The talk offers some self-help strategies to take care of yourself and others. It also gives some guidelines on when to seek additional help, and where to go for that help. 20:03 minutes published 29 July 2014 by FutureBeefAu.