Emergencies

Relief and recovery after emergencies and disasters

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Information and services for people affected by emergencies in Victoria.

If you or people you know have been affected by a major emergency – like a fire, flood or storm – support is available to help you recover. Recovery can take time and is different for everyone. Practical, financial and emotional support is available to help you.

Find up-to-date information

To get the latest information about a major emergency that has affected you:

Where to start

Major emergencies can have a significant impact on your life and the lives of those around you. You might feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or unsure where to start. These are all normal responses. There’s no one right way to get back on track – and no timeline. What matters is knowing that support is available when you’re ready.

A good place to start is by talking with your family, friends, local doctor (GP) and your local council. They may be able to connect you with services and support.

To find your local:

Financial and practical support

Depending on the emergency, different forms of assistance may be available. 

Supporting your emotional wellbeing

Recovering emotionally after a disaster is just as important as physical and financial recovery. You don’t need to go through it alone.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or concerned about your mental health – or someone else’s – you can:

  • talk to your local GP
  • call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Guide to applying for payments

The Emergencies in Victoria: Managing your emotional wellbeing and accessing Emergency Relief Payments guide can help you:

  • understand your emotional responses
  • take small steps to feel more in control
  • access financial support (if it’s made available for your emergency).

Download the guide:

Translations of Emergencies Victoria: Managing emotional wellbeing accessing Emergency Relief Payment are available in the language below:

The Road to Resilience podcast

Recovery looks different for everyone. The Road to Resilience podcast shares real stories and expert insights to support people in their own recovery timeline – whether the disaster was recent or some time ago.

You can listen to The Road to Resilience podcast on these platforms:

The pilot episode was made possible through Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Recovery insights from clinical psychologists

Road to recovery – a conversation with Rob Gordon and David Younger

Clinical psychologists Rob Gordon and David Younger explore the psychological and emotional challenges people face after a disaster – and how recovery can unfold over time.

Road to recovery – a conversation with Rob Gordon and David Younger video transcript (Word 122 KB)

Tackling uncertainty and anxiety ahead of the next high-risk weather season

This episode explores how uncertainty and anxiety affect recovery, and what you can do to feel safer and more prepared.

Listen to Dr. Rob Gordon speak about: 

  • the emotional impact of the high-risk weather season
  • how anxiety and uncertainty affect recovery
  • practical ways to prepare: physically and mentally
  • the power of community connection and support.

This conversation offers insights to help get through the high-risk weather season with confidence and care.

Links to other services that can help

The Australian Red Cross and the Victorian Council of Churches Emergencies Ministry provide outreach, psychological first aid, personal support and emotional/spiritual care to help build community resilience.

Visit: Australian Red Cross or VCC Emergencies Ministry

The Australian Psychological Society has resources to help you mentally prepare for emergencies and understand the emotional impacts.

Visit: Australian Psychological Society

Phoenix Australia supports those struggling with the impacts of trauma in a range of ways, including through clinical services, expert resources, and world-leading research.

Visit: Home – Phoenix Australia

Coping with trauma

For many people, experiencing a disaster can be traumatic. Trauma can affect children, families and individuals in different ways.

Visit the Better Health Channel’s trauma recovery page for information and advice on:

  • supporting children (including newborns, toddlers, school-aged children and teens)
  • family recovery
  • PTSD and trauma responses
  • how trauma affects recovery over time.