New Bushfire Relief Fund Now Available

You can now apply for support from Communities@Work if you have been affected by the 2019-20 bushfires (ACT, NSW or VIC). Eligibility will be judged on a case-by-case basis, so don't hesitate to get in touch even if you're unsure.

Communities@Work_Bushfire_Relief_Canberra

Communities@Work has recently been allocated funding from the Australian Government to support people recovering after bushfires. The bushfire relief fund will help people experiencing hardship from the devastating 2019-20 summer bushfires (ACT, NSW or VIC). 

As Canberra’s largest not-for-profit community organisation, we will use the allocated funding to support people who are still under financial strain following the bushfire crisis, in addition to our emergency relief and crisis support services under our Social Programs. We are keen to distribute these funds as quickly as possible to help people with their recovery, and our Director of Social Programs, Ruth Zanker, agrees.

“This new money is available to people who are currently living in the ACT, been affected by bushfires in the ACT, NSW or Victoriaand are experiencing financial hardship,” Ruth explained. “You might have moved here because of the fires or were temporarily displaced and are currently living with family or friends. 

The funding forms a part of the Australian Government’s two billion dollar National Bushfire Recovery Fund, announced in January 2020.

Please reach out if you need supportWe want to help you with your recovery journey and make life easier for you. 

Ruth points out that help means different things to different people. We’re not simply giving out a financial grant. We will talk with you, look at what supports you currently have and work out where the gaps are.”  

We’ll then create a tailored support package based on your individual needs. This might include offering some of the services that we provide, as well as linking you to external services and information points. 

“Even if you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, get in touch with us,” urged Ruth. “Every little bit of aid helps.” 

Read more about how Communities@Work has supported the community, in Canberra and the surrounding ACT region, during and after the 2019-20 bushfire crisis in our latest blog post.

Find out more about the bushfire relief fund and how we can help here. If you or someone you know requires support as a result of being affected by the bushfires, don’t hesitate to get in touch here.

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