The Federal Government has announced a series of measures to assist households impacted by the 2019-2020 bushfires (PDF 1.6MB) and specific measures for Indigenous people. (PDF 994KB)
Health services
Free health and well-being services available to people impacted by fires and drought (no GP referral needed):
- Hunter / New England Healthwise 1800 931 540
- Northern NSW - Connect to Wellbeing 1300 160 339
Mental health
It’s completely normal to experience a range of emotions after a fire, including anxiety, sadness, forgetfulness and sleep disturbance.
It’s very important to have someone to listen to you and give you support.
Tips on managing your recovery:
- spend time with family and friends
- try to get back into a routine
- continue a healthy lifestyle (eating, sleeping, exercise)
- take time out but don't isolate yourself
- express your feelings in your own time and way
- accept help when it is offered
- limit the amount of media coverage you are exposed to
- don’t expect to have all the answers
- understand you are not alone in your experience
Check in on your friends and neighbours. If you or someone you know needs help, reach out.
Free services available 24 hours a day, seven days a week:
- Mental Health Line – 1800 011 511
- Lifeline - 13 11 14
- Mensline - 1300 789 978
- Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800
- Beyondblue 1300 22 4636
Summaries of the services provided by these organisations and others (PDF 343.6KB)
More information and where to find help (PDF 779.3KB)
How are you going with the bushfires? Self evaluation tool (PDF 637KB)
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger call 000.