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Eastern Queensland Bushfires November 2019

decorative image of two people wearing blue shirts that say community recovery

Disasters can result in damage and disruption to homes and essential infrastructure and services, to day to day routines, to employment and can limit your ability to interact with others or access services. They can also place additional stress on personal relationships.

Following a disaster it is common for members of the community to experience psychological distress. Although, eighty per cent of people affected by a disaster will recover with the provision of basic support, twenty per cent of the community may require more intensive therapeutic intervention.

It is normal for individuals to experience a variety of reactions and for different needs to emerge over time, and for people to view and experience the same event differently. That is why we are keen to hear from you about what support or assistance you and/or your family may still need following this disaster.

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The Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors (DCDSS) coordinates Community Recovery services to assist disaster-affected people, including emotional support and financial assistance. 

Community Recovery staff are on the ground to assess and respond to the needs of the affected communities. People are able to choose how they access assistance to recover; online, over the phone or in person:

Online

The Community Recovery online portal (www.communityrecovery.qld.gov.au) allows people to apply for financial assistance and support services from personal devices at their own convenience (e.g. computer, smartphone, tablet).

Over the Phone

The Community Recovery Hotline (Ph: 1800 173 349) will also offer to complete applications for financial assistance and support services over the phone.

In Person

Community Recovery will be on the ground to establish recovery hub locations as soon as access is possible and it is safe to do so. More information on hubs will be provided as operations progress.

Non-government organisations

Non-government organisations (NGOs) are available to provide emotional well-being and support services, such as counselling and charitable donation of goods and service. NGOs can refer those experiencing serious psychological issues to Queensland Health mental health practitioners.

Video: How to access assistance

Video: Assistance with Medicare with Aunty Gail

Video: What to bring to the hub

Video: How to access assistance with no ID

Queensland Disasters webpage 

Community members impacted by the Eastern Queensland Bushfires can access a range of support and assistance to help them get back on their feet.

button link to assistance for current disasters

Community Recovery hotline

Call Community Recovery hotline on 1800 173 349

button link to call the community recovery hotline

Community Hubs 

Find out what hubs are open in your area

button link to assistance for current disasters

Regional support services

During and after a disaster you may need practical assistance or community support to assist you and your family. Our regional community support services brochures provide information and contact details for key community services available in your area. Click the button for all the details, listed by region. 

button to information about Regional community support services

Have your say

We want to hear from you about whether you and your community require more recovery support.

  • Keep up to date on facebook
  • Trauma Teddies (Red Cross)
  • How to talk to kids about disaster (Lifeline)

Who will get your feedback?

  • Community Recovery
    Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors
    Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors
    We work with local government to provide advice, support and/or additional resources to support the emotional, social and physical well being of people affected by a disaster that assist in building resilience in the community.

 

 

Cultural Acknowledgement

We pay our respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestors of this land, their spirits and their legacy. The foundations laid by these ancestors - our First Nations peoples - give strength, inspiration and courage to current and future generations towards creating a better Queensland.

Our human rights commitment

We will respect, protect and promote human rights within our decision-making and actions.