Experiencing a major emergency can be an emotional experience and takes time to work through.
It's normal to experience a range of emotions before, during and after an emergency event.
During these times, it is important to look after yourself. It may also be a good time to reach out to your friends and loved ones.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, it can be useful to start the conversation by reaching out to one of the following support services.
Australian Red Cross
Red Cross has a range of resources available to support your individual recovery. Find out more about recovery, including how to look after yourself during and after disasters, how to talk to your children about what has happened, and the impact of disasters on communities and individuals.
Red Cross also offers practical tips to help you cope and clean up when you return home after a disaster.
The following key contacts are here for you when you need them:
Find a comprehensive list of local, regional, and national mental health services available in the Murrindindi Shire here.
Nurse-On-Call – 1300 60 60 24
Nurse-On-Call provides Victorians with health advice from a registered nurse. This free service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1300 60 60 24.
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Lifeline provides all Australians with free access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Call 13 11 14, text 0477 131 114, or chat online whenever you need.
Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636
Beyond Blue focuses on supporting people affected by anxiety, depression, and suicide, offering immediate support and free 24/7 advice.
Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800
Kids Helpline provides free and confidential 24/7 counselling for young people aged 5 – 25.
Call 1800 551 800, send an email, or chat online anytime for any reason.
13YARN – 13 92 76
13YARN is a crisis support line for First Nations peoples. This free 24/7 service offers confidential one-on-one yarning opportunities with a Lifeline-trained First Nations Crisis Supporter.
Call 13 92 76. No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn.
QLife – 1800 184 527
QLife is a support service dedicated to the LGBTIQ+ community, providing peer support for people to have a chat. This free service is delivered by trained LGBTIQ+ people across Australia.
Call 1800 184 257 or chat online from 3.00 pm – midnight, every day.
This is a Conversation Starter (TIACS) – 0488 846 988
TIACS is a free and confidential support service for the truckies, tradies, and blue collar workers across Australia – and those who care about them.
Have a free and confidential chat with experienced counsellors and mental health professionals about anything at all. Not sure what to talk about? That’s okay. Give TIACS a call and they’ll guide you through the conversation.
Call 0488 846 988 on Monday – Friday between 8.00 am – 10.00 pm AEST or text 0488 846 988 any time.
Six Tips for Disaster Recovery with Dr Rob Gordon
Dr Rob Gordon is a clinical psychologist renowned for his expertise in the field of emergency recovery across Australia and New Zealand, including the Christchurch earthquake and more recently with the Black Summer Bushfires 2019-20.
Dr Gordon has previously spoken to Australian Red Cross and New Zealand Red Cross about the recovery process, offering insightful tips into the psychology of recovery and practical advice on how to deal with the recovery process.
After the Disaster with Dr Kate Brady
After the Disaster is an ABC podcast that offers practical tips and evidence-based advice about life after a disaster.
This podcast that has been produced with support from Red Cross, the University of Melbourne, Emergency Recovery Victoria, and the Bushfire Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre.
Are You Bogged, Mate?
Are You Bogged, Mate? is a service encouraging farmers, primary producers, and country blokes to talk about mental health and suicide while spreading awareness about mental wellbeing in the bush.
Find out more about how to support someone that needs a tow or find a hand getting out of the mud yourself.
Emergencies and disasters are extremely stressful, and it is normal to feel overwhelmed. The mental health and wellbeing of the whole community, including young people, children, and even infants, can be affected.
The following information provides a starting point for you to help children and young people in your life navigate the mental health and wellbeing impacts of an emergency or traumatic event.
After traumatic events, children’s responses may vary widely and they may express many emotions, including upset, anger & may appear withdrawn and they may behave in challenging ways. They may become clingy and not want to be out of your sight. They might also have physical symptoms like headaches, stomach aches and young children may revert to past concerning behaviours such as bed wetting or issues with food, when they have not done so for some time.
Any changes in young peoples lives can bring about a change in behaviour; as parents and carers if we understand this, we can help support our children work through their feelings and worries.
Red Cross also has some useful booklets and guides on talking with your children about the emergency.
Some key reminders
- Children’s reactions following a traumatic event are significantly influenced by their age and developmental stage. Young children and teenagers may display different behaviours or react in different ways
- Most children will recover from a traumatic event over time, with some experiencing positive change for the better However, some children will continue to experience difficulties and may require ongoing professional support
- Some children will seem fine at first, then be distressed at a later point
- Children may experience distress even if they did not experience the event personally
- Parents and carers will also be dealing with their own grief and loss and may need increased support to pro-vide stability and routine for their children
Helpful tips
- For children of all ages, it helps to talk, bring issues out in the open, listen to your child and reassure them (repeatedly) that they are safe. It can be helpful to point out all the helpers – SES, Fire Brigade, CFA, Police, Red Cross in times of need
- Be careful about reminders of the event
- Toddlers and pre-schoolers might need help expressing emotions
- Try to stick with routines as the predictability provides reassurance
- Try to give your children a sense of control about some aspect/s of their life -choice in food, clothes, etc. This helps children feel they are in control about some aspects of their lives, helping to relieve some stress
- School-age children often need reassurance that they’re not responsible for the event
- Teenagers might need help to avoid reacting to traumatic events with risky behaviour
Some practical strategies
- Allow plenty of play time/recreation/friends time
- Allow time for fun
- Encouraging rest & sleep. Some physical exercise can help sleep
- Help your child to physically relax – cuddles, story times, baths, massage
- Aim for healthier food and drink
- Be mindful of TV/Radio news; be prepared to switch off
- And alongside this, be mindful when talking with other adults about events as children absorb more than we think
- Be prepared to seek some support for yourself; this will help you to be able to be a strong support for your children
- If you are concerned or feel that behaviours are increasing, contact your GP, local community health service (who provide a range of counselling) or one of the telephone help lines
- Talk about feelings with a friend or trusted adult
- Hang out with friends
- Listen to your favourite music
- Do some exercise with a friend or family member (running, dancing to music, riding a bike, going for a walk)
- Make something by drawing, painting, sewing, knitting or cooking
- Have a warm bath/shower
- Do a quick relaxation exercise
- Write in your diary
- Use positive self-talk such as:
I am safe now
I was strong to survive that
I have people who can help me
I have done a lot of things well before - I’m sure I can again
The following financial support is available for individuals, businesses, and the agricultural industry:
Individuals - Payments and Financial Support
Financial Counselling with the National Debt Helpline
The National Debt Helpline offers a free, confidential, and independent financial counselling service for people who may be experiencing financial difficulty. A financial counsellor can provide free advice to help you explore your options, put sustainable plans in place, learn how to best negotiate challenging conversations, and get your finances back under control. Call 1800 007 007 on Monday – Friday between 9:30 am – 4:30 pm or chat online on Monday – Friday between 9.00 am – 8.00 pm.
Agriculture support
Victorian Flood Recovery Package
Applications for the four different grants, subsidies, and concessional loans as part of Rural Finance's Victorian Flood Recovery Package have now closed.
Business and Agricultural Advisory and Support Services
Business Recovery Advice Service
The Business Recovery Advisory Service has replaced the Business Relief Service. This new service offers access to support services including financial counselling and business coaching, and helps businesses identify immediate and long-term needs to ensure business continuity and resilience. Visit the Business Victoria website for details and to register your interest.
AgBiz Assist - Small Biz
Assist Small Biz provide free support to regional and rural small businesses that have been impacted by natural disaster and economic downturn. They can offer grant support and business and financial planning services to support your business to recover. Contact 1300 032 332 or visit the AgBiz Assist website.
Small Business Debt Helpline
National support line staffed by specialist small business financial counsellors – immediate assistance and referral for ongoing support. Call 1800 413 828 or visit sbdh.org.au for an online chat between 9.00 am – 5.30 pm, weekdays. Please note they can assist you with applying for flood relief grants.
RuralAid
RuralAid offers counselling services to farmers and their families. They can also assist with needs including fodder, domestic water and financial assistance. Contact 1300 327 624 or visit ruralaid.org.au for more information.
RuralAid – Farm Army
RuralAid – Farm Army site provides a platform for farmers who are seeking assistance to gain assistance with jobs. Farmers can advertise the jobs for paid or volunteer assistance in areas like farm labourer, fencing and more. For more information visit farmarmy.com.au
Partners in Wellbeing
Partners in Wellbeing provides free and confidential support for sole traders, small business owners, and their employees. This service can provide personal support to improve wellbeing, financial counselling to manage debts and regain control of your finances, and business advice to develop business plans for the future. Call 1300 375 330 on Monday – Friday between 9.00 am – 10.00 pm or Saturday – Sunday between 9.00 am – 5.00 pm.
Partners in Recovery
Partners in Recovery has a dedicated COVID and Storm Recovery Program Provider for the Murrindindi, Yarra Ranges and Cardinia Shires:
Christabel Sibanda, Mental Health Clinician / Consultant.
Call: 0459 465 011
The Flood Recovery Hotline is a dedicated state-wide hotline to support you with your recovery.
You can call the Flood Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760. Operators can help by providing information, linking you in with case management services and available mental health and wellbeing support.
The hotline is open from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday and closed on weekends and public holidays.
Press 9 for an interpreter.