Relief and Recovery

‍Emergency Shelter and Relief

Depending on the severity of an emergency and the response required, Wellington Shire Council may be directed to open an Emergency Relief Centre (ERC) for residents unable to return home. An ERC provides immediate support to people affected by the emergency, and may include food, shelter, financial hardship and personal care/psychosocial support.

If an ERC is not declared necessary we encourage residents to seek private accommodation if their property is at risk. This can include staying with friends, family, or booking accommodation. Financial assistance for private accommodation is available for those who:

• Do not have friends or family to stay with and are experiencing financial hardship.
• Reside in areas evacuated due to an emergency.

Visit our Emergency Contacts page to see how you can stay updated during and after an emergency.

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Returning to your Property

You will be advised by the CFA or Victoria Police when it is safe to return to your property.

There may be many reasons why you are unable to return home, such as health and safety hazards, hygiene considerations or missing persons.

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Financial Crisis Support

If you are experiencing significant loss or financial difficulties due to the damage or loss of property caused by an emergency such as fire or flood, you can access financial crisis support and emergency assistance on the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) website or on the Victorian Emergency Recovery Information Line 1300 799 232.

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Counselling and Health Advice

If you are affected by an incident you are encouraged to see your GP, call a 24-hour telephone helpline or seek specialist counselling and support services. Talking it over with others often helps recovery from exposure to traumatic events.

Nurse On Call

• Phone: 1300 60 60 24
• Website: nurse on call

Lifeline

• ‍‍Phone: 13 11 14
• Website: lifeline.org.au

‍Parentline

• Phone: 1300 30 1300
• Website: parentline.com.au

‍Kids Helpline

• Phone: 1800 55 1800
• Website: kidshelpline.com.au

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Municipal Relief and Recovery Plan

The Municipal Relief and Recovery Plan is a subplan of the Municipal Emergency Management Plan intended to assist in the planning and preparation for all types of emergencies that will require relief and recovery support; and sets out the arrangements for managing the planning and delivery of relief and recovery activities within the Shire.

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Emergency Relief and Client Support Services

Emergency relief services are delivered by community organisations and help people with basic needs in times of crisis. Emergency relief can act as a safety net for people in financial distress or hardship, who have limited support.

Who is eligible?

Wellington Shire residents experiencing financial or personal distress.

How to receive assistance

• Make direct contact with a relief service by telephoning or visiting their service location.
• Be referred by support agencies who can provide an entry point into a range of services.

Types of assistance

• Vouchers and financial assistance.
• Volunteer food assistance.
• Housing support.
• Transport assistance.
• Showers, soup kitchen or meals.
• Household goods.
• Clothing.

For more detailed information about the services available, please refer to our Emergency Relief and Client Support Services brochure. You can download the brochure or booklet version below:

• Emergency Relief and Client Support Services (Booklet)
• Emergency Relief and Client Support Services (Brochure)