Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan visited emergency services in Central Victoria to outline the support, funded through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The package includes $10 million for emergency fodder distribution, helping farmers recover from significant losses of livestock, crops and agricultural infrastructure across the state, including northern Victoria.
Recognising the immediate need for housing, $1.5 million will fund emergency accommodation coordination for displaced residents forced into hotels, serviced apartments and other temporary shelters.
“From emergency accommodation to mental health help or fodder for livestock – we're ensuring no-one is left behind in this recovery effort.” Said Premier Allan
To support community wellbeing, $1 million has been allocated for disaster recovery mental health services, including group counselling to help residents manage trauma and rebuild together.
A further $5 million will establish a Recovery Support Program, providing caseworkers as a single point of contact to help affected residents navigate housing, legal, financial and grant support.
An additional $2 million will fund a dedicated recovery hotline.
The announcement builds on the existing Personal Hardship Assistance Program, which offers one-off payments of $680 per adult and $340 per child, up to $2,380 per family, for those forced to evacuate and needing essentials such as food and medication.
More assistance is expected as damage assessments continue.
Residents can find updated information on relief and recovery services via the VicEmergency website.
