The current NSW bushfire crisis has thrown many lives into turmoil. If you or your family have been affected by evacuation, loss of property, health issues or other disruption here are some resources that are available to assist you.
In An Emergency
Dial 000 or Teletype 106.
National Relay Service users can use the service to contact emergency services, find out more on their website.
Stay Informed
Listen to your local ABC Radio station for updates.
You can also contact the RFS Bushfire Information Line on 1800 NSW RFS (1800 679 737) or check their website.
Emergency Accommodation
Accessible Accommodation have expanded their existing service to help deal with the bushfire crisis. Join the Accessible Accommodation Facebook Group or check their website.
Find Emergency Evacuation centres in NSW.
Call the NSW Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444, open every day from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
The NSW Government has also established a Bushfire Housing Assistance Service.
NDIS Help
If you need assistance with anything to do with your NDIS plan or supports, contact the National Contact Centre on 1800 800 100 between 8am and 8pm, Monday to Friday. Participants affected by fires are being prioritised.
More information, including Easy Read versions and info on emergency equipment repairs is available on the NDIS Disaster Response page.
Financial Assistance
If you can show you lost income or have been adversely affected as a direct result of the bushfires you may be eligible for disaster relief payments from the Department of Human Services. Call 180 22 66 for info and see information on eligibility on the Department of Human Services website.
The Red Cross are also providing emergency grants of up to $5000. Find more information on the Red Cross website.
Emergency Planning
Check the I’m Okay website for comprehensive information on preparing for all sorts of emergency situations.
Download the Red Cross RediPlan.
Download CFA Easy English Your Guide to Survival.
Many thanks to the fine work done by IDEAS, People With Disability Australia and Every Australian Counts in compiling a lot of this information on their websites.
Home page shows satellite image of NSW from space, taken 10 January 2020. Courtesy of NASA Worldview.
