Payments of $1000 per adult and $400 per child are now available for those worst-hit by bushfires in February and March this year in the Baw Baw, Cardinia and Latrobe council areas.

Assistance is being provided through the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment.

Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the payment would help provide dignity for those who had suffered losses.

“The payment is for people whose homes have been severely damaged or destroyed, who have been badly injured or who have lost a family member,” Minister Littleproud said.

“This has been a long recovery and these payments will help those worst-hit get back on their feet.

“The Australian Government assistance announced today is on top of support already provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

“This shows that we will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with fire-hit communities until they’re back on their feet.

“We will keep making recovery assistance available in these communities as it is needed.”

Claims will be open from Monday 9 December 2019. For more information or to make a claim visit www.humanservices.gov.au/disaster or call 180 22 66.

More information on Australian Government disaster assistance is available at www.disasterassist.gov.au