WA bushfire assistance moves to Mundaring

The Department of Human Services will relocate its disaster recovery outreach to Mundaring today, to ensure all those severely affected by the Perth Hills bushfires have the opportunity to claim assistance payments.

Minister for Human Services Senator the Hon Marise Payne said with recovery centre operations winding down, department staff were moving to a new base of operations.

“Department staff, including a social worker, have been at the recovery centre at Swan View since Tuesday last week, speaking to many residents about what they’ve experienced and assisting them with claims for the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment,” Minister Payne said.

“Today, staff will join with local authorities at the Mundaring Community Centre at 8 Craig Street from 9am to 5pm, and each day as required, to provide fire-affected residents with another opportunity to check what assistance may be available.”  

Minister Payne said the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment of $1000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children is available for people affected by the bushfire in the local government area of Mundaring.

“I’d also like to remind residents they don’t need to be receiving a Centrelink payment to access this support – it’s for anyone in this local government area who meets the eligibility criteria,” Minister Payne said.

Bushfire-affected residents can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66 from 8am to 8pm (local time), seven days; they can claim online at the Human Services website if they are already registered for online services; or claim forms can be downloaded from the website and handed to a staff member at any Service Centre.

More information about the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment, including factsheets, eligibility criteria and claiming options, is available at humanservices.gov.au/disaster