The effect of bushfires

Facing any kind of emergency takes a lot of courage. And once the immediate danger has passed, it takes the same kind of courage to face how that emergency has affected your mental health.

We know the effects of the recent bushfires will be catastrophic, and ongoing.

A study into the aftermath of the Black Saturday bushfires showed that ongoing mental health problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression were still felt by over 21% of people in the communities who were affected by the 2009 fires.

The study also found that it can take more than five years for some to recover from a disaster experience.^*

We recognize the toll bushfires have on those on the front line, now and for the years to come.

Bushfire Disaster Appeal

This bushfire event is far from over and ESSSuper is committed to supporting members and local communities impacted by the devastating fires. To show your support please visit the Victorian Bushfire Appeal for more information.

Financial Assistance

For members who are experiencing financial hardship, the following allowances and payments may be available to compensate for lost income or other adverse impacts resulting directly from the bushfires in December 2019 and January 2020.

Disaster Recovery Allowance
Support for people who lost income as a direct result of the bushfires in Victoria in December 2019 and January 2020.

Ex-gratia Disaster Recovery Allowance (New Zealanders)
Support for New Zealanders who lost income as a direct result of the bushfires in Victoria in December 2019 and January 2020.

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment
Support for eligible people adversely affected by the bushfires in Victoria in December 2019 and January 2020.

Ex-gratia Disaster Recovery Payment (New Zealanders)
Support for eligible New Zealanders adversely affected by the bushfires in Victoria in December 2019 and January 2020.

For more information on financial assistance please visit the Australian Government Department of Human Services website.

Where to get help

It is normal for a distressing or frightening event to affect you physically, mentally and emotionally.

If at any time you are worried about your mental health or the mental health of a loved one, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

You can also contact:

your doctor or local community health centre
a counsellor or psychologist
Parentline, Phone: 13 22 89
Kids Helpline, Phone: 1800 55 1800
NURSE-ON-CALL Phone: 1300 60 60 24 for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
Australian Psychological Society Referral Service, Phone: 1800 333 497

Call 000 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger.

^{*Beyond Bushfires, The University of Melbourne}