The Federal Government has now activated financial support for people in Hindmarsh, Horsham and West Wimmera municipalities affected by the ongoing bushfires in the Grampians and Little Desert National Parks. 

The Disaster Recovery Allowance, DRA, is being extended to the three local government areas, after being previously activated in the Ararat, Northern Grampians and Southern Grampians shires.

The DRA is available to individuals who live or work in the declared LGAs and have lost some or all of their income due to the disaster. 

To be eligible for the DRA, a person’s income must have fallen below the average Australian weekly income as a result of the bushfires.

The allowance gives people up to 13 weeks of income support.

Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister said communities in western Victoria continued to be affected by significant and challenging bushfire activity, impacting their lives and, in some cases, livelihoods. 

“Our government is activating financial assistance for more areas so those whose incomes have been disrupted are supported in the immediate recovery phase,” she said.

“We will continue working with the Victorian government to support communities through this event and through recovery.”

Applications opened at 2pm on Friday.

Before they claim, people can check their eligibility on the Services Australia website. 

The easiest way to claim is online through myGov. If people need help to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.

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