Supporting our community during the bushfire crisis

Smoke from the devastating bushfires can be uncomfortable and dangerous for many Victorians. For people experiencing or at risk of becoming homelessness – including those sleeping rough or living in unsafe housing – it is difficult to avoid the impacts of these extreme weather events. 

If you are in a life-threatening situation, please call 000 immediately.

For all the latest information for fire-affected communities visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au or download the Vic Emergency App.

Urgent housing assistance

If you are a young person that has been displaced because of the bushfire crisis in Victoria for all emergency and crisis accommodation services, please contact:
•    Melbourne Youth Support Services on 03 9977 0077; or
•    The Department of Health and Human Services on 1800 825 955 for 24-hour homelessness assistance

For all adult and family homelessness services, please contact:
•    The Salvation Army Disasters team by calling 1300 662 217

Accessing relief from extreme conditions

•    Melbourne City Mission’s Frontyard Youth Service has pool passes and movie tickets on offer for young people seeking relief from extreme weather conditions
•    The City of Melbourne is running its extreme weather program designed to provide relief for people at risk or experiencing homelessness or disadvantage. More details can be found here.
•    The Salvation Army Café at 69 Bourke Street offers a place for those seeking relief from the heat during the daytime in Melbourne’s CBD

How to access disaster support

If you or someone you know is affected by the bushfires, The Salvation Army offers a range of services and assistance measures to help people who have been impacted by the bushfires including financial assistance, emotional support and referrals.

Health-related support and information resources

EPA AirWatch displays information about Victoria’s air quality including interactive maps and air quality forecasts.

The Department of Health Victoria provides useful and up-to-date information on the State’s response to the bushfire crisis

The Youth Disability and Advocacy Service have resources available for Victorians with a disability who have been affected by the bushfires.  

If you are worried about your symptoms such as feeling breathless or unwell due to smoke-haze in Melbourne’s CBD you can call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 606 024

How you can help bushfire relief efforts

The Victorian Government has partnered with the Bendigo Bank and The Salvation Army to establish the Victorian Bushfire Appeal. 100 per cent of donated funds will go directly to communities in need. Visit www.vic.gov.au/bushfireappeal to donate.

Take care and stay safe during this difficult and challenging time.