Wellbeing Support
We know that this can be a stressful time, and help is available to everyone. We encourage anyone to reach out to support services.
Rural Financial Counselling Services offer free and confidential wellbeing support. They are available at wswrcs.com.au or 1300 735 578.
Rural Aid offers free, confidential counselling to farmers and their family. Go online at ruralaid.org.au or phone 1300 175 594.
South West Healthcare offers Mental Health and Wellbeing Services 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 808 284.
The National Centre for Farmer Health also has supports available on 1300 375 330 or online at farmerhealth.org.au
Family violence: There is a link between disasters and an increase in family violence. It can happen to anyone. 1800RESPECT is available for free to support people impacted by family violence. To talk to someone, call 1800 737 732 , text something like 'hello' to 0458 737 732, or chat online at 1800respect.org.au.
Stress because of a disaster can cause physical, mental and emotional exhaustion. There is practical information and advice for:
With the recent bushfires, it is understandable if you are feeling concerned and experiencing a mix of strong emotions or physical reactions right now.
For those who have faced bushfires before, this might be a particularly challenging time that is stirring up memories and feelings of sadness, fear, and grief.
It’s important to remember that recovery is a personal journey, and everyone experiences things differently. For some people, recovery is ongoing.
Experiencing these emotions is a normal response to such events, but these concerns may lead to other issues if they are not managed.
If you find yourself experiencing strong emotions, talking about your worries and feelings as well as remaining connected to others can make them more manageable.
It is important to identify what actions can be taken to address the source of your concerns. Seeking help is a sign of strength and often the first step in recovery.
Let people know you are safe
Let friends, family and emergency services know you are safe with Red Cross Register.Find.Reunite. You can do this if you left your home, or if you are staying.
You can register at:
Heat
Extreme heat can affect anybody.
Hot cars kill. Never leave kids, adults or pets in cars. The temperature inside a parked car can double within minutes.
Look out for people who might be more affected by the heat. Like people over the age of 65 years, young children or people with certain medical conditions.
Ensure pets have access to cool, shady and well-ventilated areas and provide plenty of cool, clean water.
Air Quality
You will see or smell smoke in parts of Victoria. The smoke is a result of a multiple bushfires and grassfires burning across various parts of the state.
Anyone having trouble breathing or tightness in the chest should seek urgent medical assistance and call Triple Zero (000).
Everyone should minimise the time spent in smoky conditions whenever practical to do so. Anyone vulnerable to smoke should limit time outdoors. When indoors, close windows and doors.
If you or anyone in your care is worried about symptoms, seek medical advice or call Nurse on Call on 1300 60 60 24.
Learn about how smoke affects air quality and what you can do to manage your health in smoky conditions at Smoke | epa.vic.gov.au
Travel
Accidents are more frequent during stress. Be extra aware of how you and other people are driving. Slow down.
Look out for hazards like damaged trees and roads, fallen power lines, exposed wires or broken gas pipes.
Check road closures before you travel via the VicTraffic website.
Read safety tips for returning home from the Better Health Channel.