Uninsured bushfire victims could be eligible for up to $20,000
Bushfire victims who own uninsured homes that were damaged or destroyed in recent blazes across South Australia could be eligible to receive up to $20,000 in grants.
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Bushfire victims who own uninsured homes that were damaged or destroyed in recent blazes across South Australia could be eligible to receive up to $20,000 from the State and Federal Governments.
Tenants whose uninsured belongings were also ruined by the Cudlee Creek, Kangaroo Island and Angle Vale fires could also receive funding under a joint Federal and State disaster recovery funding arrangement.
Up to $10,000 is being offered to eligible homeowners and tenants to replace essential items while another $10,000 grant is available to eligible homeowners to help repair their properties.
Federal Natural Disaster and Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud said the money “puts cash in the pockets of those most in need and helps give them dignity”.
“It will also help to make sure that bushfire-affected communities can be restored,” he said.
“Recovery will take time and further assistance will be made available if it needed.”
State Human Services Minister Michelle Lensink said most people affected by the bushfires would be covered by their own insurance but these grants aimed to assist those who did not have such cover.
“South Australians directly affected by the state’s devastating bushfires these past few weeks have endured heartbreaking hardship this Christmas,” she said.
“For households without insurance, we recognise that this is a particularly distressing time.
“We recognise that there are some items that can never be replaced but we hope that these grants will go some way in helping people begin to rebuild their lives and their homes.”
The grants are available to people whose primary residence has been damaged, they meet an income test and their losses are not covered by insurance or other assistance measures.
People can apply for the grants at Emergency Relief Centres at Highbury and Mount Barker.
The funding announcement came after the State Government announced the SA community had raised almost $300,000 in three days to help the Adelaide Hills communities affected by the Cudlee Creek bushfire.
The donations meant the State Emergency Relief Fund has now collected $1.28 million, after the State Government chipped in $1 million to kick off the fundraiser.
The government-run initiative was established on Monday and is expected to continue to grow over the coming days.
The Advertiser understands Premier Steven Marshall has been contacted by several corporate organisations who have pledged to contribute.
At least one has indicated they will make a $100,000 donation.
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In a statement on Thursday, the Government thanked those who had donated, saying every little bit helped.
“Many South Australians have lost their homes and livelihoods in the Cudlee Creek fire and we want to make it easier for people to make financial donations to help the community rebuild and get back on their feet,” it read.
“We’re encouraging South Australians to consider making a donation to the Cudlee Creek Fire Appeal – no matter how big or small.
“Employees may wish to consider fundraising initiatives in their workplaces, as well as sharing information about the SERF through their official channels and networks in the community.”
The fund will be managed by a five-member committee, whose job it is to ensure the donations are distributed appropriately and fairly.
There are no administrative fees associated with the committee.
People can make a tax-deductible donation online, via cheque or in person at any Commonwealth Bank branch.
For more information about the State and Federal Government grants for uninsured victims visit dhs.sa.gov.au/recovery.
HOW YOU CAN DONATE
Electronic funds transfer
State Emergency Relief Fund
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
BSB 065 266
Account 10020160
Description must state “donation”.
Credit card
Visit the State Emergency Relief Fund BPoint payment website at https://www.bpoint.com.au/payments/serf or call 1300 276 468 (1300 BPOINT) and enter biller code 1002359.
Cash
Visit any branch of the Commonwealth Bank and donate over the counter giving the details: BSB 065 266, Account 10020160.
Cheque
Send to State Emergency Relief Fund, Donations,
QA Finance
GPO Box 292
Adelaide SA 5001