Red Cross have announced a payment of $20,000, known as the Repair Grant, is now open for application by residents within fire-affected communities who either lost their home or had it so badly damaged it was uninhabitable.
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The cash grants currently available are:
- Emergency grant for people who have lost their homes: $20,000
- Injury grant for people who were hospitalised due to the fires: $7500
- Primary residence repair grant for home owners whose homes have been structurally damage: $5000. On March 12 eligibility was extended to include destruction or damage to critical private water, septic and/or power infrastructure.
- Rebuild grant for owner-occupiers to assist with early stages of rebuilding: $20,000
There will be more assistance available for those facing severe hardship.
Loretta Fella is the team leader of the Merimbula Emergency Services Red Cross Team, a group of 27 local volunteers from Eden, Pambula and Merimbula who have been working tirelessly with towns, villages and hamlets in the southern part of the shire in response to the devastating bushfires.
"These are difficult times for everyone, however the work of Red Cross needs to continue," Ms Fella said
"A local recovery officer has been recently appointed and we recognise we have years of work ahead in aiding the recovery of our communities."
Community members have assisted Red Cross with further information and contacts through their own networks at Wyndham, Rocky Hall, Mt Darragh and Kiah, trying to ensure everyone who needs aid is aware of available support.
"We have three main roles: prepare, respond and recovery - we are committed to the community and will continue to assist for as long as it takes," Ms Fella said.
Applications for emergency, primary residence repair and injury grants will be open until April 30 and rebuild grant applications will be open until June 30.
"Please contact us if you aren't sure whether or not you are entitled to a grant," Ms Fella said.
Some people may be able to apply for a grant online at www.redcross.org.au/grants.
However Red Cross is aware that with current COVID-19 restrictions many people may be unable to access recovery centres or friends and family who provide support to complete online applications or upload documents.
If your ability to provide the required information for a grant is limited, contact 1800 733 276 for assistance.
