Support for students, families, teachers and schools affected by the bushfires
The National Bushfire Recovery Agency has a dedicated Families and individuals webpage that includes links to info on:
The Department of Health's Bushfire information and support webpage has advice about how you can access the medical help and what extra services are being provided in response to the crisis, including distress counselling and mental health support for individuals, families and communities. Headspace centres in fire affected areas are being given extra funding to provide support and counselling for young people.
DisasterAssist has information on financial assistance.
The Department of Education also has boosted services for students in bushfire communities, including mental health support in schools and childcare, and special consideration for university scholarships.
The New South Wales Department of Education (NSW DET) has set up a dedicated School safety webpage with links to resources on mental health support, including advice on supporting children, parents and colleagues through a bushfire crisis.
In Victoria, the Department of Education and Training also has a specific webpage on the 2020 bushfires, and a dedicated information page for parents and carers.
The ACT government has provided extra training to school counsellors. General Health information and advice is also available on the ACT Health website.
The Australian Psychological Society has produced a series of information sheets to help children during the bushfire recovery phase.
Beyond Blue has a webpage on Bushfires and mental health that outlines examples of common reactions, symptoms that exceed common reactions, and advice on dealing with the emotional impact of a bushfire. They have put together this resource pack for educators, families and community members to help manage the mental health impact of the crisis and a fact sheet for teachers.
Online information from the Australian Child & Adolescent Trauma, Loss & Grief Network (ACATLGN) about responding to bushfire disaster includes links to classroom activities and other resources for teachers, principals, school counsellors and other mental health professionals working in schools.