MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
SUPPORT FOR VETERANS HIT BY VICTORIAN BUSHFIRES
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ Deputy Commissioner in Victoria, Mike O’Meara, today
encouraged veterans affected by the bushfires to contact the Department for information on how
to access support and services.
Mr O’Meara said the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) was available to support veterans
and their families affected by the disaster.
“The horrific bushfires across Victoria have devastated the lives of many Victorians including
veterans and their families. Many in the veteran community rely on DVA for advice and for those
in need there is immediate support available,” Mr O’Meara said.
People receiving DVA payments and concerned about those payments should call the
Department to discuss their circumstances. Callers in metro areas can ring 133 254 and
regional callers can ring 1800 555 254, for the price of a local call.
Veterans who have their property insured with Defence Service Homes Insurance and whose
property has been affected by the bushfires are encouraged to contact their local customer
service officer on 1300 552 662 to discuss the assistance available under their policy.
“All claims for assistance will be managed promptly to ensure that policy holders can return to
some degree of comfort as soon as possible,” Mr O’Meara said.
All Veterans’ Affairs Network offices in Victoria are open. Offices are located in Bairnsdale,
Morwell, Bendigo, Wodonga and Frankston. Veterans can call 1300 55 19 18 to reach their
local office. They may be able to provide more local specific information to assist veterans in
need.
The VVCS - Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service is available to assist veterans
and their families in crisis situations and provides supportive, confidential counselling to
veterans and their families who need support. The VVCS can be contacted on 1800 011 046,
24 hours a day.
The Australian and Victorian Governments, along with a number of charitable and community
organisations, are offering a range of support services which offer personal, emotional,
psychological and financial help to those affected. The Victorian Government, through the
Department of Human Services, is a central information point for people affected by the fires. It
has set up a Bushfire Information Line and those requiring assistance can phone 1800 240 667.
MEDIA INQUIRIES:
DVA Media on 02 6289 6203
NEWS 
