The Albanese Labor Government is providing more than $1.7 million in additional disaster support for communities in Victoria and Queensland affected by recent fires and flooding.

Shared across 39 Commonwealth funded Emergency Relief providers, this funding will help individuals and families recovering from natural disasters access essential items like food, clothing and petrol vouchers.

Each Commonwealth funded Emergency Relief provider operating in an affected area will receive a 25% boost to their yearly base funding for that specific region.

It will also allow providers to offer extra support to those in need, including referrals to financial counselling, mental health support, and other services that may help people through this challenging high-risk weather season.

This support is in addition to the $2 million the government provided in December 2025 for food relief and essential material aid to help ease pressure on Australians doing it tough and to make sure communities were prepared for the high-risk weather season.

More information on Emergency Relief, including how to find a provider, is available on the Department of Social Services website.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek:

“When disaster strikes, no one should be faced with a choice between putting food on the table or paying their bills.

“Emergency Relief providers are already supporting Australians doing it tough, but we know in the aftermath of natural disasters they face an increase in demand for their services.

“This funding means more services and support on the ground, giving Queenslanders and Victorians a helping hand as they recover.”

LIST OF AREAS TO RECEIVE FUNDING
Ballarat (VIC)
Bendigo (VIC)
Geelong (VIC)
Hume (VIC)
Latrobe – Gippsland (VIC)
Melbourne – North East (VIC)
Melbourne – North West (VIC)
Melbourne – Outer East (VIC)
North West (VIC)
Shepparton (VIC)
Warrnambool and South West (VIC)
Queensland – Outback (QLD)