Yorke Peninsula Bushfire Relief

On Wednesday 20 November 2019, two catastrophic bushfires devastated our region, damaging properties, crops and livestock. Thankfully there have been no serious injuries or loss of human lives.

Our communities are deeply touched by the generosity and support already received and we thank everyone who has contributed for their kindness.

Discussions are currently taking place to ascertain the community’s needs moving forward. For this reason we are not currently seeking donations of goods such as food, clothing, furniture, appliances etc.

Below is some information about the support that is available for those affected by these fires and how those wanting to help are best able to assist.

We will endeavour to update this page as new information becomes available.

Relief Centre

Yorketown Town Hall 15 Edithburgh Road Yorketown

The Relief & Recovery Centre is open from 8.00am to 6.00pm, 7 days a week for anyone affected by the fires to attend.  Information and support services are also available from this location.

Recovery Hotline

Those that have been affected by the fire and need information and support can call the hotline on 1800 302 787.

Personal Hardship Emergency Grants

South Australians directly affected by the Yorketown fire can apply for one-off emergency grants to assist with immediate, temporary relief.

The Personal Hardship Emergency Grants of up to $700 per family (or $280 per individual adult ) can be used at the discretion of each recipient, but are intended to pay for essential items such as food, toiletries, clothing and medication.

These immediate, emergency relief grants will be provided to people who have had to evacuate their homes and cannot yet return home, either due to having lost their home or because roads remain blocked.

People can apply for the grants in person at the Emergency Relief & Recovery Centre at the Yorketown Town Hall. If approved, grant recipients will receive an ATM card so they can access cash funds.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment

Payments of $1000 per adult and $400 per child are now available for those worst-hit by the South Australian bushfires. This grant is available to those whose primary place of residence has been severely damaged or destroyed, or those who have been seriously injured by the Yorketown fire.

For more information and to see how to make a claim visit the Australian Government Department of Human Services website.

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Allowance

The Disaster Recovery Allowance is available to people who have lost their income because of the fires. It will give eligible people up to 13 weeks income support while they are getting back on their feet.

This support package is on top of the grants already announced.

For more information and to see how to make a claim visit the Australian Government Department of Human Services website.

Donations for the Local Community

A financial donation is the most helpful way that you can contribute to disaster affected communities. It helps those impacted to buy exactly what they need and spend the funds within their local community.

The donation of goods is not encouraged at it can pose challenges to administer, store, distribute and dispose of the goods. It also might not meet the needs of people affected by the disaster.

Yorketown Fire Relief Fund

Police Credit Union Yorketown Branch have set up and account for anyone wanting to make donations towards the recovery efforts. Donations can be made in person at the branch or to the account details below:

Account Name:                Yorketown Fire Relief Fund BSB:                                   805-005 Account Number:            5260393

For more information about this fund, please contact Wendy Ault, Branch Manager, Police Credit Union Yorketown on 08 8852 7000.

Yorketown Pharmacy Discount

Yorketown Pharmacy are extending their 20% staff discount and offering it to those affected by the fires and to others involved including all the emergency services volunteers who assisted. Ask in store for more information.

Rural financial Counselling Service

Rural Business Support provides a free rural financial counselling service for primary producers or small rural businesses who are more than 75% reliant on primary production for income.

It can assist you to make decisions and work through the implications of the current situation on your business.

Phone 1800 836 211 (freecall).

Financial Counselling Helpline

Financial counsellors can assist South Australians in financial difficulty by providing information, support and advocacy. Their services are free, independent and confidential.

Call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 (free call).

Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources

People may experience grief or stress after a disaster like a bushfire. Sometimes the impact is obvious straight away, but often it is a slow process. Some impacts include shock, anger, depression, tension, irritability, anxiety or difficulty making decisions.

Find out more about mental health support services after a disaster:

Information is also available from the Department of Human Services website.