Fire-affected communities with ECEC services eligible for support

Not-for-profit (NFP) organisations in bushfire-affected Queensland communities can now apply for assistance, thanks to joint Commonwealth-State Government funding, the Queensland Government has announced. 

Organisations in fire-affected Scenic Rim and Southern Downs communities, including those providing early childhood education and care (ECEC) services, can apply for up to $100,000 funding under the Disaster Assistance (Not-for-Profit Organisations) Loans and Disaster Assistance (Essential Working Capital) Loans Scheme for Not-for-Profit Organisations.

Announcing the loans schemes, Queensland Minister for Communities Coralee O’Rourke said the funding would further help bushfire-affected residents.

“Not-for-profit organisations play a vital role in our communities, including assisting communities to recover from and build resilience in the wake of disasters,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“We are working alongside these organisations in bushfire-affected communities, where they deliver much-needed services to residents in need of assistance.These loan schemes recognise the role not-for-profit organisations play in helping these communities recover and I’d encourage eligible organisations to apply.”

The Disaster Assistance (Not-for-Profit Organisations) Loans, and Disaster Assistance (Essential Working Capital) Loans Scheme for Not-for-Profit Organisations are administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA), and are jointly funded through Commonwealth/State-Disaster Relief Funding Arrangements.

Mrs O’Rourke said in addition to the loan schemes for not-for-profit organisations, the Queensland Government is also supporting fire-affected residents through a range of financial assistance.

“Emergency Hardship grants of $180 per person, up to $900 for a family of five or more, have been made available through jointly-funded Commonwealth/State-Disaster Relief Funding Arrangements,” she said.

“Other grants such the Essential Household Contents Grant and Structural Assistance Grant, which are income tested, are also available to eligible residents in these areas who are uninsured and have experienced certain loss or damage following this disaster.”

Residents experiencing hardship due to the bushfires can apply for assistance using the Self-recovery app, online, or by phoning the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

They can also visit one of the Community Recovery Hubs at the following locations:

• Stanthorpe Civic Centre, 61 Marsh St, Stanthorpe
• Moriarty Park Community Sports Centre, Monarch Drive, Canungra

These hubs will be open from 9am to 5pm daily until further notice.

Mrs O’Rourke praised the spirit of bushfire-affected communities and thanked all those assisting these communities for their hard work over the past week.

“Queenslanders are resilient, and we will recover from these devastating fires,” she said.