Relief Assistance core capability

The provision of well-coordinated, integrated and timely assistance to meet the immediate health, wellbeing, financial and essential needs of affected communities, during and immediately after an emergency event.

Critical Task Table 15: Agency roles mapped to the VPF, by critical tasks within the Relief Assistance core capability

 

Critical Task 15.1: Establish temporary shelter options for displaced persons.

AgencyActivityAdditional alignment to critical tasks
AVRelief Support Agency (RelSA) to DH to coordinate other health and medical relief assistance measures.3.1, 14.3, 14.4, 15.2
Support the immediate pre-hospital health necessities in temporary shelter options for displaced persons (including initial provision of pre-hospital care while first aid options are activated and health command of pre-hospital resources in temporary shelter facilities).15.2
CouncilsRegional tier coordinator to coordinate information on relief services and support to communities15.5, 15.7
DFFH

Relief Coordinating Agency (RelCA) of emergency shelter, psychosocial support:

  • Coordinate the provision of funded psychosocial support, when coordination is escalated by Councils, through information, emotional support, and referrals to other support services in relief centres and through outreach into impacted communities.
15.3, 15.4
Relief Lead Agency (RelLA) responsible to arrange emergency shelter and emergency accommodation for displaced households when requested by councils. 
LSVProvide emergency evacuation/relief centres at the lifesaving clubs.3.3
Salvation ArmyAs appropriate, make available any Salvation Army service during an emergency to assist persons affected (e.g. personal support, emergency accommodation, transport).10.2, 15.2, 15.3, 20.2, 20.7
 

Critical Task 15.2: Coordinate and manage services to meet the physical needs of affected populations.

AgencyActivityAdditional alignment to critical tasks
ADFThe Commonwealth supplies DACC Emergency Assistance to Victoria for response (including relief) of major emergencies. This Emergency DACC categorisation is principally based on immediate threat to life, property and the environment; alleviating suffering, and the activation of Australian Government Disaster Response Plan (COMDISPLAN) arrangements.3.2
ARCRecovery Lead Agency (RecLA) to provide psychosocial support services to affected people and communities (where agreed and/or funded).3.2, 15.3, 20.1, 20.6
Relief Lead Agency (RelLA) to to provide emergency food relief (including water) to isolated communities and/or affected people and communities in emergency relief centres and/or other settings, where agreed, and in partnership with state and local government, and relevant organisations. 
AVRelief Support Agency (RelSA) to DH to coordinate other health and medical relief assistance measures3.1, 14.3, 14.4, 15.1
Support the Evacuation Manager in evacuating vulnerable people. 
Support the immediate pre-hospital health necessities in temporary shelter options for displaced persons (including initial provision of pre-hospital care while first aid options are activated and health command of pre-hospital resources in temporary shelter facilities).15.1
Work with, coordinate and manage services to meet the physical needs of affected populations, including establishing Field Primary Care Clinics or other health relief assistance measures as directed by the State Health Commander. 
CityLinkFacilitate steps to ensure the physical and mental wellbeing of company personnel involved in the emergency.15.3
DELead agency to help students and school staff of government schools to overcome the immediate impact of an emergency by providing specialist support services including providing psychological first aid and psychoeducation.3.1, 15.3, 20.1
Provide advice and support to early childhood services and non-government schools when required.3.2, 4.5
DEECARelief Coordinating Agency (RelCA) and Relief Lead Agency (RelLA) to provide drinking water in non-reticulated areas (as required). DEECA will coordinate relief drinking water supplies to affected areas and may request support from Water Corporations. 

Reticulated water and wastewater (sewerage) services:

  • Recovery Coordinating Agency (RecCA) for reticulated water and wastewater services, including Recovery Lead Agency (RecLA) to recover and rehabilitate reticulated sewerage, sanitation systems and wastewater management systems. Water Corporations lead recovery to restore services and DEECA oversees activities undertaken by Water Corporations.
19.4, 19.7

Reticulated water and wastewater (sewerage) services:

  • Recovery Coordinating Agency (RecCA) for reticulated water and wastewater services, including Recovery Lead Agency (RecLA) to recover and rehabilitate reticulated water services. Water Corporations lead recovery to restore services and DEECA oversees activities undertaken by Water Corporations.
19.4, 19.7
DJCSProvide advice, information and assistance to individuals, communities and funded agencies and Councils about relevant DJCS services.11.1
Provide resources to support relief centres, where possible.3.2, 10.1
DJSIRRelief Coordinating Agency (RelCA) and Relief Lead Agency (RelLA) responsible for liaising with major food distribution operators to support food and grocery supply continuity.4.5
DTPRecovery Lead Agency (RecLA) to coordinate (through the Head, TfV) the restoration of bus, rail and contracted ferries services.3.1, 3.2, 11.1, 11.2, 11.3
EastlinkFacilitate steps to ensure the physical and mental wellbeing of all company personnel involved in emergencies.15.3
FoodbankCo-lead agency with the Salvation Army to provide essential material aid (non-food items) to emergency affected persons specifically key personal care items including toilet paper, soap, sanitary supplies.10.2, 20.5
Coordinate, supply and distribute the Breakfast in Schools Program for participating schools as required.3.2, 10.2, 15.5, 20.4
Provide essential material aid (e.g. food, water, key personal care items) to charity partners to meet increased demand due to major emergency.3.2
Source, provide and distribute food relief to affected communities via a network of food donors, transporters, agency and charity partners and through Farms to Families Pop-Up Market program.3.2, 10.2, 10.3
Salvation ArmyAs appropriate, make available any Salvation Army service during an emergency to assist persons affected (e.g. personal support, emergency accommodation, transport).10.2, 15.1, 15.3, 20.2, 20.7
Assist in the provision of catering to emergency management personnel and affected persons.10.1, 10.2
Primary support agency at state level for provision of material needs (including bedding and clothing) to affected persons.10.2
Relief Coordinating Agency (RelCA) for disbursement of material aid (non-food items), including Relief Lead Agency (RelLA) to coordinate the provision of essential material aid (non-food items) to individuals, families and communities affected by emergencies such as clothing, bedding materials and personal necessities, to help ensure their personal comfort, dignity, health and wellbeing. 
Relief Support Agency (RelSA) to ARC to provide emergency food relief (including water) at regional and state levels, including support from other agencies, and provide support at the local level when requested. 
Service StreamFacilitate steps to ensure the physical and mental wellbeing of all company personnel involved in emergencies.15.3
St John AmbulanceProvide community transport services.14.5
Provide first aid and medical services support to community within the scope of the SEMP Health Emergencies Sub-Plan, including Emergency Relief Centres and staging areas.14.2
VMIALead agency for insurance and claims management advice and support for departments and participating agencies. 
Water CorporationsRelief Support Agency (RelSA) to DEECA to provide drinking water in non-reticulated areas (as required).3.2, 10.2
WorkSafeEnsure injured workers impacted by the emergency event are identified during the claims process to expedite provision of required supports and a timely response to their claim.17.5, 20.5
 

Critical Task 15.3: Coordinate and manage services to meet the psychosocial needs of affected populations.

AgencyActivityAdditional alignment to critical tasks
ARCRecovery Lead Agency (RecLA) to provide psychosocial support services to affected people and communities (where agreed and/or funded).3.2, 15.2, 20.1, 20.6
Relief Lead Agency (RelLA) to provide a range of psychosocial support services in emergencies, including Psychological First Aid (PFA) to people and communities in emergency relief centres and/or recovery centres, through community outreach, and in other settings as required. 
CityLinkFacilitate steps to ensure the physical and mental wellbeing of company personnel involved in the emergency.15.2
DELead agency to help students and school staff of government schools to overcome the immediate impact of an emergency by providing specialist support services including providing psychological first aid and psychoeducation.3.1, 15.2, 20.1
DFFH

Relief Coordinating Agency (RelCA) of emergency shelter, psychosocial support:

  • Coordinate the provision of funded psychosocial support, when coordination is escalated by Councils, through information, emotional support, and referrals to other support services in relief centres and through outreach into impacted communities.
15.1, 15.4
DGSCoordinate outreach services such as births, deaths and marriages. 
DJCSCoordinate outreach justice services , such as community work group resources as required for recovery. 
EastlinkFacilitate steps to ensure the physical and mental wellbeing of all company personnel involved in emergencies.15.2
NBN CoIf appropriate, and subject to availability, deploy temporary emergency management solutions connectivity to relief centres.6.1
Salvation ArmyAs appropriate, make available any Salvation Army service during an emergency to assist persons affected (e.g. personal support, emergency accommodation, transport).10.2, 15.1, 15.2, 20.2, 20.7
Service StreamFacilitate steps to ensure the physical and mental wellbeing of all company personnel involved in emergencies.15.2
VCC EMProvide psychosocial support including emotional spiritual care under the SEMP Health Emergencies Sub-Plan (HESP). 
Water CorporationsRecovery Support Agency (RecSA) to make available essential water for agriculture (from raw water sources) and domestic uses (potable or raw water) to replace like for like water taken by DEECA and CFA from private landholders during bushfire suppression activities. However, Water Corporations do not manage the operations or supply the water. It is a priority for DEECA and CFA to take raw water for bushfire suppression rather than potable water.3.2
 

Critical Task 15.4: Assess and provide financial hardship assistance payments.

AgencyActivityAdditional alignment to critical tasks
DFFH

Relief Coordinating Agency (RelCA) of emergency shelter, psychosocial support:

  • Coordinate the provision of funded psychosocial support, when coordination is escalated by Councils, through information, emotional support, and referrals to other support services in relief centres and through outreach into impacted communities.
15.1, 15.3
Relief Lead Agency (RelLA) responsible to administer emergency financial assistance in the form of relief payments through the DFFH Personal Hardship Assistance Program to help individuals meet their immediate relief needs. 
EMV

Recovery Lead Agency (RecLA) to:

  • provide financial assistance to relevant government agencies and to Councils where eligible for disaster expenditure including counter disaster operations and the restoration of essential municipal assets.
3.1, 19.7

Recovery Support Agency (RecSA) to support:

  • DFFH to deliver re-establishment assistance the Personal Hardship Assistance Program.
3.2, 20.3
ERVState and Commonwealth funding for recovery (including in partnership with EMV), as required.20.3
Support the design and/or administration of recovery grants in coordination with the Commonwealth Government, recovery agencies and Councils, as required.20.3
NEMANEMA administer the Australian Government’s disaster recovery payments, including the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment and the Disaster Recovery Allowance to support individuals affected by a major disaster.20.3
NEMA administers the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) on behalf of the Australian Government, which provides financial assistance to the state and territory governments to assist with the costs of certain disaster relief and recovery assistance measures.20.3
The Australian Government provides financial assistance to help individuals and communities to recover from natural disasters.20.3
RAC

Recovery Support Agency (RecSA) to implement available rural financial assistance to assist:

  • primary producers’ recovery
  • small businesses’ recovery
  • economic recovery
17.1, 20.3
Services AustraliaCoordinate response to emergencies through disaster payments such as Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment, Australian Victim of Terrorism Overseas Payment, Disaster Recovery Allowance and ex gratia assistance.20.3
Disaster event priorities include - provision of information and advice about Australian Government emergency payments and services for affected Australians.20.3, 20.5
Provide the following services - participate in the operation of community recovery centres on request of DFFH providing information in relation to Australian Government emergency payments and income support options.4.5

Provide the following services:

  • have staff available with specialist skills (for example social workers, community engagement officers, indigenous service officers) to work with disaster affected individuals and communities in relation to Services Australia payments and services.
3.2, 6.1, 14.4, 15.5, 20.6
TelstraWhere appropriate, Telstra provide relief packages for Telstra customers.17.5
 

Critical Task 15.5: Monitor emerging needs and adapt services to minimise the long term consequences on health and wellbeing.

AgencyActivityAdditional alignment to critical tasks
AVMonitor emerging needs and adapt services to minimise the long-term consequences on pre-hospital health and wellbeing. 
CBCProvide advice on, refer or escalate as required, emergency related issues impacting cross border communities through relevant channels in Victoria, or via connections in neighbouring states.2.1
CouncilsRegional tier coordinator to coordinate information on relief services and support to communities.15.1, 15.7
FoodbankCoordinate, supply and distribute the Breakfast in Schools Program for participating schools as required.3.2, 10.2, 15.2, 20.4
Develop data systems to track and analyse emerging food insecurity trends.4.3, 4.4
Services Australia

Provide the following services:

  • have staff available with specialist skills (for example social workers, community engagement officers, indigenous service officers) to work with disaster affected individuals and communities in relation to Services Australia payments and services.
3.2, 6.1, 14.4, 15.4, 20.6
VCC EMSupport DFFH to assist DPC in the development and coordination of state services of worship and assist in the organisation of public memorials and gatherings to support the recovery of affected communities.3.2
 

Critical Task 15.6: Facilitate the reunification of family and friends separated during an emergency.

AgencyActivityAdditional alignment to critical tasks
ARCRelief Lead Agency (RelLA) to for reconnecting family and friends through the operation of Register.Find.Reunite in relief centres, enquiry centres or online, or other settings where agreed.3.2
VicPolResponsible for registration of evacuees – in conjunction with ARC.3.1, 3.2, 4.5
VIFMProvide support for reconnection of family and friends.3.2
 

Critical Task 15.7: Coordinate and manage services to meet the immediate needs of affected livestock.

AgencyActivityAdditional alignment to critical tasks
CouncilsRegional tier coordinator to coordinate information on relief services and support to communities.15.1, 15.5
DEECA

Control agency for response:

  • blue green algae (excluding marine blooms)
  • cetacean (whale and dolphin) stranding, entanglement and vessel strike
  • dam safety incidents
  • energy (electricity, gas, and liquid fuels) network supply disruptions
  • fire in state forest, national park and protected public land
  • non-hazardous pollution of inland waters
  • reticulated water and wastewater disruption (sewerage) service
  • wildlife affected by marine and freshwater pollution
  • wildlife welfare arising from an emergency event
  • biosecurity incursions
    - emergency animal disease outbreaks (including  aquaculture)
    - plant pest or disease outbreaks (including bee pest and disease)
    - invasive plant, animal and exotic marine pest incursions
  • rapid and significant increases in established pest populations (vertebrate pests and plagues).
3.1, 16.1, 16.2