More emotional support available for people in disaster zones

• Dedicated 24/7 Lifeline support service opens for Queenslanders impacted by natural disasters in the state’s far north and south-east regions. 
• Dedicated number is 1800 116 671. 
• Impacted residents can also receive face-to-face support at Community Recovery Hubs operating in the disaster zones. 
• 400 Community Recovery staff currently working to process grant assistance applications from people in the impacted regions. 

A dedicated Lifeline Queensland phone support service has opened, to help Queenslanders impacted by the recent disaster in the state's far north and south-east regions. 

The helpline will provide emotional support to people in the impacted regions, augmenting the psychosocial assistance already being provided through Community Recovery Hubs and other human and social services. 

The Miles Government has a dedicated team of Community Recovery staff processing personal hardship assistance grant applications from affected Queenslanders across these regions. 

This team has been bolstered from 85 to 400 employees since 25 December 2023 to help payments get to people as quickly as possible. So far, more than $10.7M has been paid to Queenslanders affected by these events, benefitting 61,226 people. 

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles: 

“People are hurting both emotionally and financially as a result of Tropical Cyclone Jasper in the far north of the state and severe thunderstorms that have rocked parts of the south-east since Christmas Day,” he said. 

“My Government wants Queenslanders to know that we stand with you and will provide help where we can. 

“If you are feeling the strain and want to speak to someone about how you are feeling, then please call our dedicated Lifeline support service on 1800 116 671. 

“You can also access face-to-face support at Community Recovery Hubs where residents who are experiencing hardship can apply for grants and obtain emotional and wellbeing support. 

“Due to the unprecedented impacts of Tropical Cyclone Jasper and Severe Storms in South East Queensland, we’ve received an extremely high number of grant applications to date. 

“To manage the incoming applications, we have increased to 400 the number of Community Recovery staff dedicated to processing grant applications, to ensure that help reaches people experiencing hardship as quickly as possible.” 

Quotes attributable to Len Phillipson, Acting Statewide Manager, Lifeline Queensland Community Services. 

"Lifeline Queensland stands with community members affected by environmental disasters throughout the State, providing support through a dedicated emotional helpline. 

"The aftermath of cyclones and flooding events leaves an indelible mark on individuals and causes emotional strain. These communities are incredibly resilient but as the days shift into weeks and months, we know resilience levels dip and emotional wellbeing deteriorates. 

"Through this dedicated phone service, the compassionate and trained Lifeline Queensland team is ready to provide a listening ear, offer an unbiased perspective and most importantly, help callers to feel emotionally and mentally safe. 

"With a legacy of more than 60 years in the community, Lifeline Queensland remains dedicated to standing by our community, helping them navigate the path to recovery and building a healthier, more resilient future." 

Further information: 

People can apply for personal hardship assistance scheme grants at www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp. 

Up to date information about disaster support and recovery is available at  www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp. 

Once a grant application has been processed by Community Recovery, payments are made directly to the applicant’s bank account. 

It may take up to five working days for the money to appear in the applicant’s bank account, depending on their bank’s processing time. 

Community Recovery Hubs are now open in impacted local government areas. The locations and opening times are available at www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp. 

Information about disaster support and recovery for culturally and linguistically diverse people is available in a range of languages at www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/disasters/resources-translations/disaster-information-language. 

The Community Recovery Hotline 1800 173 349 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week for people to obtain information, support or assistance with grant applications. 

ENDS