How to help

Donations

Australian Red Cross - Donate blood.

Australian Red Cross - Donate online or call 1800 811 700.

Bogus bushfire appeals (Consumer Affairs Victoria) - People wanting to donate should check that the organisation conducting the appeal is registered.

Food - VicRelief Foodbank - 9362 8300 - Business donations of food.

Salvation Army

St Vincent de Paul Society

Victorian Bushfire Accommodation Donation Line - 1800 006 468 - Available from 8am to 8pm. Allow Victorians to register spare accommodation that can be provided to those left homeless from the state's horrific bushfires.

Yellow Ribbon - Show your support for those affected by the bushfires - pick up your free yellow ribbon today at any Spotlight store.

Volunteering

Bushfire Volunteer Line - 1300 366 356 or register online.

Identification and documents

Licensing arrangements - VicRoads - 13 11 71 - VicRoads has priority licensing services in place for communities affected by the Victorian bushfires.

Medicare - Residents who have lost property or belongings in the Victoria bushfires can obtain their Medicare number from any Medicare office or by calling Medicare Australia on 13 20 11. Medicare Australia will also provide Medicare numbers, on request, direct to hospital staff, health professionals, pharmacists and other support services. This will allow people to continue to have access to Medicare rebated health services. Temporary replacement cards will be available for anyone who no longer has their Medicare card. These cards can be issued by Centrelink, Medicare Australia, or other agencies like Red Cross.

Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages - As part of Government's assistance to victims of the Victorian bushfires, the Registry has created a special application form for people seeking replacement birth, marriage or change of name certificates. Application form and 'FAQs' fact sheet are available to download from the Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages website.

Consulates in Australia - Foreign nationals who have lost documentation in the bushfires can contact their nearest consulate. A list of consulates is available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.

Wills, deceased estates, next of kin searches, lost documents - State Trustees hotline number - (03) 9667 6073 or http://www.statetrustees.com.au/