Relief and recovery centres
Our relief and recovery work focuses on helping people during and after an emergency—we will coordinate the delivery of information and assistance that people need to secure these basic needs such as somewhere to live, clothing and food.
A range of government departments, local community organisations, health agencies and volunteer groups work with us.
What's the difference?
Relief centres (during an emergency)
A relief centre may be opened during an emergency event.
It provides a place for people with a temporary gathering place to get information and basic support services such as food and accommodation.
A relief centre provides only very basic amenities and should be considered an option only if going to family, neighbours or friends is not feasible. Pets and animals are also welcome at relief centres as long as they are contained (e.g. in horse floats, animal cages or on a leash).
The location of an emergency relief centre will depend on where the bushfire and/or emergency threat is at the time.
For safety reasons, we do not publish relief centre locations in advance. A centre listed too early could end up being in the path of the fire, or unsafe to access; and we don’t want people travelling to a location that may not be open.
When a relief centre is activated, the location will be announced through official emergency channels, on the Vic Emergency App or by listening to the official emergency broadcasters on the radio.
Recovery centres (after an emergency)
Once the immediate danger has passed after an emergency, it is likely that a recovery centre will be established. This is a 'one-stop-shop' for people affected by an emergency.
A recovery centre is usually located in the affected community and provides a place where residents can access support from Red Cross, Salvation Army and other services; and information regarding such things as insurance, accommodation and financial support. It is also commonly used as a meeting place for the community to come together and support one another.