Flood-hit communities urged to apply for Red Cross grants

Applications open tomorrow for Australian Red Cross flood grants funded by the extraordinary generosity of more than 92,000 people across the nation who have pitched in to help support flood-hit communities across Queensland and New South Wales.

Australia Unites Telethon raised $25.2 million for people hit by the devastating floods and 100% of the money pledged will go directly to people impacted.

Red Cross estimates it will be able to provide payments of $500 to up to 50,000 households impacted by the floods.

Bereavement grants of $20,000 will also be provided to families who sadly lost relatives in the floods and are experiencing financial hardship.

“This money is a gift from the Australian people. We can only give what we receive, and Red Cross is providing help as part of a much larger multi-agency recovery effort,” Red Cross Acting Director of Australian Programs Garry Page said.

Details of grants available:

• Bereavement grants of $20,000 to support senior next-of-kin of people who died as a direct result of the floods with immediate needs (funeral and other related expenses) if they are experiencing financial hardship. We will be contacting senior next-of-kin directly in relation to these grants. 
  
  
• A $500 relief grant per household to help with basic needs such as food, clothing or personal items for people whose primary place of residence was affected by the floods and who are experiencing financial hardship as a result.

Mr Page said applications for grants funded by a weekend telethon that raised $25.2 million would open tomorrow (18 March), with the first grants expected to arrive in peoples’ bank accounts from Monday (21 March).

“Every cent raised at the telethon will go as direct assistance to applicants from up to 50,000 households that have been affected by the floods. No essential operating costs have been deducted from funds raised during the telethon. This is an exception that has been made possible by the generous support from funders,” he said.

“The grants process has been designed to ensure funds get to where they’re needed quickly, delivering on the remarkable national generosity and compassion harnessed by the telethon, which was broadcast across networks 9, 10 and 7.

Applications for the $500 grant open tomorrow and the best way to apply is on our website at redcross.org.au/grants, and eligible people need to complete a simple online form. People can also call 1800 733 276 for assistance. Grants will be distributed until all eligible applications have been processed or available funds are exhausted.

The telethon was separate from the ongoing Red Cross floods appeal, which is enabling Red Cross staff and volunteers to continue to respond in flood-hit communities, support long term recovery and provide cash assistance.

Donations to the ongoing appeal can be made at Coles, Australia Post, Commonwealth Bank and Bank of Queensland outlets and Red Cross stores.

Mr Page said individuals and communities would take a long time to recover from the devastation wrought by the floods.

 “We are there with communities for the long haul, working with our not-for-profit and government partners in the affected areas,” he said.

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For media queries or interview requests, contact media@redcross.org.au or 1800 733 443