Home » News » Extension of the Bushfire Psychological Counselling Voucher Program

Extension of the Bushfire Psychological Counselling Voucher Program

The Bushfire Psychological Counselling Voucher Program was developed through a $3.5 million gift from the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund. The program assists people directly affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfires to access psychological counselling support. The program provides up to twelve counselling sessions to each individual (including dependant children over five years of age) who have been directly affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfires. To date over 2,200 people have applied for vouchers and over 14,000 voucher have been issued.

In response to ongoing demand for the program the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund Advisory Panel have :

*   Extended the program. People can apply for vouchers until 1 June 2012 and they will be redeemable until 31 August 2012  and that
*   Increased the value of the vouchers. From 1 August 2011 the value of the psychological counselling vouchers will be increased from $100 to up to $150 to reflect the increased cost of counselling sessions.

Vouchers issued after 1 August  2011 will reflect these changes, however it is important to note that any vouchers issued before 1 August  2011 are also valid for the new value and can be used until 31 August 2012.

See links below for information sheets:

*   updated information sheet for applicants
*   updated  information sheet service providers
*   Wellness Voucher information for treatment providers


Extension of the Bushfire Recovery Wellness Voucher Program

The Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund Advisory Panel has extended the Bushfire Recovery Wellness Voucher program until 31 August 2012.  The extension means that people can apply for vouchers until 1 June 2012 and they will be redeemable until 31 August 2012.

I would be grateful if you could advise the members of your Division of the program's extension and distribute the attached updated Information for treatment providers.  Full details of the program are available at www.dhs.vic.gov.au/bushfireappeal/wellnessvouchers<http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/bushfireappeal/wellnessvouchers>.

Please contact Alistair Sandison, telephone (03) 9096-8470 or email alistair.sandison@health.vic.gov.au if you have any queries with the  wellness voucher program.

The Bushfire Appeals Funds hot line can be contacted on 1800-180-213.

Site search

Latest Twitter status