Dear members, 

On behalf of the Board of Master Builders Victoria, we would like to extend our sympathies to all our members across the state impacted by the severe flooding.

As the extent of the devastation and the impact on livelihoods, livestock, and property becomes more apparent, we want you to know that Master Builders Victoria will walk with you on the road to recovery. 

It says a lot about Victoria’s spirit to see communities rallying together to help each other. Neighbours looking out for each other and offering shelter and goodwill in others’ times of need is the essence of the Australian spirit. 

Once again, the work of our police, SES, and emergency services has been outstanding. There have been instances of heroic rescue efforts for those whom heavy flood waters have isolated. 

However, this emergency is still unfolding, with more heavy rain forecast later this week, and flood waters continue to rise even as the rain has ceased. 

We urge all our members to follow the appropriate advice and stay safe. 

There will be much work to be done in the coming weeks and months for affected communities to recover and rebuild. 

But for now, our thoughts and prayers are with anyone affected by the recent flood emergency. 

Please be assured that the team at Master Builders Victoria is available should you need any help or advice. 

Don’t hesitate to contact us on (03) 9411 4555 if you need assistance. 

If you haven’t been impacted by the Floods but want to help out with the recovery, please register your interest at [email protected] and we will be in touch as the situation develops. 

In the meantime, we have included some important information and resources which we hope you find useful. 

Considerations when Vacating & Closing a Site
For considerations when vacating and closing a site, including practical steps, communications with employees, leave arrangements, stand-downs, legal contracts and useful clauses and reasonable/immediate control, click here.

Relief Assistance
Emergency Relief Payment 
Emergency financial assistance is available for community members whose homes have been impacted by the current flood emergency in Victoria to help them to meet their relief needs. 

Emergency relief payments of up to $580 per adult and $290 per child (up to a maximum of $2030 per eligible family) are available. 

The Victorian Government has announced the establishment of the Personal Hardship Assistance Program’s Emergency Re-establishment Assistance fund., This fund will support Victorian families whose properties are hardest-hit beyond the initial payments for food and shelter, helping to pay for clean-up, repairs, rebuilding, and replacing household contents. This fund includes the provision of up to $42,250 for uninsured properties.

For more information on the Personal Hardship assistance program and the Emergency Re-establishment Assistance fund, visit Personal Hardship Assistance Program - DFFH Services. 

Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) 
The disaster recovery allowance has been made available to assist employees and sole traders who experience a loss of income as a direct result of a major disaster and is payable for a maximum of 13 weeks. DRA is taxable. 

In addition, the one-off, non-means tested Australian government disaster recovery payment of $1000 for eligible adults and $400 for children is available to people who live in the Victorian LGAs of Campaspe, Greater Shepparton, Maribyrnong, Mitchell, and Strathbogie who have suffered a significant loss as a result of the floods, including, a severely damaged or destroyed home or a serious injury.  

Information about the payments, including all eligible local government areas, is available here.

Small Business Immediate Flood Relief Program

Small business owners whose livelihoods have been affected by the floods will also be supported through the $54 million Small Business Immediate Flood Relief Program. Directly impacted small businesses will be eligible for a one-off payment of $5,000 to support clean-up, safety inspections, repairs, the hiring of equipment and purchase of stock that businesses need to get back in business as quickly as possible.

Fees Waived for Flood Waste 

If you are in a flood affected area, please be aware that the Victorian Government is removing charges to dispose of flood waste to help communities clean up. The waste levy for flood waste will be completely waived, and landfill operator gate fees covered, in flood-affected local government areas until the end of the year – ensuring all flood waste can be disposed of at landfill free of charge. 

To see if your LGA is included, visit the Premier announcement here.

Additional Information and Support Services
Disaster Information   
Call 132 500 for emergency assistance from VICSES in the event of flooding, storms, landslides, earthquakes and tsunamis.

Call Triple Zero (000) in life-threatening emergencies. 

Recovery Information  
For recovery information, contact your local council, go to the VicEmergency Relief and Recovery or call the VicEmergency Hotline (1800 226 226) 

Mental Health Support
For mental health support talk to your doctor or contact: 

Lifeline website, or call 13 11 14. 

Beyond Blue website, or call 1300 224 636. 

Kids Helpline website, or call 1800 551 800. 

SANE Australia website, or call 1800 187 263. 

Master Builders Insurance Brokers - Insurance Support 
The Master Builders Insurance Brokers (MBIB) team is available for any policy coverage, claims questions and any claims support for MBV members and MBIB clients.   

We can assist irrespective of whether the policy was placed through MBIB, another broker, or coverage was arranged directly with the insurer. Additionally, if you’ve already submitted an insurance claim, we can assist you through the claims process, even if the initial lodgement has already occurred. 
 
Contact MBIB through either MBV on (03) 9411 4555, your MBIB Account Executive directly, or our Claims Specialist Ash Deppeler on (03) 8673 0382.

Returning to a Property after a Flood Event
Information on how to return to a property after a flood event can be viewed here:

MBV is here for you
Please be reminded that the MBV Team is here to assist you during this challenging time.
Members requiring assistance are encouraged to call (03) 9411 4555.