Support for bushfire affected business

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry & Victoria Tourism Industry Council

Support for bushfire affected business

Victoria and many states across Australia are suffering from the tragic bushfire disaster. The fires have been devastating for communities, individuals and businesses and have caused extensive damage and heartache. The impacts of these fires will be long-lasting.

As part of our response, the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (the Victorian Chamber) and the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) have established a 12-month, $500,000 support package to assist businesses affected by the Victorian bushfires.

All services under this support package will be provided at no cost to any business in a Victorian natural disaster declared area, including:

· Mental health support with access to a confidential counselling service

· Access to our local training and business mentoring, with a focus on health, safety and wellbeing courses and business restoration

· Access to our Workplace Relations Advice Line

· Membership fee waiver for Victorian Chamber and VTIC members for the next 12 months.

The Victorian Chamber and VTIC will continue to work with the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments on a comprehensive, whole of State package that delivers meaningful support and business outcomes.

Thriving business is the lifeblood of our communities, providing the jobs, goods and services on which we all rely. Our focus is on supporting businesses and rebuilding communities to ensure they can prosper once again.

On behalf of Victoria’s business community, the Victorian Chamber and VTIC acknowledge the many individuals and organisations that have played a vital role in the emergency response and recovery effort. Individuals and businesses alike have been extremely generous with their time, money and resources.

We welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively with all levels of government, relevant agencies and other stakeholders to ensure recovery from the bushfires is swift and sustainable.

/Public Release.