Hi all,

While this bout of spring weather has been lovely, we’re all aware of the impending rain, and possibly still cleaning up after the last deluge.  We have received support info for flood-affected businesses.  Rather than re-word, I have copy and pasted directly. There is some useful info on how to claim financial support, accessing support for mental health, advice on how to manage bookings/cancellations and a list of resources. Sorry the formatting is lousy…I’m flying solo here today and don’t have my experts here to help with design.
Cheers, Steve
Financial support
Business owners will be supported through the $54 million Small Business Immediate Flood Relief Program.
Directly impacted 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.
The program will also support a dedicated Business Relief Service – with dedicated mentors to guide business owners through the available Commonwealth, state and local supports, manage insurance and landlord issues and build a strong recovery strategy.
Applications will open on Thursday 20 October. 
For more information, visit Business Victoria or call the Business Victoria hotline on 132 215.
Support for mental health 
In addition, the Victorian Government has announced a $4.4 million initial package that will support any extra mental healthcare flood-affected Victorians need. 
This includes $500,000 for specialist agriculture organisations, including the National Centre for Farmer Health, to provide dedicated mental health support to primary producers whose properties, livestock or crops were lost in the floods.
Further information on this support is available in the Premier’s statement. 
For information on clean up assistance and emergency re-establishment payments visit Supporting Victorians through Flood Clean-Up
Managing bookings 
We understand that during this time your members and the business community may be reaching out to you for advice and support. To assist, especially ahead of the upcoming long weekend, we have prepared key messages that you are welcome to share with your members. 
Floods_Key messages – bookings
Information and support

• Visit the Victorian Tourism Industry Council Hub to find current Flood Crisis Management tools such as business support, crisis planning and travel impacts.  This includes information on where tourism businesses can seek assistance and the type of support they can apply for such as financial aid and grants. We encourage you to share this site with industry.
• Tourism Crisis Guides are available for operators: You can find the planning, responding and recovery guides.
• Visit the Regional Tourism Network collab site for the latest information to support Regional Tourism Boards.

Key resources

• VicEmergency provides a centralised location for Victorians to access timely emergency information and warnings.  Information can be accessed from the website, app, social media channels or by calling the Hotline 1800 226 226.
• Bureau of Meteorology has a specific Victorian flood page with information on flood warnings, flood watches, river height and rainfall. Flood Warnings and Flood Watches for Victorian Catchments are also available via Telephone Weather Service 1300 659 217.
• VicTraffic through VicRoads provides the latest road closures and information resulting from the flooding across Victoria.  Never drive through floodwater.
• Parks Victoria are updating individual park pages as they become affected.  Check for any changes affecting by going directly to the park page or contacting the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963.
• For a list of State Forest closures, visit the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
• Connect with your partner local governments to see how they are providing localised support.