Recovery and resilience grants program

About the Grants

Find out about the two types of grants and the building works that they can be used for.

There are two types of reimbursement grants available for private property owners whose residential dwelling/s sustained storm damage to the building from TC Ilsa.

An eligible applicant can apply for one or both types of reimbursement grants to a maximum of $50,000.

Recovery Grant

The Recovery Grant reimburses private homeowners who incurred out-of-pocket costs as a result of clean-up or repair works that are not covered by available insurance.

Evidence is required when applying for a Recovery Grant and includes, but is not limited to:

Independent assessment by an insurance company or qualified building/engineering professional of damage to the dwelling.
If the dwelling is insured, documentation from the insurer indicating the gap between the works and costs covered by insurance and the works and costs incurred by the property owner.
Evidence that building works have been or will be undertaken by a registered builder or registered business or suitably qualified tradesperson.

Resilience Grant

The Resilience Grant reimburses private homeowners for building works that improve the resilience of their residential property against future cyclones.

For eligible properties in wind region C or D this means works that upgrade buildings to meet or exceed the design requirements for that region.
For eligible properties in wind region B, this means works that upgrade buildings to meet cyclonic design requirements, as per wind region C.

The following building works may be eligible for a Resilience Grant:

Installation of roof structure tie-down upgrades cyclonic to the appropriate wind rating, undertaken by a registered builder.
Replacement of garage doors and frames with appropriately wind-rated garage doors, undertaken by a registered business.
Installation of appropriately wind-rated window protections including cyclone shutters or debris screens undertaken by a registered business.
Replacement of external hollow core doors with solid external grade doors.

Eligibility Criteria

Understand how you may be eligible for one or both grants.

Grant Applicant Eligibility Criteria

The dwelling must be located within one of these Local Government Areas: Broome, East Pilbara or Port Hedland.
The building enclosure has been materially damaged or destroyed by Tropical Cyclone Ilsa, impacting the integrity and function of the dwelling.
The dwelling must be a place of residence or associated with a place of residence including:
- a residential free standing or attached (side by side) building (Class 1A)
- a small boarding house or guest house operated by someone whose place of residence is the building (Class 1B)
- a self-contained residential dwelling within a building containing two or more separate dwellings (Class 2 building)
- a self-contained residential dwelling within a building containing two or more separate dwellings (Class 2 building)
Grant applicant must own or be the mortgagor of the dwelling at the time of the event. This may include the owners of businesses that own dwellings.

Building Work Eligibility Criteria

A registered builder has undertaken building and structural works, including roof tie-downs and appropriate approvals have been obtained.
Registered tradespersons have undertaken plumbing and electrical works.
A registered business has installed eligible cyclone shutters or screens, wind-rated garage doors, or solid external grade doors.
Applicants are not able to claim costs for their own labour or in-kind labour but may be able to claim the costs of reimbursement for materials they have purchased for repairs, subject to those works meeting regulatory requirements.

Application and Assessment Process

Learn about the grant application process and how the applications are assessed.

You are encouraged to contact the Recovery Grants Team on 1800 490 678 as soon as possible. They can assist you through the entire process.

The following steps outline the online application and assessment process:

Start your application. It requires information about you and your damaged property.
Submit your application. You will receive a confirmation email when it has been received.
A grants officer will contact you to discuss your application and confirm your eligibility.
A grants officer will advise you of the evidence requirements. They may also ask to speak to your builder and/or insurer.
Payment is made when the works are completed, in one of two ways:
- applicants can be reimbursed for eligible costs incurred directly into their nominated bank account, or
- applicants can authorise DFES to make the payment to the contractor on their behalf.

As part of the assessment process, the following evidence may be requested:

proof of identification and address
proof of home ownership
proof of under-insurance from insurer (for Recovery Grant only)
photographic evidence of the works undertaken
building contracts stating the work undertaken and costs incurred
copies of quotes and receipts

Contact

Do you have questions about the grants or your application?

Information and support are available via phone or email.

‍

Recovery Grants Team

Phone: 1800 490 678

Email: recoverygrants@dfes.wa.gov.au

Important Dates

Read here for the closing dates of the grant program.

Applications for a Recovery and/or Resilience Grant close on 30 June 2024.

Note: You do not require a quote for building works when you first apply for a grant.

The date for builders to complete eligible works under the Recovery and Resilience Grants Program is 30 June 2025.

Information for Builders and Suppliers

Read here if you are undertaking building works for cyclone affected residents who have applied for this grant program.

Applicants are the key decision maker during the application process, therefore builders and suppliers should maintain clear communication when preparing quotations or scheduling works under the Recovery and Resilience Grants Program.

Potential suppliers/builders should send all quotations to the applicant for consideration in the first instance. Quotations should not be sent to the grants team before they have been endorsed by the applicant.

It is recommended the applicant seek pre-approval for resilience works to ensure they comply with the grant requirements. Builders should be aware that if works are not pre-approved there is a risk the grant may not be paid.

Builders are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Recovery and Resilience Grant Program, specifically the evidence requirements for works undertaken.

Photographic evidence (time stamped, geo-tagged) of works undertaken will be required as part of the grant application process. It is recommended builders take photographs of works before they commence and upon completion.

Additionally, if the property has undergone upgrades to make it more resilient to future flooding events, photographs of the installed resilient treatments will be required.

Builders should ensure they have the capacity to schedule and complete all works and submit all supporting documentation and invoices by 30 June 2025. Invoices received after this date risk non-payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to commonly asked questions about the grants program.

Can I speak to someone about the Recovery and Resilience Grants Program to help me understand it better?

Yes. We encourage you to phone 1800 490 678 to speak with a member of the Recovery Grants Team who will be happy to assist with your query and support you through the application process.

Do I undertake the building works first and then apply for a grant, or should I apply for the grant before the work is carried out?

If you have commenced or completed works that may be eligible for one or both grants, please contact the Recovery Grants Team who can assist you with determining the evidence you require to help with your application.

‍

If you are yet to commence works that may be considered eligible, you can apply for the grant to confirm your eligibility. Once deemed eligible, a grants officer will provide support during the application process to ensure the correct evidence is supplied to prove the repair and/or resilience building works have been completed to the required specifications.

Is there an application form I can complete by hand, instead of doing my application online?

Yes. There are a few options if you cannot complete the form online.

You can phone 1800 490 678 to speak with a member of the Recovery Grants Team who can post or email you a copy of the application form.

Alternatively, you can also download a PDF application form from this link.

Can I apply for both grant types because I would like to be reimbursed for clean-up expenses I paid for, but also undertake an eligible resilience activity such as installing a cyclone rated garage door?

Yes. A combination of recovery and resilience activities can be undertaken, subject to your application being approved. The maximum funding you can receive for your dwelling is $50,000.

My insurer did not cover all my clean-up costs and I have finished cleaning up at my expense. Can I apply for a Recovery Grant?

Yes. If you meet the general eligibility criteria and have cleaned-up your insured residential property and/or the immediate surrounding area you may be eligible for reimbursement through a Recovery Grant.

‍

You will need to provide evidence of the insurance gap, have paid for the clean-up at your own expense and can demonstrate what clean-up activities were undertaken. Evidence such as photos of the debris and damage will be required. Please contact a member of the Recovery Grants Team who can assist you with the evidence required as part of the application process.

I have taken a cash payout from my insurance. Can I still apply for one or both grants?

Yes. You may be eligible for a Recovery Grant if you are going to build on the damaged property or repair your house.

You may be eligible for a Resilience Grant if you undertake one or more of the four resilience building works. The four works are upgrading roof tie-downs, installing cyclone rated window protections, installing solid core external doors, and installing wind rated garage doors.

Being reimbursed will depend upon the evidence that works were undertaken.

Why do I need to provide authority to release information regarding my insurance?

Government agencies and private sector organisations cannot share your personal information without your consent. By providing consent to release your insurance information it gives permission for the Department of Fire and Emergency Services - Recovery Grants Team to contact your insurance company and seek information about your insurance claim. The information will be used to further support your grant application and alleviates the need for you to provide detailed insurance information during the application process.

Who is funding and administrating the Recovery and Resilience Grants Program?

The Recovery and Resilience Grants Program is jointly funded by the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. The grants program is being administered by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.

Apply now

Click here to take you to the online application form or a PDF form you can download.

The Homeowners Recovery and Resilience Grants Program is being administered by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and is jointly funded through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

About the Grants

Find out about the two types of grants and the building works that they can be used for.

There are two types of reimbursement grants available for private property owners whose residential dwelling/s sustained damage from flooding associated with Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie.

An eligible applicant can apply for one or both types of reimbursement grants to a maximum of $50,000.

Recovery Grant

The Recovery Grant reimburses private homeowners who incurred out-of-pocket costs as a result of clean-up or repair works that were not covered by available insurance.

Evidence is required when applying for a Recovery Grant and includes, but is not limited to:

Independent assessment by an insurance company or qualified building professional of damage to the dwelling.
If the dwelling is insured, documentation from the insurer indicating the financial gap between the costs covered by insurance and the costs incurred by the property owner.
Evidence that building works have been or will be undertaken by a registered builder or registered business.

Resilience Grant

The Resilience Grant reimburses private homeowners for works to help your dwelling withstand the impact of a future flood.

Evidence of the following building works is required when applying for a Resilience Grant:

Dwellings have been raised at least 0.5m above the 1:100 floor level by a registered builder.
Re-lining of walls and floors with resilient materials undertaken by a registered business.
Raising of electrical outlets, fittings, or components above flood levels undertaken by a registered business.
Replacement of hollow core doors with solid doors undertaken by a registered business.
Replacement of MDF skirtings and joinery with timber, ply, or other resilient materials undertaken by a registered business.
Other approved flood resilience design strategies, materials or details.

For more information, please see Fact Sheet 1 (Information for Property Owners) and Fact Sheet 2 (Recovery Grant).

Eligibility Criteria

Understand how you may be eligible for one or both grants.

Grant Applicant Eligibility Criteria

Dwelling must be located within one of these Local Government Areas: Broome, Derby-West Kimberley, Halls Creek or Wyndham-East Kimberley.
Dwelling has been damaged or destroyed as a result of being inundated by flooding associated with Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie.

Dwelling must be a place of residence or associated with a place of residence including:
- a residential free standing or attached (side by side) building (Class 1A)
- a small boarding house or guest house operated by someone whose place of residence is the building (Class 1B)
- a self-contained residential dwelling within a building containing two or more separate dwellings (Class 2 building) or
- other permanent building used as a residence.
Grant applicant must own or be the mortgage holder of the home at the time of the event.

Building Work Eligibility Criteria

A registered builder must undertake building and structural works including raising floor levels.
A registered business must undertake any of the following works to be eligible for a grant:
- re-lining of walls and floors with resilient materials
- raising of electrical outlets, fittings, or components
- replacement of MDF skirtings and joinery with timber, ply, or other resilient materials
- replacement of hollow core doors with solid doors.

Fact sheets

Fact Sheet 3 - Information on Engaging a Registered Builder

Application and Assessment Process

Learn about the grant application process and how the applications are assessed.

You are encouraged to contact the Recovery Grants Team on 1800 490 678 or visit a Flood Hub (see the Contact section, below) where staff can assist you with the application process.

The following steps outline the online application and assessment process:

Start your application. It requires information about you and your damaged property.
Submit your application. You will receive a confirmation email when it has been received.
A grants officer will contact you to discuss your application and confirm your eligibility.
A grants officer will advise you of the evidence requirements. They may also speak to your builder and/or insurer.
Once building works are completed and all required evidence has been submitted and verified, payment is made in one of two ways:
- applicants can be reimbursed for eligible costs incurred directly into their nominated bank account, or
- applicants can authorise DFES to make the payment to the contractor on their behalf.

As part of the assessment process, the following evidence may be requested of you:

proof of identification and address
proof of home ownership
proof of under-insurance from insurer (for a Recovery Grant only)
photographic evidence of the works undertaken
building contracts stating the work undertaken and costs incurred
copies of quotes and receipts

Applicant Process Map
Supplier Process Map

Contact

Do you have questions about the grants or your application?

Information and support are available via phone, email or in person.

‍

Recovery Grants Team

Phone: 1800 490 678

Email: recoverygrants@dfes.wa.gov.au

‍

Chat with staff at one of the following recovery hubs:

‍

Fitzroy Crossing Flood Hub

Fitzroy Crossing Visitor Centre

4 Flynn Drive

Monday: by appointment only.

Tuesday to Thursday: 8.00am – 12.00pm.

Friday: closed.

To book an appointment, visit the Hub or phone 9191 0904.

‍

Derby Flood Hub

Derby Housing Office

16-22 Loch Street

10.00am – 2.00pm Monday to Friday

Important Dates

Read here for the closing dates of the grant program

Applications for a Recovery and/or Resilience Grant close on 30 June 2024.

Note: You do not require a quote for building works when you first apply for a grant.

The date for builders to complete eligible works under the Recovery and Resilience Grants Program is 30 June 2025.

Information for Builders

Read here if you are undertaking building works for flood affected residents who have applied for this grant program.

Applicants are the key decision maker during the application process, therefore builders should maintain clear communication when preparing quotations or scheduling works under the Recovery and Resilience Grants Program.

Potential suppliers/builders should send all quotations to the applicant for consideration in the first instance. Quotations should not be sent to the grants team before they have been endorsed by the customer/applicant.

Builders are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Recovery and Resilience Grant Program, specifically the evidence required for works undertaken.

It is recommended the applicant seek pre-approval for resilience works to ensure they comply with the grant requirements. Builders should be aware that if works are not pre-approved there is a risk the grant may not be paid.

Additionally, if the property has undergone upgrades to make it more resilient to future flooding events, photographs of the installed resilient treatments will be required.

Builders should ensure they have the capacity to schedule and complete all works and submit all supporting documentation and invoices by 30 June 2025. Invoices received after this date risk non-payment.

Fact sheets

Fact Sheet 4 - Information for Builders, Contractors and Suppliers

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to commonly asked questions about the grants program.

Can I speak to someone about the Recovery and Resilience Grants Program to help me understand it better?

Yes. We encourage you to phone 1800 490 678 to speak with a member of the Recovery Grants Team who will be happy to assist with your query and support you through the application process.

‍

Alternatively, you can meet with a Community Recovery Officer in one of the flood hubs.

‍

Fitzroy Crossing Flood Hub

Fitzroy Crossing Visitor Centre

4 Flynn Drive

8.00am – 12.00pm Monday to Thursday

‍

Derby Flood Hub

Derby Housing Office

16-22 Loch Street

10.00am – 2.00pm Monday to Friday

Do I undertake the building works first and then apply for a grant, or should I apply for the grant before the work is carried out?

Is there an application form I can complete by hand, instead of doing my application online?

Yes. There are a few options if you cannot complete the form online.

You can phone 1800 490 678 to speak with a member of the Recovery Grants Team who can post or email you a copy of the application form.

Visit the Fitzroy Crossing Hub and speak with a Community Recovery Officer who can provide you with a hard copy form.

Alternatively, you can also download a PDF application form from this link.

Can I apply for both grant types because I would like to be reimbursed for clean-up expenses I paid for, but also undertake an eligible resilience activity such as raising the height of my house?

Yes. A combination of recovery and resilience activities can be undertaken, subject to your application being approved. The maximum funding you can receive for your property is $50,000.

My insurer did not cover all my clean-up costs and I have finished cleaning up at my expense. Can I apply for a Recovery Grant?

Yes. If you meet the general eligibility criteria and have cleaned-up your residential property and/or the immediate surrounding area you may be eligible for reimbursement through a Recovery Grant.

You will need to provide evidence to prove that you have paid for the clean-up at your own expense and can demonstrate what clean-up activities were undertaken. Evidence such as photos of the debris and damage will be required. Please contact a member of the DFES Recovery Grants Team who can assist you with the evidence required as part of the application process.

I have taken a cash payout from my insurance. Can I still apply for one or both grants?

Yes. You may be eligible for a Recovery Grant if you are going to build on the damaged property or repair your house.

You may be eligible for a Resilience Grant if you undertake one or more of the resilience building works. The works are raising dwellings, re-lining walls and floors, raising electrical outlets, fittings or components, replacing hollow core doors with solid doors and replacing MDF skirtings and joinery.

Being reimbursed will depend upon the evidence that works were undertaken.

Why do I need to provide authority to release information regarding my insurance?

Government agencies and private sector organisations cannot share your personal information without your consent. By providing consent to release your insurance information it gives permission for the Department of Fire and Emergency Services Recovery Grants Team to contact your insurance company and seek information about your insurance claim. The information will be used to further support your grant application and alleviates the need for you to provide detailed insurance information during the application process.

Who is funding and administrating the Recovery and Resilience Grants Program?

The Recovery and Resilience Grants Program is jointly funded by the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

The grants program is being administered by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.

What does “geo-stamp” mean?

Geo-tagging (or geo-stamping) is a way to make sure the information you supply is genuine. In this case, it’s the process of adding the geographical location details to the photos you submit showing the works done. In this way, we can be sure that the work took place in one of the eligible areas: Shire of Derby/West Kimberley, Shire of Broome, Shire of Halls Creek or the Shire of Wyndham–East Kimberley. Contact the Recovery Grants Team for more information if you’re unsure.

Apply now

Click here to take you to the online application form or a PDF form you can download.

The Recovery and Resilience Grants Program is being administered by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and is jointly funded through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

About the Grants

Find out about the two types of grants and the building works that they can be used for.

This program offers two types of grants for homeowners whose insured residential property sustained damage from Cyclone Seroja. Current grant applicants may be eligible for one or both types of reimbursement grants to a maximum of $20,000 if eligible works are completed by 31 December 2024.

Recovery Grant

The Recovery Grant reimburses insured homeowners who incurred costs because their insurance policy did not cover the total cost of clean-up or repair works.

Evidence is required when applying for a Recovery Grant and includes, but is not limited to:

Documentation from insurer indicating the financial gap between the costs covered by insurance and the costs incurred by the property owner to clean up or repair damage caused by the cyclone.
Building works have been or will be undertaken by a registered builder or registered business.
Evidence showing sheds, patios and carports are covered in the insurance policy if any building works have been or will be undertaken on these structures.

Resilience Grant

The Resilience Grant reimburses homeowners for building works not covered by their insurance policy that improve the resilience of their residential property against future cyclones.

Evidence of the following building works is required when applying for a Resilience Grant:

Installation of roof structure tie-down upgrades undertaken by a registered builder.
Replacement of garage doors and frames with wind rated garage doors undertaken by a registered business.
Installation of window protections including cyclone shutters or debris screens undertaken by a registered business.
Replacement of external hollow core doors with solid external grade doors undertaken by a registered business.

Eligibility Criteria

Understand how you may be eligible for one or both grants.

Property must be located within one of these Local Government Areas: Carnamah, Carnarvon, Chapman Valley, Coorow, Dandaragan, Dalwallinu, Greater Geraldton, Irwin, Koorda, Mingenew, Morawa, Mount Marshall, Northampton, Perenjori, Shark Bay, Three Springs.
Property has been damaged or destroyed by Cyclone Seroja.
Property had building insurance at the time of impact by Cyclone Seroja.

Property must be a place of residence or associated with a place of residence including:
- a residential free standing or attached (side by side) building (Class 1A)
- a small boarding house or guest house operated by someone whose place of residence is the building (Class 1B)
Grant applicant must own or be the mortgagor of the property.
Grant applicant has made an insurance claim or is in the process of making an insurance claim.

Eligibility for the Resilience Grant requires:

A registered builder has undertaken the installation of eligible roof tie down works.
A registered business has installed eligible cyclone shutters or screens, wind rated garage doors, or solid external grade doors.

Eligibility for the Recovery Grant requires building works be undertaken by:

An insurance company and their contractors, or
A registered business.

Applicants are not able to claim costs for their own labour or in-kind labour.

Application and Assessment Process

Learn about the grant application process and how the applications are assessed.

The following steps outline the application and assessment process for current grant applicants:

A grants officer will contact you to discuss your application and confirm your eligibility.
A grants officer will advise you of the evidence requirements. They may also speak to your builder and/or insurer.
Once works are completed and all required evidence has been provided and verified, applicants will have eligible costs reimbursed into their nominated bank account.

As part of the assessment process the following evidence may be requested:

proof of insurance claim
proof of identification and address
proof of home ownership
proof of under-insurance from insurer (for Recovery Grant)
photographic evidence of the works undertaken
building contracts stating the work undertaken and costs incurred
copies of quotes and receipts

Applicant Process Map
Supplier Process Map

Contact

Do you have questions about the grants or your application?

Information and support with your grant application are available via phone, email or in person.

Recovery and Resilience Grants Team

Phone: 1800 490 678

Email: serojainfo@dfes.wa.gov.au

Regional Grants Support Officer

Contact: Deborah Maley

Email: deborah.maley@dfes.wa.gov.au

Phone: 0459 966 311

Information for Residents

Here you will find helpful links about building and repair works.

The grant program is closed for applications.

The grant program remains open until 31 December 2024 for current grant applicants to complete eligible building works.

When discussing proposed works with building suppliers please ensure they have the capacity to schedule and complete all works; and submit all supporting documentation and invoices by 31 December 2024.

For further information please read the following Fact Sheets:

Fact Sheet 1 – Overview of the Grant Program
Fact Sheet 2 – Wind Classifications and Regions
Fact Sheet 3 – Roof Tie-Down Upgrades
Fact Sheet 4 – Garage Door Upgrades
Fact Sheet 5 – Window Protection Upgrades
Fact Sheet 6 – Solid Core Door Upgrades
Fact Sheet 7 – Engaging a Registered Builder
Fact Sheet 8 – Recovery Grant Overview
Fact Sheet 9 - Extended Deadlines

Information for Builders

Read here if you are undertaking building works for insured cyclone affected residents.

Applicants are the key decision maker during the application process, therefore builders should maintain clear communication when preparing quotations or scheduling works under the Recovery and Resilience Grants Program.

Builders are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Recovery and Resilience Grant Program, specifically the evidence required of works undertaken.

Photographic evidence of works undertaken will be required as part of the grant application process. It is recommended builders take photographs of works before they commence and upon completion.

Additionally, if the property has undergone upgrades to make it more resilient to future cyclones, photographs of the installed resilient treatments such as tie-downs will be required.

The date for the completion of eligible works under the Program was extended by twelve months to allow more time for builders, suppliers and contractors to complete eligible works and submit documentation.

Builders should ensure they have the capacity to schedule and complete all works and submit all supporting documentation and invoices by 31 December 2024 (invoices received after this date risk non-payment).

For further information please read the following documents:

Technical Specification 1 – Sheet Metal Roof Upgrades
Technical Specification 2 – Tiled Roof Upgrades
Technical Specification 3 – Exterior Doors, Roller Doors and Window Protection
Fact Sheet 10 – Building Industry Information
Fact Sheet 11 – Extended Deadlines for Builders
Form 1 – Resilience Works Completion Form
Form 2 – Recovery Works Completion Form

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to commonly asked questions about the grants program.

Can I speak to someone about the Recovery and Resilience Grants Program to help me understand it better?

Yes. You can phone 1800 490 678 to speak with a member of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services - Recovery and Resilience Grants Team who will be happy to assist with your query and support you through the application process.

Alternatively, you can meet with a Community Recovery Officer in Geraldton, Northampton, Kalbarri, Morawa, Mingenew, Nabawa, Mullewa, or Perenjori. Click here for details of location and opening times: www.dfes.wa.gov.au/seroja

Do I undertake the building works first and then apply for a grant, or should I apply for the grant before the work is carried out?

If you have commenced or completed works that may be eligible for one or both grants, please contact the Department of Fire and Emergency Services - Recovery and Resilience Grants Team who can assist you with determining the evidence you require to help with your application

Is there an application form I can complete by hand, instead of doing my application online?

Yes. There are a few options if you cannot complete the form online.

You can phone 1800 490 678 to speak with a member of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services - Recovery and Resilience Grants Team who can post or email you a copy of the application form.

You can pop into one of the Community Recovery Hubs and speak with a Community Recovery Officer who can provide you with a hard copy form.

Alternatively, you can also download a PDF application form from this link.

Yes. A combination of recovery and resilience activities can be undertaken, subject to your application being approved. The maximum funding you can receive for your property is $20,000.

My insurer did not cover all my clean-up costs and I have finished cleaning up at my expense. Can I apply for a Recovery Grant?

You will need to provide evidence to prove that you are insured, have paid for the clean-up at your own expense and can demonstrate what clean-up activities were undertaken. Evidence such as photos of the debris and damage will be required. Please contact a member of the DFES Recovery and Resilience Grants Team who can assist you with the evidence required as part of the application process.

I have taken a cash payout from my insurance. Can I still apply for one or both grants?

Yes. You may be eligible for a Recovery Grant if you are going to build on the damaged property or repair your house.

Being reimbursed will depend upon the evidence that works were undertaken.

Am I considered eligible for the Resilience Grant if I only made a claim on fencing and sheds?

Yes. The Resilience Grant is aimed at supporting those who made an insurance claim, even if it was for an external structure such as fencing or shed damage.

The purpose of the Resilience Grant is to improve the resilience of Mid West properties against future wind events. We encourage all insured residents who made a claim on their residential property as a result of Cyclone Seroja to consider upgrading their property with roof tie downs, cyclone shutters, external solid doors and cyclone rated garage doors.

Why do I need to provide authority to release information regarding my insurance?

Government agencies and private sector organisations cannot share your personal information without your consent. By providing consent to release your insurance information it gives permission for the Department of Fire and Emergency Services - Recovery and Resilience Grants Team to contact your insurance company and seek information about your insurance claim. The information will be used to further support your grant application and alleviates the need for you to provide detailed insurance information during the application process.

Who is funding and administrating the Recovery and Resilience Grants Program?

Applications are now closed.

Current applicants have up to 31 December 2024 to complete building works and submit final documentation.

‍The Recovery and Resilience Grants Program is being administered by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and is jointly funded through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Moving Elements

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Homeowners Recovery and Resilience Grants