$10m fund to help Vic bushfire victims

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has announced a $10 million emergency relief fund for the victims of Victoria's bushfires which have claimed 35 lives.

Centrelink payments are available immediately for anyone needing assistance, Mr Rudd told reporters in the fire ravaged Yarra Valley.

In a statement, Mr Rudd detailed the assistance available to the victims of the Victorian bushfires.

Federal disaster recovery payments of $1,000 for eligible adults and an additional $400 for children will be made available to people affected by the fires.

"The Australian government disaster recovery payment will be paid to those seriously injured and hospitalised as well as who have lost their homes, or whose principal place of residence has been destroyed or seriously damaged, as a direct result of the bushfires," Mr Rudd said.

"The payment will also be available to an immediate family member of those who lost their lives in the fire."

It will be available from Monday through Centrelink. The government has set up a hotline on 180 2211 to take inquiries about the payment.

Centrelink staff will also be in relief centres on Sunday to take claims for the payment.

Family liaison officers will also be available to provide counselling services.

For those who've lost loved ones as a result of the fires, the government will offer assistance for funerals worth up $5,000.

Australian Defence Force equipment and personnel will also be deployed to help in firefighting efforts.

Mr Rudd said 12 army bulldozers and support crews would be deployed to help fire protection efforts near Yea in Victoria's northeast.

"The Defence Force personnel will help build containment lines surrounding the town, which is being seriously threatened with fire," he said.

One hundred and fifty portable beds and mattresses will be delivered to relief centres in the Baw Baw Shire of West Gippsland to ensure emergency workers can get some rest.

"With the extreme conditions throughout Victoria, it is essential that emergency workers are able to get sufficient rest to continue their tireless work," Mr Rudd said.

The commonwealth is working with the Victorian state government on further assistance measures in addition to normal natural disaster relief and recovery arrangements.

Mr Rudd said this would enable the commonwealth to provide partial reimbursement to the Victorian government for such things as grants for food, clothing, accommodation, emergency housing repairs and for expenditure on public infrastructure restoration.

"The Australian government is currently continuing to monitor the impacts and will be considering what further assistance can be provided to individuals, families and communities, especially through community organisations that are responding so well to this devastating event," he said.

The National Australia Bank (NAB) has established a $1 million relief fund for people and communities affected by Victoria's bushfires.

Donations to the fund can be made from Monday, February 9 at NAB branches or by transferring funds using internet banking.

The BSB number is 082-001 and the account number is 860 046 797.