WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY SERVICES VOLUNTEER?

A volunteer who is volunteering with a recognised emergency services organisation in response to a disaster (see definition below).

For example, if a volunteer firefighter loses their life in the course of their volunteer work responding to a disaster, their family is eligible to apply for support from the Trust.

The primary focus of the trust is to support children to adulthood with a particular focus on education.

Eligibility criteria applies.

WHAT IS A DISASTER OR EMERGENCY?

A disaster is defined as a natural and unavoidable catastrophe that interrupts the expected course of events. Examples are bushfires, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, explosions, war, riots, etc.

We are using the generally used ‘force majeure’ legal definition of a disaster as our guide.

The Trust is structured so that it can exist into perpetuity and hoped that enough funds will continue to be raised to support the families of volunteers who have been killed in the course of their duty responding to any disaster (bushfires, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, explosions, war, riots etc).

As with all trusts, the level of support will be dependent on the trust raising sufficient capital to meet the demand of impacted families.

STEP 1: INITIAL APPLICATION

There are two ways that an application can be submitted for consideration:

a. A family member, carer or guardian can apply directly via Equity Trustees website, or

b. The ‘Volunteer Service Organisation’, representing the family can make a referral on their behalf.

A representative from Equity Trustees will contact the family representative by phone to complete an ‘Expression of Interest’ form*.

[An 'Expression of Interest' form provides Equity Trustees with the opportunity to find out more about the family's circumstances and confirm that there is an alignment with the purpose of the Trust].

STEP 2: APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED

The ‘Expression of Interest’ form will be carefully reviewed and considered by Equity Trustees. Due diligence will be completed and formal recommendations from the volunteer service organisation will be sought, if not already provided.

STEP 3: APPLICATION FORM TO BE COMPLETED

Once Equity Trustees has completed the required due diligence, the family representative will be notified and asked to complete a full registration via an online portal.

Equity Trustees will be available to provide any support needed during this process.

STEP 4: NOTIFICATION PROCESS

Once the full registration has been reviewed by Equity Trustees, the family representative will receive a formal notification to advise if the application has been deemed as eligible.

STEP 5: SUCCESSFUL NOTICATION

All the relevant details will be sent to the family and/or family representative. Details will include:
- A letter of engagement from Equity Trustees
- ‘Recipient Details Form’ for the family representative to complete and return to Equity Trustees.

Equity Trustees will then arrange the initial payment to be made via EFT.
 
ONGOING SUPPORT TO FAMILIES

Equity Trustees will work with the family to arrange for a ‘Funding Request and Declaration’ form to be completed and returned each year.

Once received, the annual payment will be made.
[Note: timing for the return of the form is December to January - before the start of the ‘school year’.

Equity Trustees will be there to provide ongoing support and assistance as required.

An independent Advisory Panel has been appointed to make recommendations to the Trustee around eligibility and the distribution of the Trust funds as required.

Panel members are appointed for three-year terms, with appointments to the panel made by the Trustee. Places are reserved for representatives from Australian emergency service volunteering organisations.

Who is on the AVST Advisory Panel?

• Carol Schwartz AO(Chair)
• Professor Jennifer Westacott AO
• David Gonski AC
• Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO
• Stuart Ellis AM