Specialist farm insurer Achmea Australia says agribusinesses should make seeking mental health support their first priority during post-disaster recovery.

Achmea says those suffering financial hardship because of the latest flood catastrophe in south east Australia should speak to their insurer about financial hardship offers. Referrals to external counselling or financial assistance is also widely available.

GM Client Experience Danielle Whitelock, who has led Achmea’s claims specialists team through bushfires, cyclones and floods, says immediate assistance is available for flood-affected communities across Australia, and Achmea is providing direct support to agribusinesses in recovery.

Dealing with the effects of a disaster can have an emotional impact, she says.

“It is important to check in with yourself, your family, friends and neighbours and ask: ‘R U OK?’,” Ms Whitelock said, adding that professional mental health support is available from Beyond Blue, Lifeline Australia, or local GPs and mental health practitioners.

“When someone experiences a major catastrophe, it is common to feel overwhelmed,” she said.

“Our focus is on knowledge-sharing, prevention and risk mitigation to help even the most seasoned agribusiness prepare for and recover from these unprecedented events.”

Regional Manager for NSW, Victoria and Tasmania Luke Foster says Achmea Australia’s focus is on getting clients’ operations back up and running again.

Many lost a significant amount of their hard work, while also battling increased labour, fertiliser, petrol and seed costs.

“I have been really impressed by the resilience of our agricultural communities who have pulled together during times like these to help each other get back on their feet,” Mr Foster said. “Recovering and rebuilding following a catastrophe can take longer than anticipated.”