Victorian bushfire support update

In the past week, Victoria has experienced severe bushfires across much of the state, with a State of Disaster declared. Communities, farmers and businesses are facing significant losses, with hundreds of structures and agricultural properties destroyed.

 

Support is available, with more assistance continuing to roll out.

If you are unsure what you are eligible for, contact VicEmergency (1800 226 226) 

 

State and Commonwealth Governments have activated a range of financial, practical and wellbeing supports for those affected, including:

• support packages for individuals, families, farmers and businesses
• a Victorian Bushfire Appeal, which opened for online donations on 13 January
• additional CFA funding, with $20 million more available this year to support firefighting efforts

 

Victorian Emergency Relief Payments

 

Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing – Personal Hardship Assistance Program:

• One‑off payment of $680 per adult and $340 per child
• Up to a maximum of $2,380 per eligible family
• Helps cover essentials such as food, clothing, medication and accommodation​

You may be eligible if:

• Your principal place of residence is damaged or destroyed and is unliveable, or
• You were in an evacuation warning area and evacuated​

How to apply:

• Call the VicEmergency Hotline: 1800 226 226 (press 0, then 1)
• Visit an Emergency Relief Centre:
  • Benalla Town Hall – 82–86 Nunn St, Benalla
  • Colac Showgrounds / COPACC – Bruce St & 95 Gellibrand St, Colac
  • Mansfield Sporting Complex – 35 Highett St, Mansfield
  • Seymour Sports & Aquatics Centre – Pollard St, Seymour
  • Whittlesea Community Centre – 57–61 Laurel St, Whittlesea
  • Wodonga Exhibition Centre (Racecourse) – Hamilton Smith Dr, Wodonga

 

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment

The Australian Government has announced:

• one‑off, non‑means‑tested payments of $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child
• up to $52,250 for people without insurance to help secure temporary accommodation​

More information, including eligibility and how to claim, is available on the Services Australia website: Support for Victoria bushfires January 2026

 

Emergency fodder for livestock

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) coordinates emergency fodder support, including supply, transport and distribution.​

Key points:

• farmers can donate fodder; the VFF will call for fodder if a program is activated with government
• transporters directly engaged by the VFF Emergency Fodder Program must register with the VFF and have a VFF consignment notice to be eligible for a government freight rebate
• monetary donations to the VFF Disaster Relief Fund support Victorian farmers with grants for fencing, infrastructure and other recovery needs​

To request fodder or donate:

• call the VFF on 1300 882 833
• visit the VFF Emergency Fodder Program page: https://www.vff.org.au/vff-emergency-fodder-program/​

 

 

Rural financial & wellbeing support

Rural Financial Counselling Service

• Free, independent financial counselling for primary producers and small rural businesses
• More information: Rural Financial Counselling Service via Agriculture Victoria​

Wellbeing and community support

• Confidential support for primary producers: 1300 771 741​
• National Centre for Farmer Health – Look Over the Farm Gate grants program
  • $5,000 grants available for community wellbeing events
  • Program start date of 2 February will be brought forward to support fire‑affected regions​

 

Essential water replacement

If essential water from your property was used for firefighting:

• water needed for homes, livestock or crops will be replaced
• requests must be lodged within three months of the water being taken​

How to apply:

• Download and complete the Essential Water Replacement Form (DOCX, 148.7 KB)
• Email the completed form to emergency.recovery@deeca.vic.gov.au
• More information: Public land recovery on the Forest Fire Management Victoria website

 

 

Practical recovery information & factsheets

For detailed, practical guidance on recovery:

• Agriculture Victoria – Bushfire Support Hub: emergency contacts, preparedness tools, recovery resources and on-farm guidance

• Australian Red Cross – Returning home after a bushfire: practical questions to consider if you are returning home after a bushfire

• Better Health – Bushfire aftermath – safety tips: advice about how to protect your safety when returning home, including inspecting your property and cleaning up your home

• Building and Plumbing Commission – bushfire resources and guides: guidelines that cover hazards that can be found on properties after a bushfire and who to contact

• Insurance Council of Australia – What to do after a bushfire: advice on when to contact your insurance company and how to document damage

 

Looking for information on dry season & seasonal conditions resources? Find it here