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Victorian and Australian Governments Implement Extensive Bushfire Relief Programs

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Victoria is experiencing severe bushfires, leading to the declaration of a State of Disaster. The Victorian and Australian Governments are providing extensive support for immediate and long-term recovery.

Individual and Family Assistance

  • Personal Hardship Assistance Program: Offers one-off payments of $680 per adult and $340 per child, up to a maximum of $2,380 per eligible family. This is for those whose principal residence is damaged/destroyed or was in an evacuation warning area and was evacuated. Funds cover essentials like food, clothing, medication, and accommodation. Applications are handled by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) via the VicEmergency Hotline (1800 226 226, press 0 then 1) or Emergency Relief Centres.
  • Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment: A one-off, non-means-tested lump sum payment of $1,000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children. More information is available on the Services Australia website.
  • Prolonged Power Outage Payments: Residential properties without power for at least 7 days in a two-week period may receive up to $2,380. Electricity distributors administer these payments.
  • Emergency Accommodation: Short-term emergency accommodation is available for individuals unable to return home due to the bushfires and lacking other options. Contact local councils for assistance after checking with family, friends, or insurance providers.
  • Emergency Recovery Support Program: Provides guidance and connections to services, including assistance with local services, insurance/legal questions, financial problems, health/wellbeing, and government service registration. Support is accessible via the Emergency Recovery Hotline (1800 560 760).

Property and Community Assistance

  • State Coordinated Clean-up Program: Funds key clean-up activities, including demolition and removal of hazardous materials, for eligible uninsured and under-insured homeowners in impacted Local Government Areas (LGAs).
  • Waste Disposal Fees Waived: Residents from 18 fire-affected LGAs can dispose of waste without fees at facilities until May 13, 2026, by showing proof of residence.
  • Council Support Fund: Provides funding of up to $750,000 to bushfire-affected councils for the clean-up and restoration of local public assets like parks, playgrounds, and community centers.
  • Community Recovery Officers: Thirty new Community Recovery Officers will be stationed in Recovery Hubs to provide local support and information to affected communities. Information on these hubs is available on the VicEmergency website.

Primary Producer Support

  • Primary Producer Grants: Grants of $75,000 are available to cover clean-up costs and facilitate business resumption, including safety inspections, equipment, wages, and removal of debris, damaged goods, and deceased livestock. Guidelines will be finalized and announced on the Rural Finance website.
  • Concessional Loans: Loans up to $250,000 are available for primary producers with significant asset damage, and up to $100,000 for those experiencing significant income loss. These loans assist with repairing or replacing damaged assets, rebuilding infrastructure, replacing livestock, and covering working capital expenses. Applications will open via the Rural Finance website.
  • Livestock Welfare: Landholders concerned about livestock welfare can contact Agriculture Victoria on 1800 226 226. The Victorian Farmers Federation will lead the supply, transport, and distribution of emergency fodder.

Wellbeing and Financial Support

  • Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS): Offers free, confidential wellbeing, financial, and business counselling support to bushfire-affected primary producers and their families. Contact RFCS on 1300 771 741.
  • Look Over the Farm Gate (LOTFG) Program: Commencing January 16, 2026, this program provides grants of up to $5,000 for events and activities supporting mental health and wellbeing in farming communities. Further details will be on the National Centre for Farmer Health website.
  • Financial Counselling: Specialist counsellors are available for individuals and small businesses impacted by the fires. They assist with recovery grants, insurance claims, debt management, advocacy, and connections to legal support. Access is through Recovery Hubs.

Other Help

  • Insurance Assistance: Free advice before accepting settlement offers is available via the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007). The Financial Rights Legal Centre and Disaster Legal Help Victoria offer additional support and legal guidance.
  • General Support: Emergency Recovery Victoria continues to coordinate with emergency services, councils, and community groups for recovery needs. Further general support is available on the Recovery services, wellbeing, and support webpage.
  • Updates and Donations: Individuals can sign up for email and SMS updates on available support. Information on how to donate money, goods, or services is available on the VicEmergency website.