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January 2026 Victorian bushfires

Relief and recovery support for people and communities affected by the Victorian fires that started on 7 January 2026.

Press 9 for an interpreter or call Translating and Interpretation Service (TIS) on 131 450.

If you are in immediate danger, call 000.

Available support

A range of support is available for individuals and communities affected by the January 2026 Victorian bushfires.

Financial help

Payments and grants for immediate and longer-term financial help.

Clean-up and waste

Clean-up Program information and waste disposal waivers.

Emergency Recovery Support Program

Help accessing recovery services and extra recovery support.

Water relief and replacement

Apply for relief drinking water and water replacement after bushfires

Farmers and primary producers

Primary producer grants and concessional loans, livestock support, practical help and counselling.

Business support

Help for businesses affected by the January 2026 Victorian bushfires.

Roads and infrastructure

Recovery support for councils, community assets and roads.

Community recovery hubs

Recovery following the January 2026 bushfires is being managed locally. The hubs are set up and run by councils to provide information and services to their communities.

Local councils

Accommodation

Emergency accommodation

Short-term emergency accommodation can help for anyone who can’t go home because of the bushfires. This ensures everyone has a safe place to stay.

You may be eligible if you have no other place to go.

Before seeking this support, people are encouraged to consider options such as:

If you don’t have insurance or a place to stay, call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760.

Temporary accommodation

Temporary accommodation may be available for uninsured individuals and families, so they have a place to stay as properties are cleaned up, repaired or rebuilt.

To speak to a recovery support officer about your needs, call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 (press 9 for an interpreter or call Translating and Interpreter Services on 131 450).

General support

Emergency Recovery Victoria is still working alongside emergency services, councils, and community groups to assess recovery needs and provide support to affected communities.

Ongoing services can also help. You can view our list of contacts below.

Recovery services, wellbeing and support

Find out more about the support, advice and counselling available as you and your family recover from storms, bushfires or floods.

Printable flyer

You can download and print our flyer about available support, below:

Relief and recovery supports - January 2026 Victorian bushfires - as at 8 April 2026 Word 444.21 KB (opens in a new window)

Contributing after a disaster - how to help

After a disaster, you might donate your time or money. Make sure your contribution goes where it is needed most.

Safety & emergencies

Updated 4 March 2026

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