Bushfire Support and Advice

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Emergency relief payments are available to support people affected by the 2026 bushfires.

These payments are designed to help cover urgent essentials such as:

  • food
  • clothing
  • medication
  • temporary accommodation


You may be eligible to apply if:

  • your main home was damaged or destroyed by the fires and is no longer safe to live in, or
  • your main home was located in an evacuation warning area and you were required to evacuate, and
  • you have immediate, unmet needs as a result of the fires.

To apply for an Emergency Relief payment, contact the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
(press 0, then 1 to speak with an operator, or press 9 for an interpreter).

For further details, visit:
https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/january-2026-fires

Agriculture support

Agricultural Victoria are undertaking an agricultural impact assessments within bushfire affected areas. 
Visit: https://www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/ for more information on what to do following a bushfire.
Call 1800 226 226 for urgent animal welfare needs. 

Mental health

It is normal to have strong emotional or physical reactions following a distressing event. There is always help available through: 

  • Your doctor 
  • Local mental health professionals
  • Lifeline - 131 114
  • Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636
  • MensLine - 1300 789 978
  • Kid’s Help Line - 1800 55 1800
  • Parent Line - 13 22 89

Road closures

For information on road closures call 13 11 70 or the VicTraffic website traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au

Other support services

Rural Aid - Wellbeing support, counselling and practical assistance for farming families
1300 175 594
www.ruralaid.org.au

Rural Financial Counselling Service - Free, confidential support for farmers and rural small businesses.
1300 771 741
www.rfcnetwork.com.au

Drought Angels - providing direct practical and financial support to farmers and rural communities.
www.droughtangels.org.au

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