The Albanese Government is extending financial assistance to more Victorians impacted by the bushfires that have devastated communities.
From 2pm local time on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) will be available for eligible people in the following added locations: Carlisle River, Irrewillipe and Simpson.
This extension brings the total number of locations where AGDRP has been activated in Victoria to 60. Previously activated locations include: Alexandra, Arapiles, Avenel, Barkers Creek, Berringama, Bungil, Carranballac, Cathkin, Caveat, Cobram, Creightons Creek, Devils River, Dropmore, Duchembegarra, Fawcett, Gellibrand, Ghin Ghin, Gobur, Gooram, Harcourt North, Harcourt, Highlands, Kanumbra, Kawarren, Koetong, Koriella, Larralea, Limestone, Longwood East, Longwood, Lucyvale, Maintongoon, Merton, Mitre, Molesworth, Murrindindi, Natimuk, Noradjuha, Quantong, Ravenswood South, Ruffy, Separation Creek, Shelley, Skipton, Streatham, Sutton Grange, Tarcombe, Terip Terip, Thologolong, Upton Hill, Vectis, Walmer, Walwa, Whanregarwen, Whiteheads Creek, Yarck and Yarroweyah.
AGDRP is available for people who have been directly impacted by the bushfires. This includes major damage to their home, serious injury, or loss of a loved one as a result of the bushfires. It's a one-off payment of $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per child.
Impact assessments are undertaken by emergency management agencies as locations are safe to access. Those impact assessments allow the Australian Government to activate additional support for those communities.
These payments are on top of the other recovery assistance that has been activated under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to help households, small businesses, primary producers and councils.
People can check their eligibility for AGDRP on the Services Australia website.
The quickest way to claim AGDRP is online through myGov.
If people need help to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.
To change or pause Centrelink debt repayments, affected people can do so online or in the mobile app (through the Money You Owe service), or by calling 1800 076 072.
Quotes attributed to Minister for Government Services, Katy Gallagher
"Services Australia has paid more than $1.5 million to people affected by the fires in Victoria and will continue to support the community to recover.
"I encourage people in Irrewillipe, Carlisle River and Simpson to check their eligibility for AGDRP on Services Australia's website.
"The easiest way to make a claim is online through myGov. If people need help to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66."
Quotes attributed to Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain
"These bushfires have caused devastation across much of regional Victoria. This assistance will help affected locals access financial support that will help them get back on their feet.
"The Albanese Government will continue to work closely with the Allan Government, ensuring we are responsive to the needs of Victorians during the recovery phase."
