The City of Greater Bendigo is urging all residents to prepare and stay safe following the declaration of a Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating for Friday January 9, 2026 across the region.
Under a Catastrophic rating, conditions are the most dangerous for bushfires and grassfires. If a fire starts, it will be fast-moving, unpredictable, and extremely difficult to control.
Several City locations will be closed and some services will be impacted on Friday January 9, 2026 to prioritise community safety.
Closed locations:
- Eaglehawk Landfill
- Heathcote, Goornong, Strathfieldsaye and Eaglehawk Recycling Centres
- Galkangu - Bendigo GovHub Customer Service front desk
- Heathcote Customer Service Centre
- Heathcote Visitor Information Centre
- Heathcote Library
- Bendigo Animal Relief Centre (BARC)
- Bendigo Livestock Exchange
- Crusoe Reservoir
- Bendigo Botanic Gardens
- Goornong and Marong Pools
Affected City services:
- General waste, organics and recycling collection in bushfire high risk areas - impacted properties will receive a text message
- Helen Jessen and Annie Galvin Early Learning Centres
- Maternal Child and Health Services and immunisation sessions
Residents are strongly advised to:
- Avoid all non-essential travel
- Check on neighbours, family, and friends, especially those who may need assistance to prepare or relocate
- Review and activate your bushfire survival plan immediately
- Stay informed through official emergency channels
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