Six months after the January bushfires, Murrindindi Shire Council is standing with residents, families, farmers, businesses and communities still carrying the impact of one of the most devastating events in the Shire's recent history.
The scale of damage was immense: one life lost, 217 homes destroyed, more than 500 sheds lost, 405 kilometres of roads damaged, thousands of livestock and animals killed, and private fencing losses estimated at more than $120 million.
Murrindindi Shire Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher said the six-month mark may be difficult for some people, and should be met with care, respect and continued support.
"For some people, six months on is not just a date on the calendar. It can bring back the shock of what happened, the grief of what was lost, and the reality of how much work still lies ahead," Cr Gallagher said.
"There is no right way to recover. People are rebuilding in different circumstances, at different stages and under different pressures."
"This stage of recovery can be exhausting. People may still be navigating insurance, rebuilding decisions, financial strain, loss of routine, farm losses, business disruption, environmental damage, or the emotional impact of what they have lived through," Cr Gallagher said.
"If you need support, please reach out. Whether it is practical help, financial guidance or someone to talk to, there are services available and people ready to help."
"We recently held some community recognition events to thank the extraordinary efforts of local volunteers, neighbours, community groups and informal leaders who stepped up when people needed them most," Cr Gallagher said.
"Our communities have shown extraordinary strength, teamwork and generosity through one of the toughest periods in our history," he said.
"Council also recognises the many volunteers, community members and local leaders who have supported others in practical and meaningful ways."
"In Murrindindi, recovery has been carried in many small but powerful ways - a neighbour checking in, a farmer helping repair a fence, a local group sharing information, someone making a meal, opening a hall or simply making sure another person is not left on their own."
"Small acts of care can make a real difference, and staying connected as a community remains one of the most important parts of the recovery process."
Council officers have also been impacted, with many staff living in or closely connected to fire-affected communities while continuing to support response and recovery efforts.
Council's Recovery Team is working with communities throughout recovery, helping people find information, connect with services and navigate rebuilding.
Council is also here to help residents with rebuilding information. At this stage, there are no delays to planning applications, and Council continues to hold drop-in sessions across fire-impacted areas so people can speak directly with planning and building staff about permits, site considerations and next steps.
Community members can contact the Recovery Team at the Alexandra Customer Service Centre on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and the Yea Recovery Hub at Yea Library on Tuesdays and Thursdays both from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm.
Support is also available through the Emergency Recovery Support Program on 1800 560 760. Anyone needing urgent emotional support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
A major focus for Council is advocacy. Council continues stand up for the community, including seeking extensions to recovery deadlines and working with other levels of government to encourage greater flexibility in eligibility criteria, so support can reach people, farmers and businesses who need it most.
Cr Gallagher said Council's advocacy was focused on fairness, flexibility and funding that reflects the real scale of the damage.
"Murrindindi does not want special treatment. We are asking for recovery support that matches the impact our communities have experienced," Cr Gallagher said.
"Our community was at the frontline of this disaster. It should not be at the back of the queue when it comes to recovery."
Council is also advocating for the repair of the rail trail, which is a major economic drawcard for the Shire and an important part of the visitor economy that supports local towns and businesses.
Murrindindi Shire needs financial support to recover from this bushfire. Council is seeking funding that allows damaged infrastructure to be rebuilt better, not simply replaced like-for-like, so roads, bridges and community assets are stronger and better able to withstand future disasters.
Council is also seeking greater support for environmental recovery, recognising the scale of damage to landscapes, waterways, habitat, roadside vegetation and private land across the fireground.
Farmers and businesses across the Shire also need financial support to remain viable as they manage lost income, damaged infrastructure, increased costs and the long tail of recovery.
Council remains concerned about the limited mental health support available to the community. It has taken six months for local health teams in Murrindindi to secure more meaningful assistance, and there remain significant gaps for young people between school age and 25, particularly those who are not connected to school-based supports, including home-schooled young people.
Council has also raised concerns about funding equity. Murrindindi received 8 per cent of the Council Support Fund, despite experiencing 48 per cent of the damage from the January fires.
"Recovery is not finished because six months have passed," Cr Gallagher said.
"For many people, this is the point where the outside attention has moved on, but the hard work, the decisions and the emotional load are still very real. Council will continue to walk alongside our communities, keep listening, and keep pushing for the support Murrindindi needs."
Murrindindi Shire Council continues to work alongside local communities, recovery partners and government agencies to support relief and recovery efforts across the Shire. Council's role includes helping connect residents with information, services and practical support, advocating for community needs, and supporting local recovery initiatives as communities continue to rebuild.
