Horsham Rural City Council welcomes the announcement of new emergency relief payments and support for farmers and residents affected by fires in and around Natimuk.
Premier Jacinta Allan visited Natimuk on Monday to announce the packages for Victoria's bushfire-affected communities - including financial and mental health support - and the launch of the 2026 Victorian Bushfire Appeal.
Assistance payments of up to $52,250 are available to eligible uninsured households to help them re-establish their principal place of residence, as part of a joint State and Federal Government initiative.
The State Government is also expanding existing programs for primary producers and farming communities, offering mental health and wellbeing support to reduce trauma and help them get back on their feet.
This includes free, confidential wellbeing support alongside financial and business counselling via the Rural Financial Counselling Service.
Initially appointed as part of the drought response, the wellbeing counsellors will be available to visit bushfire-affected producers and their families at their property or over the phone.
The Government will also bring forward the start date of its 'Look Over the Farm Gate' program, administered by the National Centre for Farmer Health to support farming communities experiencing stress.
Now available from Friday 16 January, the program is designed to meet the immediate needs of those affected by the bushfires, providing grants of up to $5,000 for events and activities that support mental health and wellbeing.
In addition, landholders concerned about livestock welfare can now put in a request directly via Agriculture Victoria, on 1800 226 226, who will work with the Fire Incident Controller to assess the request and determine the earliest and safest way to get access.
"These fires have caused unimaginable loss for so many across Victoria," said Ms Allan. "That's why we are delivering more financial and mental health support to help ease some of the burden facing our farmers and regional communities."
The latest Government support builds on the funding announced under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and the initial Personal Hardship Assistance Program payments.
Those wishing to make donations to fire-affected communities can do so via the 2026 Victorian Bushfire Appeal, which opens online on Tuesday.
"We are immensely grateful to the State and Federal Governments for responding swiftly to the catastrophic fires that have affected so many in our region and across Victoria," said Mayor Cr Brian Klowss.
"I met the Premier today when she came to Natimuk and was able to introduce her to the community members directly impacted by the 9 January fire. I think it's important for the Premier to here their stories first hand. I also introduced her to a group of our younger cohort who were on the fireline. For many of our younger generation this was their first experiences of fighting fires of this ferocity and it's important to acknowledge their contribution in protecting the towns of Natimuk and Quantong." Said Mayor Cr Brian Klowss.
"Farmers and residents in and around Natimuk are among those most severely impacted. These support programs offer valuable assistance at a time when our communities are at their most vulnerable."
"The 2026 Victorian Bushfire Appeal will also offer opportunity for individuals and communities further afield to contribute to our road to recovery and longer-term rebuilding."
