The Albanese and Allan Labor Governments are helping bushfire-affected Victorians to rebuild and recover by funding 27 new Community Recovery Officers and investing in local Recovery Hubs.
Community Recovery Officers work with eligible councils to ensure community needs are understood.
Fifteen councils will share $15 million, jointly funded under the Commonwealth‑State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Local government areas include:
- Horsham Rural City Council
- Mount Alexander Shire Council
- Murrindindi Shire Council
- Strathbogie Shire Council
- Towong Shire Council
- Colac Otway Shire Council
- Corangamite Shire Council
- Mansfield Shire Council
- Mitchell Shire Council
- Moira Shire Council
- Pyrenees Shire Council
- Ararat Rural City Council
- Golden Plains Shire Council
- East Gippsland Shire Council
- Wellington Shire Council
Councils will manage staffing appointments and exact Recovery Hub locations.
This summer Victorians have experienced the devastating impacts of bushfires. More than 430,000 hectares have burnt, and more than 1,500 structures have been damaged or destroyed.
This investment is part of $370 million in relief and recovery support the Governments have committed under the DRFA.
Victorians can find out more about available recovery support on the Emergency Recovery Victoria website: vic.gov.au/january-2026-victorian-bushfires
They can also call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 to access support through the Emergency Recovery Support Program.
As stated by Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain
"The Albanese Government stands with Victorians in the aftermath of what has been a devastating event.
"I want to thank our first responders, emergency services and volunteers that were courageous in risking themselves to protect and save their community.
"Recovery has a long tail, and it will be some time before our bushfire affected regions are fully back on their feet, but the Albanese Government will be them every step of the way."
As stated by Victorian Minister for Natural Disaster Recovery Vicki Ward
"Recovery works best when it's shaped by locals - we're giving councils the people and places they need to support their communities through the long road ahead."
"We'll always stand with Victorians as they get back on their feet after disaster."
