Joint media release with Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher
The Albanese Government is extending financial assistance further for Victorians impacted by the bushfires that have devastated communities.
From 2pm local time on Tuesday 20 January 2026, the Commonwealth's Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) will be available for eligible people in the following added locations: Cobram, Fawcett, Maintongoon, Mitre, Koriella, Walwa and Yarroweyah.
This extension brings the total number of locations where AGDRP has been activated to 47. Previously activated locations include: Alexandra, Arapiles, Avenel, Barkers Creek, Carranballac, Cathkin, Caveat, Creightons Creek, Devils River, Dropmore, Duchembegarra, Ghin Ghin, Gobur, Gooram, Harcourt North, Harcourt, Highlands, Kanumbra, Limestone, Longwood East, Longwood, Merton, Molesworth, Murrindindi, Natimuk, Noradjuha, Quantong, Ravenswood South, Ruffy, Skipton, Streatham, Sutton Grange, Tarcombe, Terip Terip, Upton Hill, Vectis, Walmer, Whanregarwen, Whiteheads Creek, and Yarck.
This also builds on the Disaster Recovery Allowance supporting people who've lost income as a direct result of this event and the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) activated to help households, small businesses, primary producers and councils.
Impact assessments are undertaken by emergency management agencies as locations are safe to access. Those impact assessments allow the Albanese Government to activate additional support for those communities.
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.
People can check their eligibility for AGDRP and DRA on the Services Australia website - servicesaustralia.gov.au/disastersupport
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
"My thoughts are with the families and communities who have felt the devastating impact of these fires.
"I want to acknowledge the frontline staff at Services Australia who are working hard to help people access financial support, including on the ground in several recovery centres.
"I encourage people in affected areas to check their eligibility for AGDRP before making a claim by visiting the Services Australia website."
Quotes attributed to Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain
"Having seen firsthand what the devastating fires in Victoria have and continue to cause, my thoughts are with the many affected families that are facing an incredibly challenging time.
"The Albanese Government is committed to helping Victorians, and this payment is about giving people the immediate support they need to start rebuilding.
"We know recovery doesn't happen overnight, but we'll keep working closely with state and local governments so help gets to the people who need it most, as fast as possible."
