Joint media release with the Hon Vicki Ward
The Albanese and Allan governments have extended recovery supports to an additional five local government areas impacted by the Victorian bushfires.
A range of practical supports will now be available in Benalla, Campaspe, Macedon Ranges, Wodonga and Yarra Ranges, ensuring critical assistance is available across communities impacted by the fires that commenced on 7 January 2026.
Recovery support is funded under the joint Commonwealth‑State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The Albanese and Allan Governments have previously announced support to Alpine, Ararat, Colac Otway, Corangamite, East Gippsland, Golden Plains, Greater Bendigo, Horsham, Mansfield, Mildura, Mitchell, Moira, Mount Alexander, Murrindindi, Pyrenees, Strathbogie, Towong, Wellington and the Lake Mountain Alpine Resort.
Other local government areas may be added as councils advise of impacts.
This expanded support package includes Prolonged Power Outage Payments, Primary Producer Grants and Primary Producer Concessional Loans, funding for emergency relief centres, personal and financial counselling, removal of debris from residential properties to make them safe and habitable, emergency funding to deliver fodder to communities, assistance with emergency accommodation, restoration of essential public assets and counter disaster operations.
Victorians can call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 for information about payments and recovery programs, or visit January 2026 Victorian bushfires
Emergency relief payments remain available for eligible Victorians who have had their principal place of residence destroyed by the fires, or who were required to evacuate their homes due to emergency warnings. To find out more, please visit a recovery hub or call VicEmergency on 1800 226 226.
The 2026 Victorian Bushfire Appeal is now open for donations to support fire affected communities, Victorians can contribute via Victorian Bushfire Appeal 2026 - donate now
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain
"By extending assistance to more local government areas we're making sure that every community impacted by these fires has access to the resources and services they need to get back on their feet.
"It ensures that communities, whether directly affected or stepping up to support their neighbours, have access to practical, on-the-ground assistance to help them navigate the long and often complex road to recovery."
Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Emergency Services, Vicki Ward
"We want to ensure bushfire-affected communities have the services and supports they need to recover.
"The devastation from the fires is very real across Victoria, and we know that this additional investment will be welcomed."
