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 Friday 23 January 2026, the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) will be available for eligible people in the following added locations: Berringama, Bungil, Koetong, Shelley and Thologolong.
This extension brings the total number of locations where AGDRP has been activated to 52. Previously activated locations include: Alexandra, Arapiles, Avenel, Barkers Creek, Carranballac, Cathkin, Caveat, Cobram, Creightons Creek, Devils River, Dropmore, Duchembegarra, Fawcett, Ghin Ghin, Gobur, Gooram, Harcourt North, Harcourt, Highlands, Kanumbra, Koriella, Limestone, Longwood East, Longwood, Maintongoon, Merton, Mitre, Molesworth, Murrindindi, Natimuk, Noradjuha, Quantong, Ravenswood South, Ruffy, Skipton, Streatham, Sutton Grange, Tarcombe, Terip Terip, Upton Hill, Vectis, Walmer, Walwa, Whanregarwen, Whiteheads Creek, Yarck and Yarroweyah.
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.
From 2pm local time on Friday 23 January 2026, Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) will be available for eligible people in the following added local government areas (LGAs): Benalla, Campaspe, Macedon Ranges, Wodonga and Yarra Ranges.
This extension brings the total number of LGAs where DRA has been activated to 23 as well as the Lake Mountain Alpine Resort. Previously activated locations include: Alpine, Ararat, Colac Otway, Corangamite, East Gippsland, Golden Plains, Greater Bendigo, Horsham, Mansfield, Mildura, Mitchell, Moira, Mount Alexander, Murrindindi, Pyrenees, Strathbogie, Towong and Wellington.
DRA supports people who've lost income as a direct result of this event by providing up to 13 weeks of income support for workers and sole traders, depending on their personal circumstances.
Impact assessments are undertaken by emergency management agencies as locations are safe to access. Those impact assessments allow the Australian Government to activate additional support for those communities.
These payments are on top of the other recovery assistance that has been activated under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to help households, small businesses, primary producers and councils.
People can check their eligibility for AGDRP and DRA on the Services Australia website - servicesaustralia.gov.au/disastersupport.
The quickest way to claim AGDRP and DRA 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
"The AGDRP continues to provide immediate support to people impacted by these devastating fires - allowing them to replace essential items lost.
"DRA provides 13 weeks of income support to eligible people who have lost work as a result of these fires.
"I encourage people to check their eligibility for disaster payments on the Services Australia website. Claims for the additional areas will be open from 2pm local time tomorrow."
Quotes attributed to Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain
"We understand just how profoundly these bushfires have disrupted the lives of families and entire communities across Victoria, and this expanded financial assistance is designed to ensure people can access meaningful support as quickly and smoothly as possible during such an incredibly challenging time.
"As emergency teams complete impact assessments and gain safe access to more areas, we remain fully committed to activating additional assistance wherever it is needed so every affected community has the backing required to start rebuilding with confidence.
"Our focus continues to be on standing with Victorians throughout this devastating event, and these expanded payments represent a crucial step in easing immediate pressures while communities work through the early stages of recovery."
