Corangamite Shire Council has praised the Skipton district community following a destructive fire that impacted the region on Friday, as fire recovery begins.
Council is opening a Recovery Hub at the Skipton Mechanics Hall from tomorrow (Sunday) from 10 am to 4 pm.
The Hub will connect impacted residents with services and support. This centre will be open until further notice.
The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing will have a representative at the Recovery Hub tomorrow (Sunday) from 10 am to 4 pm to provide information on relief funding available.
Bottled water will be available at the Skipton Hub from Sunday for people who have no access to clean water as a result of the fire. Red Cross is delivering 50 slabs of water as part of the disaster response.
To help with the clean-up, the Skipton Transfer Station is open tomorrow (Sunday) from 1 pm to 5 pm, and Corangamite residents from this area can drop off waste for free. The transfer station will also be open Wednesday and Sunday next week from 1 pm to 5 pm. Sunday next week is an extra, unscheduled opening.
Mayor Cr Kate Makin applauded the community's resilience during and after the fire.
"We want to acknowledge the incredible strength and resilience of the Skipton community," Cr Makin said.
"We know this has been an extremely difficult time, but the community has really shown its strength, banding together and supporting one-another," she said.
"Thank you also to all our amazing firefighters, emergency service volunteers and workers who have worked tirelessly over the past two days. Your commitment and courage have protected lives and property, and we are deeply grateful.
"Skipton is proud of your dedication and the sacrifices you make to keep our community safe."
Council will be working alongside the community on relief and recovery during the days and weeks ahead.
"If you have any questions that need to be answered, please come to the Recovery Hub at the Skipton Mechanics Hall. Our staff are here to help you," Cr Makin said.
"The Recovery Hub is a safe place for anyone impacted to get help and information. Whether you need advice, financial assistance, or just someone to talk to, we're here for you."
Recovery and support information is also available on Council's website at www.corangamite.vic.gov.au/SkiptonFire2026
RELIEF PAYMENTS
Impacted residents can apply for an emergency relief payment from the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.
This is available for people if their main place of residence was damaged or destroyed, if they evacuated their property, and if they have unmet immediate relief needs.
