Joint media release with the Hon Vicki Ward MP
The Albanese and Allan Governments are supporting communities affected by bushfires that commenced on 7 January 2026, with disaster assistance now available under the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Support for Strathbogie, Towong, Mansfield and Murrindindi shires includes assistance with the establishment and running of emergency relief centres, personal and financial counselling, removal of debris from residential properties to make them safe and habitable, restoration of essential public assets and counter disaster operations.
Assistance may also be extended to other local government areas as the disaster event unfolds.
Emergency relief assistance is also available for eligible community members who have had their home damaged or destroyed by the fires, or their home was in an evacuation warning area and they have had to evacuate.
This assistance can be accessed through the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing's Personal Hardship Assistance Program.
Assistance under the program includes a one-off payment of $680 per adult and $340 per child, up to a maximum of $2,380 per eligible family, to help cover the costs of essentials like food, clothing, medication and accommodation.
If you think you may be eligible for a relief payment, please visit an Emergency Relief Centre or call the VicEmergency hotline on 1800 226 226.
Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV) will continue to work with local councils across the state to understand what assistance they need to support communities in response to these bushfires.
Information about relief and recovery support for community is available on the VicEmergency website at Relief and Recovery - VicEmergency
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kirsty McBain
"My thoughts are with those who have been affected by these devastating bushfires.
"This is a crucial time for Victorians to be listening to the advice of emergency services, regularly checking for updates online or through media, and being ready to enact their emergency plans.
"The Albanese Government understands the need to act urgently, which is why we have activated this assistance immediately."
Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Emergency Services, Vicki Ward
"People in these communities are already feeling the significant effects of these bushfires, and we are doing everything we can to make sure they don't need to worry about basic necessities like food, clothing or medication."
"These payments will provide immediate relief to the people who need it most, letting them focus the health, wellbeing and safety of their families, while the impacts from the bushfires are still unknown."
"Our government agencies are continuing to work with local councils across the state to ensure communities have the support they need if they are impacted by these fires."
