Communities across Victoria are beginning the long process of recovery after bushfires tore through large parts of the state, destroying homes, livestock and livelihoods. On the ground in Central Victoria, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Jacinta Allan met emergency services and affected residents while announcing an initial $19.5 million support package for those impacted.
The funding, jointly delivered under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, is aimed at meeting immediate needs while longer-term assessments continue. Both governments acknowledged the scale of the damage, particularly in regional and agricultural areas where fires have cut through farms and grazing land.
“The Federal Government is working hand in hand with the Victorian Government to provide immediate support for communities impacted by the devastating bushfires,” the Prime Minister said.
At the centre of the package is a $10 million emergency support program to help distribute fodder to farmers who have lost pasture and feed. Fires across the state have caused heavy losses of livestock and crops, leaving many agricultural businesses struggling to care for animals that survived the blaze. The governments said the program would focus on getting assistance quickly to those who need it most.
Housing has emerged as another urgent issue, with many families forced to flee their homes and seek temporary shelter. To address this, $1.5 million has been allocated to coordinate emergency accommodation options, including hotels, serviced apartments and other short-term solutions for people who have nowhere else to go.
Mental health support also forms a key part of the response. A further $1 million will fund disaster recovery mental health experts to deliver group counselling sessions in affected communities. The aim is to help people process trauma, support one another and begin rebuilding social connections after weeks of uncertainty and fear.
During the visit, the Prime Minister spoke about the impact he had witnessed firsthand in fire-affected areas. “Communities across Victoria have been hit hard by these bushfires, with many families facing property and stock losses,” Albanese said
To reduce the burden on those navigating multiple agencies at a time of stress, the governments will establish a Recovery Support Program, designed as a single point of help for affected Victorians. Backed by $5 million, the program will provide case support workers to assist with housing, legal and financial issues, as well as practical help such as accessing payments and grants.
An additional $2 million will fund a recovery hotline, offering general information and guidance on available services, including emergency accommodation. The hotline is intended to complement existing supports and make it easier for people to find the help they need without being pushed between departments.
Premier Allan said the focus was on standing with communities who had already paid a heavy price. “People heeded the warnings and acted to protect themselves and their loved ones—at great cost. We’re standing with them on what will be a long path of recovery,” she said.
She added that the package was designed to cover a wide range of needs as communities stabilise. “From emergency accommodation to mental health help or fodder for livestock—we’re ensuring no one is left behind in this recovery effort.”
The funding builds on the activation of the Personal Hardship Assistance Program for people who have had to evacuate their homes and require immediate essentials such as food and medicine. Under the program, eligible residents can receive a one-off payment of $680 per adult and $340 per child, up to a maximum of $2,380 per family.
During the visit, the Prime Minister spoke about the impact he had witnessed firsthand in fire-affected areas. “Communities across Victoria have been hit hard by these bushfires, with many families facing property and stock losses,” he said.
During the visit, the Prime Minister spoke about the impact he had witnessed firsthand in fire-affected areas. “Communities across Victoria have been hit hard by these bushfires, with many families facing property and stock losses,” Albanese said
“Today I visited fire-affected areas to see the scale of the damage and the impact firsthand,” he said, noting that assistance was already flowing. “Support is already being delivered, with recovery payments, ADF assistance and expanded disaster funding underway.”
He said the commitment would not end with the initial announcement. “We are thinking of everyone affected and we’ll keep backing communities through the recovery.”
Emergency response crews have continued to work in difficult and dangerous conditions as fires burn across parts of the state. The Prime Minister also visited an operational base for firefighters and acknowledged the efforts of those on the front line. “This is an operations point for fire crews responding to the bushfires in Victoria,” he said.
“I met Darcy here, he’s 16 and it’s his first day on the job,” he added. “Darcy and the heroes here are saving lives and saving homes. We cannot thank them enough.”
Authorities have warned that the full extent of the damage is still being assessed and that further support may be announced as conditions allow safer access to affected areas. The governments said more assistance would be considered once impact assessments are completed.
Residents seeking information about relief and recovery services have been directed to the VicEmergency website, which continues to provide updates on fire conditions, warnings and available assistance.
As communities move from emergency response to recovery, both state and federal leaders have signalled that coordination and speed will remain priorities, alongside ongoing support for those who have lost homes, income and a sense of security in the fires.
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