Further financial and wellbeing support is being rolled out for communities across Victoria affected by recent bushfires, as state and federal governments expand recovery assistance for households, farmers and regional towns.
Jacinta Allan visited Natimuk on Monday to announce the latest measures, describing the impact of the fires as devastating and far-reaching. “These fires have caused unimaginable loss for so many across Victoria – that’s why we are delivering more financial and mental health support to help ease some of the burden facing our farmers and regional communities,” she said.
The new package builds on assistance already announced through joint Commonwealth–State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and the initial Personal Hardship Assistance Program. Additional funding will now be provided to eligible Victorians who have lost their homes, with payments of up to $52,250 available to uninsured households to help them re-establish their principal place of residence.
Support for farmers forms a central part of the response, particularly for those dealing with the loss of crops and livestock. The Allan Labor Government is expanding access to mental health and wellbeing services, alongside financial and business counselling delivered through the Rural Financial Counselling Service. Free and confidential support will be available, with counsellors able to visit affected producers and their families at their properties or provide assistance by phone.
Wellbeing counsellors, initially appointed during the drought response, will be deployed to bushfire-affected areas to help address trauma and uncertainty. The start date of the ‘Look Over the Farm Gate’ program has also been brought forward, with grants of up to $5,000 available from Friday, 16 January 2026. Administered by the National Centre for Farmer Health, the program supports events and activities that strengthen mental health and community wellbeing during recovery.
Practical steps are also being taken to address concerns about livestock welfare. Landholders worried about animals on fire-affected land can now lodge requests directly with Agriculture Victoria, which will work with fire authorities to assess when and how access can be granted safely.
Acting Victorian Minister for Agriculture Steve Dimopoulos said the arrangements were designed to reduce stress during an already difficult period. “We are working with Agriculture Victoria and the Fire Incident Controller to make it easier for farmers to check on the welfare of their animals because we know how distressing this time is.”
At the national level, Kristy McBain said close coordination between governments was continuing. “We are working very closely with the Allan Government to make sure Victorians affected by these fires can get back on their feet,” she said, adding, “I was on the ground in Victoria over the weekend and saw firsthand how devastating this has been for communities.” She said the Albanese Government wanted people to know it “stands behind you both during the response to these fires and during the recovery”.
Alongside direct assistance, the Victorian Government is launching the 2026 Victorian Bushfire Appeal, aimed at helping the public support affected communities. Premier Allan said the appeal reflected the desire of many Victorians to contribute. “We know there are so many Victorians out there who want to dig deep to support our farmers and fire-affected communities – that’s why we have set up the Victorian Bushfire Appeal,” she said.
Victorian Minister for Natural Disaster Recovery Vicki Ward said donations would be directed to priorities identified by communities themselves. “In recent days, many Victorians have asked how they can donate to fire-affected communities, that’s why we are launching the 2026 Victorian Bushfire Appeal to get these generous funds directly to where they are needed most.”
All funds raised through the appeal will go directly to fire-affected communities, with administrative costs covered by the government. Donations are expected to open online from Tuesday, supporting both immediate needs and longer-term recovery efforts developed in partnership with local organisations and charities.
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