Larralea Fire Recovery 2026

Help for farmers  

Agriculture Victoria has advice for farmers who have experienced loss of stock or farming assets.  

What to do after a fire – Agriculture Victoria

What to do after a bushfire information can be found on Agriculture Victoria webpage https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/emergency-management/bushfires/what-to-do-after-a-bushfire 

Information you will find includes:  

• Agisting livestock affected by a bushfire 
• Checking livestock, pets and animals 
• Information on health and wellbeing 
• Disposing of carcasses after a bushfire 
• Finance and insurance 
• Fire recovery checklist 
• Pasture recovery after a fire 
• Recover assets and check hazards 
• Recovery after bushfire for you and others – immediate coming days 
• Recovery after emergency – information for farmers 
• Stock water impacted by bushfire ash and debris  

One-on-one farm advisory consultations

Farmers can have up to two one-on-one sessions with advisory consultants, who include farm business advisors, livestock nutritionists, soil and pasture specialists, water experts, and veterinarians. To register, fill out the expression of interest form on AgVic’s website. 

Farm Advisory Service registrations

Fuel and fertiliser supply

Resources to help farmers manage fuel and fertilisers.

Fuel and fertiliser supply | Agriculture Victoria

Farm Water Calculator

Water calculator tool developed to assist with planning water supplies on-farm.

Farm water calculator | Agriculture Victoria

Emergency Fodder Support Program  

Enacted to coordinate the donation of fodder and delivery to bushfire impacted farmers. This Program is a collaboration between the Victorian Government and the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) and key information can be found in this link: 

www.vff.org.au/vff-emergency-fodder-program/ 

From this website farmers can register to receive or donate fodder, and transporters can register with the VFF to be eligible for a freight rebate by government. (This is only available for transporters directly engaged by the VFF Emergency Fodder Program) 

How can you assist: Transporters must register with the VFF to be eligible for a freight rebate by government. This is only available for transporters directly engaged by the VFF emergency fodder program. A consignment notice issued by the VFF is required.  

Donate to the VFF Disaster Relief fund to support the Victorian farming community.  Donate by contacting VFF on 1300 882 833 or by email vff@vff.org.au 

Feeding Livestock

Resources to help you manage livestock during dry conditions or situations where sheep or cattle require supplementary feeding

Feeding Livestock website | Agriculture Victoria

On-farm bushfire recovery resources  

On-farm bushfire recovery resources can be found on Agriculture Victoria webpage: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/emergency-management/bushfires/bushfire-factsheets-and-resources

• Support programs 
• Recovery after an emergency 
• Managing livestock  
• Water  
• Feeding and agistment of livestock  
• Horses and pets 
• Horticulture 
• Managing your property fencing  
• Pasture  
• Weeds  
• Shelter 
• Plans and manuals

Corangamite CMA

On-farm post-fire support. If your farm has been impacted by the Larralea fire, the Corangamite CMA may be able to assist waterway protection works, like urgent sediment control and revegetation.

Phone the office at 1800 002 262 or email info@ccma.vic.gov.au

Lismore Land Protection Group  

If your farm has been impacted by the Larralea fire, the Lismore Land Protection Group may be able to assist in assessing vegetation and plantations.

Contact Jake on 0439 059 202 or email Lismorelpg@gmail.com

Fencing

Eligible property owners may get support to repair fencing if: 

• firefighting or disaster response teams brought about the damage, or 
• the fence is on the boundary of National Parks, State Parks or State Forests. 

To find out if your damage is eligible for support, you can contact DEECA on 136 186. In most cases, fences not on the boundary of parks or those covered by insurance won’t qualify for support.

BlazeAid is a volunteer organisation offering help for rebuilding and repairing fences. BlazeAid has set up a camp at Bradvale Community Hall as a base to help fire-affected farmers in the Skipton and Larralea areas. Contact Council to connect with help - phone 5593 7100 or email skiptonfiresrequest@corangamite.vic.gov.au

Rehabilitation of Fire Breaks

If you have been impacted by the Larralea fire you may be eligible for essential water replacement, repair of damaged fences caused during fire suppression, and fire control line reinstatement.

Email iccgee.ops@icc.vic.gov.au and CFA staff will manage and action requests.

Protecting survey marks  

Identifying survey marks and ensuring they are protected will support surveying property boundaries and infrastructure reconstruction.

Waste Skips

General waste skips and metal skips can be provided to fire-affected properties at no cost to assist with clean up.

Contact Corangamite Shire Council on 5593 7100 to request a skip. 

Essential Water Replacement

If essential water was taken from your property under the direction of CFA by either a private tanker belonging to another landholder or you filled up your own tanker under the direction of CFA, you can apply for essential water replacement.

The program provides up to 20,000 litres of water for affected people in fire-impacted communities. This is for households without access to town water and who rely on tank water.

This program has been extended and is accepting applications until 22 April. The extension ensures people returning home continue to have access to safe drinking water during this critical period of recovery.

Further information about essential water replacement, including the application form can be found on the DEECA website or you can contact your local Council.

Drinking water tanks

Tanks might have been contaminated by debris and ash. Take steps to ensure you have safe water.

• If you suspect that your water tank is contaminated or the water tastes, looks or smells unusual:

• Do not drink, use in food preparation, brushing teeth or give to animals.
• Contact Council if you need assistance to flush your tanks or to have your tanks professionally cleaned. Council can arrange tanks to be cleaned by a professional contractor at no cost in some circumstances- talk with Council to discuss your needs.

If you need to have water tanks refilled because they were contaminated or water was used for firefighting, Council can arrange for the tank to be refilled with drinking water at no cost.

Resources on managing drinking water during bushfires is on the Better Health Victoria website.

Managing and treating dams

Farmers in fire-affected areas are encouraged to monitor their dams and remove floating debris as soon as possible. They should also consider installing sediment traps upstream of bigger dams.

Following fires, many dams became unusable due to pollution from decomposing organic matter or after being filled with soil, sand, and gravel. Little can be done in the short term to remove the heavier materials, but quickly removing floating materials can be highly effective in maintaining water quality.

Typically, these floating materials consist of ash, charcoal, straw, grass, leaves, and manure which can cause issues for the water supply if not quickly removed.

Learn more via Agriculture Victoria.

Dam clean-up support

Glenelg Hopkins CMA have works crews that can install sediment control measures to protect stock water points and waterways, as well as assist with clean-up and fence repairs.

Contact 5571 2526 or email ghcma@ghcma.vic.gov.au

Stock water

If water tanks or dams have been used by emergency services for firefighting, Council can arrange for water delivery at no cost through DEECA’s Replacement of Essential Water program. Please contact Council to arrange.

Information on stock water in bushfire-affected areas can be found here.

Replacement of Water Infrastructure

If you are without drinking water or stock water due to loss of tanks, pipes, troughs and pumps and you’re having trouble accessing tank supplies or plumbers, Council has a list of tank suppliers and plumbers who may be able to assist you.

Council contact:
Corangamite Shire Council: 5593 7100

A range of grants and programs are available to assist financially with your recovery.

Rural Financial Counselling Service

RFCS can assist in primary producers and small rural businesses experiencing, or at risk of financial hardship to navigate and apply for grants and programs.

Free and independent financial information, options, decision-making support and referral services.

They are available at wswrcs.com.au or 1300 735 578.

Australian Federal Government Relief

Disaster Recovery Payment

The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment is a one off, non-means tested lump sum payment. 

It offers a payment of $1000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children who’ve been adversely affected by a major disaster either in Australia or overseas. This includes residents of the Larralea area impacted by fire.

More information is available on the Services Australia website. 

Closes 5 August 2026.

Services Australia Disaster Recovery Allowance

Services Australia has a short-term allowance to help people directly affected by this disaster.

People can be eligible for up to 13 weeks of allowance if they have lost income as a direct result of the Victorian Bushfires in January 2026.

Information about the areas declared for payments and eligibility information is on the Services Australia website.

Other Financial Supports

Primary Producer Grants

For eligible primary producers. Grants up to $75,000 for clean-up and reinstatement

Administered by Rural Finance. Rural Financial Counselling Services can also assist with applications.

Closes 21 October.

Click here for more details.

Rural Finance Concessional Loans

For eligible primary producers. Loans up to $250,000, and up to $100,000 for major income loss.

Administered by Rural Finance. Rural Financial Counselling Services can also assist with applications.

Closes 31 December.

Click here for more details.

Victorian Farmers Federation Disaster Relief Fund

For Eligible primary producers. Immediate payment of up to $1,000

Apply via the VFF here.

Click here for more information.

Salvation Army Emergency Relief Payment

For people impacted by disasters. (All encompassing, including international events)

$1,000 per adult $600 per child for impacted people

Apply via the Salvation Army

Must apply within 6 months from the event.

Emergency Recovery Support Program 

Emergency recovery support is available for people directly impacted by the January 2026 fires. If this emergency has impacted you, it can be hard to know what to do next. A range of support is available, based on you or your family’s needs. 

Recovery support officers can guide you on your journey. Emergency recovery support can be as simple as advice on what services are available or connecting you with programs that can help you. 

Emergency recovery support can help with things like: 

• finding local services near you 

• insurance and legal questions 

• money problems 

• your health and wellbeing 

• registering for government services. 

If you need extra support, you may get help from a dedicated recovery support worker. They will work with you to find and access services you need. If you were impacted by another emergency unrelated to the January 2026 fires, contact your local council to find supports in your area. 

For more information, visit www.vic.gov.au/Recovery-services-wellbeing-and-support 

Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) – Financial disputes

Dispute resolution for the financial services industry.  Services include: 

• credit 

• finance and loans 

• insurance 

• banking deposits and payments 

• investments and financial advice 

• superannuation. 

Call 1800 931 678 Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm 

Banks  

Banks and other financial institutions provide support to customers impacted by disasters by offering a range of adjustments to services, hardship support and in some instances, grants. 

Ask your bank what support they have available. 

Good Shepherd No Interest Loans 

Good Shepard have available for low-income earners or people who have experienced family or domestic violence, or health care card or pension card holders. Clients need to show they can repay the loan. 

Available loans: 

• up to $2000 for essentials like appliances, furniture, car repairs, education fees 

• up to $3000 for housing related expenses like bond or rent 

• up to $3000 for recovery from natural disaster 

https://goodshep.org.au/services/nils/ 

National Debt Helpline  

The National Debt Helpline provides financial counselling and advice on managing debt. 

Tools include: 

• a budget planner 

• sample hardship letters 

• step-by-step guides. 

Call 1800 007 007

Look Over The Farm Gate Community Grants

Funding is available to support eligible community organisations and events under Round 2 of the Look Over the Farm Gate Community Grants Program.

Fire-affected communities can apply for up to $5000 to run events or activities which promote social connection and support mental wellbeing during recovery.

Visit the Look Over the Farm Gate webpage for ideas and practical suggestions for farmer-focused wellbeing events, and guidelines on how to make an event a great success with lasting benefits.

The application process is straightforward and the team at the National Centre for Farmer Health are available to assist applicants with the design of their proposed events.

Monetary donations are the most effective way to help our impacted communities.

If you see requests for donations, please check it is from a genuine/reputable request before donating.

YOU CAN MAKE DONATIONS TO:

Victorian Bushfire Appeal
www.vic.gov.au/2026-Victorian-Bushfire-Appeal
or call 1800 837 733
These donations will cover immediate and longer-term assistance, and programs identified by communities as priorities for their area. 100 per cent of donations will go to fire affected communities, and the Government is covering all the administrative costs.

BlazeAid
 blazeaid.com.au

 BlazeAid is volunteer-based organisation that works with families and individuals in rural Australia after natural disasters such as fires, cyclones, droughts and floods.

Givit

People who wish to help are encouraged to donate through GIVIT which is coordinating donations for this recovery and working with support organisations to ensure help goes where it’s needed most. 

Visit givit.org.au and filter by location to see what’s currently needed in affected areas. If you’re looking to help people impacted by bushfires, please do not send or drop unrequested donations into affected areas.

Donations of goods and services can be listed on the GIVIT website.

BlazeAid

BlazeAid has set up recovery camps all over Victoria, including a camp at the Bradvale Community Hall to help communities impacted by the Larralea and Skipton fires.

They are looking for volunteers to help with replacing and repairing of farm fencing on impacted properties, and assistance around the camp including preparing meals and cleaning.

Volunteers must register online at blazeaid.com.au/skipton

We know that this can be a stressful time, and help is available to everyone. We encourage anyone to reach out to support services.

Stress

Stress because of a disaster can cause physical, mental and emotional exhaustion. There is practical information and advice for:  

• Managing stress after a disaster  

• Helping yourself after a disaster  

• Helping a friend or family member after a disaster  

• Helping older adults after a disaster  

• Understanding how frightening events can affect children  

With the recent bushfires, it is understandable if you are feeling concerned and experiencing a mix of strong emotions or physical reactions right now. 

For those who have faced bushfires before, this might be a particularly challenging time that is stirring up memories and feelings of sadness, fear, and grief. 

It’s important to remember that recovery is a personal journey, and everyone experiences things differently. For some people, recovery is ongoing. 

Experiencing these emotions is a normal response to such events, but these concerns may lead to other issues if they are not managed. 

If you find yourself experiencing strong emotions, talking about your worries and feelings as well as remaining connected to others can make them more manageable. 

It is important to identify what actions can be taken to address the source of your concerns. Seeking help is a sign of strength and often the first step in recovery. 

Rural Aid

Free, confidential counselling to farmers and their family. Go online at ruralaid.org.au or phone 1300 175 594.

The National Centre for Farmer Health

Supports available on 1300 375 330 or online at farmerhealth.org.au

Family violence

There is a link between disasters and an increase in family violence. It can happen to anyone. 1800RESPECT is available for free to support people impacted by family violence. To talk to someone, call 1800 737 732 , text something like 'hello' to 0458 737 732, or chat online at 1800respect.org.au.  

13YARN 

13Yarn is the first national crisis support line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficult coping.  They offer a confidential one-on-one yarning opportunity with a lifeline-trained Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis supporter who can provide crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Call 139 276.

Australian Psychological Society 

Australian Psychological Society referral service provides online, email and phone service to people seeking the advice and assistance of a qualified and suitable Australian Psychological Society (APS) psychologist in private practice.  Call 1800 333 497 

Beyond Blue  

Beyond Blue has an information line that offers expert information on: 

• depression 

• how to recognise the signs of depression 

• how to get help 

• how to help someone else and how to stay well. 

Call 1300 224 636 or chat to a counsellor online. 

Young People 

Kids Helpline offers free 24/7 counselling for youth (ages 5–25). They can talk about anything big or small, serious, or silly, easy, or complicated, long or short, bad or good, in the past, future or now. 

• Call: 1800 55 1800  

• visit: kidshelpline.com.au 

Headspace

Help when young people are feeling stressed or overwhelmed (ages 12–25). 

• Call: 1800 650 890 

• Chat online at: headspace.org.au 

• Visit: headspace.org.au/explore-topics/for-young-people/natural-disasters 

Lifeline

13 11 14

Mensline

1300 789 978

Ballarat Community Health

Head to Health: 1800 595 212

Step Thru Care: 5338 4500

South West Healthcare

Mental Health and Wellbeing Services 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 808 284.

Travel 

Accidents are more frequent during stress. Be extra aware of how you and other people are driving. Slow down.

Corangamite Shire Business Support

Our Economy and Tourism team are reaching out to business and industry.

We also encourage business owners to make contact with our Economy and Tourism team, who can provide support. We are here to help, please contact us on 5593 7100 or email ecodev@corangamite.vic.gov.au

Disaster resilience resources

Tailored resources and information to help you plan, respond and recover in the event of an emergency.

business.vic.gov.au/businessinformation/disaster-resilience

Business Recovery Fact sheet 

Disaster Resilience for Business Toolkit

Framework to assess, prepare and recover effectively from disasters.

business.vic.gov.au/resiliencetoolkit

Small Business Bus

The Small Business Bus provides a concierge service and expert advisers (virtual and face to face) to support businesses with general assistance, business planning and referrals to other services and resources.

business.vic.gov.au/grants-andprograms/small-business-bus

Workplace Wellbeing Hub

Practical resources for managing stress and building resilience all in one place.

business.vic.gov.au/wellbeing

Small Business Debt Helpline

Financial counsellors for assistance and referral for ongoing support.

1800 413 828

sbdh.org.au

Insurance Council of Australia

Advice on when to contact your insurance company and how to document damage.

insurancecouncil.com.au/resource/what-to-do-after-abushfire

CPA Australia

Advice, resources and strategies for small businesses recovering after a disaster.

1300 73 73 73

cpaaustralia.com.au

Stay up to date 

• Don’t rely on one source of information. 
• Charge your phone when it’s low on power.
• Download the VicEmergency App and set up a watch zone for your area.
• Save the VicEmergency Hotline 1800 226 226 to your phone. 
• Know who your local emergency broadcaster is. 
• Carry a portable radio with you if you have one. 

For the most up to date information on current fires, go to emergency.vic.gov.au
Call Triple Zero (000) in life threatening emergencies.

Help and support

If you need help, please call the VicEmergency hotline on 1800 226 226. Press 9 for an interpreter.

Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES)

Flood, storm, emergency first responders and flood preparedness.

Phone 13 25 00 or visit ses.vic.gov.au

Australian Red Cross

Help to cope with a crisis and manage what you or others might experience after a natural disaster.

redcross.org.au/emergencies/coping-after-a-crisis

Legal Assistance including insurance disputes, tenancy issues, debt, employment matters, and ongoing legal advice and representation is available for free from the following providers:

Allied Justice
1800 466 488 
Allied Justice

Disaster Legal Help Victoria
1800 113 432

 www.disasterlegalhelp.org.au