Community meeting – 5pm Saturday 10 January
Emergency relief payments – Longwood fire
Emergency relief payments are now available for eligible people impacted by the bushfires in Strathbogie, Towong, Mansfield and Murrindindi Shires.
An emergency relief payment can help you to pay for things you need most, including:
- food
- clothing
- medication
- accommodation.
You can apply for this payment if:
- your principal place of residence was damaged or destroyed by the fires and you can’t live in it, or
- your principal place of residence was in an evacuation warning area, and you evacuated your property
- and you have unmet immediate relief needs.
Call the VicEmergency Hotline to apply for an Emergency Relief payment on 1800 226 226 (Press 0, then 1 to talk to someone or press 9 for an interpreter).
For more information go to https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/january-2026-fires
Goulburn Valley Mental Health Service
24/7 mental health crisis support.
Ph 1300 369 005
Mental Health and Wellbeing Local (Strathbogie, Greater Shepparton, Moira)
Free, no-referral outreach services for anyone aged 26 and over.
Ph 1300 000 559 or www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/mhwlocal
Rural Aid
Wellbeing support, counselling, and practical assistance for farming families.
Ph 1300 175 594 or www.ruralaid.org.au
Agriculture Victoria – Financial Support Services
Access grants, subsidies, and advice for managing financial hardship.
Financial Support – Agriculture Victoria
Hardship Relief for Land Tax
Support available for eligible property owners facing financial difficulties.
State Revenue Office – Hardship Relief
ATO – Financial Hardship Requests
Support for superannuation and tax obligations due to financial hardship.
Rural Financial Counselling Service
Free, confidential support for farmers and rural small businesses.
Ph 1300 771 741 or www.rfcnetwork.com.au
Drought Angels
Providing direct practical and financial support to Aussie farmers and rural communities.
Rural Finance Grants
Farm Drought Support Grants program
The Victorian Government has established the Farm Drought Support Grants program (previously known as the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants). It aims to assist primary production businesses to implement on-farm infrastructure improvements and undertake essential business activities that improves drought management and preparedness.
Click here for more details: Rural Finance Grants
Let’s Look After Each Other
Times like these remind us of the strength and resilience in our rural communities. Please check in on your neighbours, share this information widely, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.