Bank support following natural disasters includes:

Bendigo Bank

https://www.bendigobank.com.au/support/natural-disasters/

Bendigo Bank customers can contact our Mortgage Help Centre on 1800 652 146. Bendigo Bank Agribusiness customers, please call 1300 660 115. 

NAB

https://www.nab.com.au/about-us/sustainability/natural-disaster-relief-support/get-help

Call NAB on 1300 308 132 Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 8:00pm (AEST/AEDT), Saturday, 9:00am to 1:00pm (AEST/AEDT). If you're a business customer, call us on 1300 769 650 Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm (AEST/ADST).

ANZ

https://www.anz.com.au/support/services/natural-disaster-support/

Hotline 1800 149 549

Westpac

https://www.westpac.com.au/about-westpac/sustainability/initiatives-for-you/customers-disaster-relief/

If you need speak to someone for tailored support, contact the Westpac Assist team on 1800 067 497 or your Relationship Manager. 

CBA

https://www.commbank.com.au/support/emergency-assistance.html

Help line for businesses 13 26 07. 

Loans of up to $250,000 will be available for producers who have suffered significant damage to assets.

This assistance will further help cover essential costs such as repairing or replacing damaged equipment, rebuilding infrastructure, purchasing livestock and meeting working capital expenses like wages, rent and fodder.

Applications will open as soon as possible and will be delivered by Rural Finance. 

Information on eligibility and how to apply will be available at ruralfinance.com.au

If you require assistance, please contact our Fire Recovery Officer on 5355 0980.

The Victorian Government is offering emergency relief payments via its Personal Hardship Assistance Program to eligible community members whose homes have been impacted by the fire of 13 February 2024. Click here for more information on this program.

Emergency relief payments are designed to provide immediate financial help for eligible Victorians experiencing extreme financial hardship due to the fires. 

You are eligible for this relief payment if: 

• your principal place of residence is in an evacuation warning area, or the fires or storms have damaged your home, AND
• you have unmet immediate relief needs. 

If you think you may be eligible for this emergency relief payment, please call the Vic Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 (Press 9 for an interpreter if needed). 

Alternatively, please call the ARCC Community Recovery Helpline - 5355 0980 and we can help you with your application, especially if you require help uploading documents like Drivers Licence and Medicare card etc.

Farmers in financial hardship may be eligible for the Commonwealth Government's Farm Household Allowance (FHA), a fortnightly payment available for up to four years in a specific 10-year period. 

A rural financial counsellor can help farmers to understand eligibility and apply for the FHA. 

For more information visit: Farm Household Allowance - Services Australia

If you require assistance, please contact our Fire Recovery Officer on 5355 0980.

Residents who have property damaged by fire are urged to contact their insurance company and start the claims process. 

If you require assistance, please contact our Fire Recovery Officer on 5355 0980.

An initial $40 million in grants of up to $75,000 will be provided to eligible primary producers, to help cover the costs of clean-up and reinstating their enterprises. 

Funding can be used for essential recovery activities such as disposing of stock, rebuilding or replacing damaged on-farm infrastructure and restoring operations. 

Grants will open as soon as possible and will be delivered by Rural Finance. Information on eligibility and how to apply will be available at ruralfinance.com.au.

If you require assistance, please contact our Fire Recovery Officer on 5355 0980.

Loans of up to $250,000 are available for producers who have suffered significant damage to assets.

This assistance will further help cover essential costs such as repairing or replacing damaged equipment, rebuilding infrastructure, purchasing livestock and meeting working capital expenses like wages, rent and fodder.

Applications are now open. Contact Rural Finance. Information on eligibility and how to apply at ruralfinance.com.au.

Eligible households who have been without power for seven or more days within a two-week period will receive $2,380 per week for up to three weeks, helping families manage during this challenging time.

Applications can be made through electricity distribution businesses, with full details available at energy.vic.gov.au/about-energy/safety/power-outages.

If you require assistance, please contact our Fire Recovery Officer on 5355 0980.

Farmers may be able to access low-interest loans through the Commonwealth Government's Regional Investment Corporation (RIC). 

More information about the low interest loans process is available on 1800 875 675 or email [email protected].

Rural Financial Counselling Services

Rural financial counsellors can help you to understand your financial position and the viability of your enterprise. They can help you develop and implement plans to improve your financial situation.

Counsellors in Hamilton, Ballarat, Cobden/Terang, Colac, Horsham and Warrnambool.

Phone: 1300 735 578 or 03 5572 4540
Email: [email protected]

Website: RFCS Victoria West

• Read 'Free Financial Counselling and Recovery Support - For Farmers and Small Business Owners' here.
• Read 'Support After a Disaster - A Guide for Famers and Small Business Owners' here.

Australia Post offers free mail redirection services for up to 12 months to people affected by disasters. Application can be either online or at a Post Office. 

You'll need Proof of Identity, as well as your old and new addresses, is required.

Further information: Special circumstances - Australia Post

If you require feed for livestock, please contact Need for Feed Australia or the VFF Emergency Fodder Support Program (or call VFF on 1300 882 833).

Updated 13.01.26

Injured stock

For animal welfare advice and information on support services for injured stock contact Agriculture Victoria on 1800 226 226.

Deceased stock

Disposing of deceased livestock is managed by the landholder as part of on-property recovery. Agriculture Victoria is available to support landholders disposing of livestock with guidance, information and technical advice.

A Livestock Disposal Advisory service has been established to provide advice to landholders. This service can be contacted on 0407 145 007 and [email protected].

If you require assistance, please contact our Fire Recovery Officer on 5355 0980.

Smoke inhalation in pets can be dangerous. If you think your pet has been affected by smoke seek medical advice immediately from a vet.

For further information on animal welfare in a bushfire, please visit the Department of Agriculture website.

If you find an injured native animal, you can:
•Contact Wildlife Victoria on 03 8400 7300
•Visit wildlife.vic.gov.au/injured-native-wildlife/help-for-injured-wildlife

Lake Bolac and Ararat transfer stations are operating as normal. Open hours here.

Updated: 12.01.26

• What bushfire smoke is: A mix of gases, water vapour and tiny particles (especially PM2.5) that can penetrate deep into lungs and affect health.
• Health impacts: Can irritate eyes, nose and throat; worsen asthma, heart and lung conditions; and cause wheezing, tight chest or breathing difficulty. Risk is higher for young children, older adults, pregnant people and those with chronic illness.
• Protective actions: Stay indoors with windows/doors closed, avoid outdoor exercise when smoky, and use air conditioning on recirculate if possible.
• Face masks: P2/N95 masks may help filter particles but must seal properly; people with heart/lung conditions should get medical advice before use.

Surviving a bushfire is a traumatic event. It is understandable if you are feeling concerned and experiencing a mix of strong emotions or physical reactions right now.

Seeking help is a sign of strength and often the first step in recovery.

Remember, you are not alone in this. If you are feeling overwhelmed or concerned about your mental health, or that of someone close to you, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Talk to:

• neighbours, friends or family
• Council recovery staff
• your doctor
• Lifeline on 131114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

For more help and information on trauma recovery please Click Here. 

Psychologists Rob Gordon and David Younger provide some insights into the recovery process in this recent video series, to view these, please Click Here. 

Rural Financial Counselling Service

Free, confidential wellbeing support alongside financial and business counselling. Counsellors available to visit producers and their families at their property or over the phone.
rfcsnetwork.com.au/
1300 771 741

National Centre for Farmer Health
Support resources and services for emotional and social wellbeing, farm business support, information for rural and health professionals, rural support organisations.
farmerhealth.org.au/support-hub-victoria
1300 771 741

Australian Red Cross
For people affected by severe weather and flood.
1800 733 276
redcross.org.au/

Lifeline
24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention.
131 114 lifeline.org.au

Beyondblue
24/7 telephone mental health information and support.
1300 224 636
beyondblue.org.au

MensLine Australia
24/7 service for men with relationship and family concerns.
1300 78 99 78
mensline.org.au

Family Relationships
Provides families with access to information about family relationship issues.
1800 050 321 familyrelationships.gov.au

Mental Health Care Plan
Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual or group appointments per year with a psychologist, occupational therapist or social worker.
Contact your GP for a referral
healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-care-plan

Kids Helpline
Confidential telephone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
1800 551 800
kidshelpline.com.au/
NURSE-ON-CALL
Expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days a week).
1300 60 60 24

Rural Aid
Offers free, confidential counselling to Rural Aid registered farmers and families, and critical support to farmers affected by natural disaster with financial, water, fodder and volunteer assistance.
1300 327 624
[email protected]
www.ruralaid.org.au/

Better Health Channel
Health and medical information that is reliable, up to date, easy to understand, regularly reviewed and locally relevant.
betterhealth.vic.gov.au

• Check it’s safe: Only return once authorities confirm it’s safe; watch for unstable structures, fallen powerlines, damaged roads or hazards like smouldering debris.
• Wear protective gear: Sturdy footwear, heavy gloves, long clothing and P2 face masks reduce exposure to ash, chemicals and dust.
• Hazardous material caution: Household and garden chemicals, LPG cylinders, burnt treated timber (asbestos risk) and other residues may be present; avoid disturbing ash where possible.
• Clean-up tips: Ventilate buildings, wash surfaces with mild detergent, air soft furnishings outside if possible, and dispose or wash contaminated clothing carefully.

• Fire can damage systems: Septic tanks, aerobic wastewater treatment systems (AWTS) and associated pipes may be damaged by heat, embers or debris — especially plastic components and pumps, and buried lids may have shifted or collapsed.
• Safety hazard: Damaged tanks or exposed sewage can pose physical and health risks; avoid driving or walking near the system until it’s inspected.
• Avoid wastewater contact: Contact with untreated wastewater or effluent from a damaged system can cause illness (avoid touching sewage and contaminated areas).
• Reduce use until repaired: Minimise water use (fewer flushes, shorter showers, defer laundry/dishwashing) until the system is assessed and repaired by an appropriately licensed plumber to prevent sewage backing up into the home.

• Contamination risk: Bushfire debris (ash, dead animals), aerial fire retardants and water-bombing water can enter rainwater tanks, making water unsafe to drink or use for food preparation.
• Before a fire: Tank downpipes should be disconnected early in a fire risk event to prevent contamination.
• After a fire: Only reconnect downpipes after roof cleaning or good rain; if water looks, smells or tastes unusual, do not drink it.
• Decontamination: Contaminated water can be disinfected (boiling or chlorine) or professional tank cleaning may be needed; boiling does not remove all chemicals like fire retardants. To disinfect your tank water using chlorine, use the following instructions. For every 1,000 litres of water in your tank you can safely add:

• approximately 125 mL or 125 g of 4% chlorine household bleach, or

• approximately 40 mL or 40 g of 12.5% chlorine liquid swimming pool or dairy factory chlorine, or

• approximately 8 mL or 8 gi of 65% granular ‘swimming pool’ chlorine.

After chlorinating, you should wait at least 24 hours before using the water to allow for microorganisms to be destroyed. Avoid using household bleaches that contain detergents or other chemicals such as perfumes.

If your property has been affected by bushfire, your water source could be contaminated from debris, ash, small dead animals or aerial fire retardants. If the water tastes, looks or smells unusual, do not drink it or give it to animals. Also, you should not source water from a creek that has been affected by bushfire as the water may be contaminated. Please read more on private drinking water safety below. 

Further Resource: After a Fire - Private Drinking Water and Water Tank Safety

If your water supply was accessed and used by the CFA or Forest Fire Management in fighting the fire, you can request for it to be replaced. 

You can fill out this form and email it to [email protected]

If you require assistance, please contact our Fire Recovery Officer on 5355 0980.

Emergency Water Supply Points (EWSPs) provide access to water for emergency stock and domestic purposes. These EWSPs can include council bores, urban and rural standpipes and can have costs and conditions associated with access.
To find your nearest EWSPs, visit water.vic.gov.au/for-agriculture-and-industry/emergency-water-supply-points

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

If you require assistance, please contact our Fire Recovery Officer on 5355 0980.

Do not enter your property until you are advised that it is safe to do so by emergency services or council.

If your property has received structural damage, do not touch anything until you have received a building order notice from Council that indicates dangers like electrical risks, falling branches or asbestos that may have been identified at your property. It is also important not to start cleaning up until your insurance company has assessed the damage to your property. 

Before commencing waste removal, for your safety, pick up a return home kit (that includes protective clothing) from Council at the Pomonal Recovery Centre or Council offices. 

Food and general waste can be put in your waste bin. Once this fills up, you can put it out for kerbside collection or take it to your closest transfer station.

If your property has been affected by bushfire, your tank water could be contaminated from debris, ash, small dead animals or aerial fire retardants. If the water tastes, looks or smells unusual, do not drink it or give it to animals. Also, you should not source water from a creek that has been affected by bushfire as the water may be contaminated. Please read more on private drinking water safety below.  

Further Resource: After a Fire - Private Drinking Water and Water Tank Safety 

Natural disasters can be distressing and you might be feeling things like frustration, sadness and anxiety or are having trouble sleeping. This is a normal reaction to an abnormal event.  

Some tips on managing your recovery include:  

• Spend time with family and friends  

• Try to get back into a routine  

• Continue a healthy lifestyle (eating, sleeping, exercise)  

• Take time out but don't isolate yourself  

• Express your feelings in your own way  

• Accept help when it is offered  

• Limit the amount of media coverage you are exposed to  

• Don’t expect to have all the answers  

• Understand you are not alone in your experience  

• Keep checking in with your friends and neighbours and looking out for each other.  

Below is a list of Health and wellbeing support resources available in our area:

Grampians Community Heath Intake - 5358 7400

Uniting Mental Health Hub - 5332 1286

Budja Budja Social and Emotional Wellbeing Centre - 5356 4751 (Halls Gap) or 5352 6700 (Ararat(

The Orange Door Wimmera - 1800 271 042

Headspace (for people aged 12-25 years) - 1800 650 890 (headspace.org.au)

13YARN (First Nations Support) - 13 92 76

Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636

If the trees are on public property, please report these to Council via the Pomonal Recovery Centre, or by calling (03) 5355 0200.

If the trees are on your private property, Council have a list of tree assessors and arborists that we can provide property owners. 

We are currently not taking any donated goods, but we know from past experience that donations through 'GIVIT' are a great way to directly assist fire-affected residents.

GIVIT is an online donation platform that connects support organisations with generous donors.

If you would like to donate in a practical way (ie fuel cards and grocery cards) we encourage you to use this platform.

Please go to www.givit.org.au to sign up and make a donation.

Contact your gas company and they will arrange safe pick up, removal and replacement of gas bottles.