Key Takeaways:
- The number of buildings lost in Victoria’s bushfires has risen to 350, with authorities warning that the number will grow as assessors access more affected areas.
- A fundraising appeal has been launched to support victims of the fires, with assistance payments of up to $52,250 available to eligible uninsured households.
- The state government has expanded the Rural Financial Counselling Service to provide mental health support, financial, and business counseling to affected communities.
- The 2026 Victorian Bushfire Appeal has been launched, allowing people to donate and support fire-affected communities.
- The government has denied claims of cutting funding to emergency services, with the CFA budget increasing year-on-year and an additional $20m provided for this fire season.
Introduction to the Bushfires
The devastating bushfires in Victoria have resulted in the loss of 350 buildings, with authorities warning that the number will continue to grow as assessors access more areas affected by the 12 large fires still burning across the state. The Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan, announced a fundraising appeal to support victims of the fires, which has been launched to provide assistance to those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. The premier also acknowledged the "heartbreaking" losses in the small western Victorian town of Natimuk, where at least 30 homes were destroyed, including those of volunteer firefighters who were out protecting others.
Assessing the Damage
The bushfires have caused widespread damage across the state, with further losses expected as assessments continue. The emergency management commissioner, Tim Wiebusch, stated that conditions eased across the state on Monday, but Victorians have been warned to prepare for a bad season. The Country Fire Authority’s chief officer, Jason Heffernan, said that data from the Bureau of Meteorology showed the weather was likely to warm up again in late January, bringing with it an increased fire risk. At least 154 structures were destroyed in the Longwood blaze, which burned through Euroa, Yarck, and surrounds, though it remains unclear how many were homes, sheds, or outbuildings.
Affected Areas
Several areas have been affected by the bushfires, including Streatham, which lost 59 structures, including 18 homes, and Ravenswood and Harcourt, which lost 47 homes and three businesses. Other affected areas include the border towns of Yarroweyah, which lost 10 structures, and Walwa, which lost four structures along with "agricultural and plantation impacts" that will continue to grow. In Mount Mercer, one house and 12 sheds were destroyed, while Kennedys Creek in the Otways and Dargo each lost one property. The remains of a man were found in Longwood on Sunday, and another man in his 60s was found dead in Harcourt on Friday in a suspected medical episode.
Response and Relief Efforts
The state and federal government will begin making assistance payments of up to $52,250 available to eligible uninsured households to re-establish their principal place of residence. The Rural Financial Counselling Service will be expanded to provide mental health support, as well as financial and business counseling. Grants of up to $5,000 will be made available for events and activities that support mental health and wellbeing. The 2026 Victorian Bushfire Appeal has been launched, creating a central avenue for donations to support fire-affected communities. The premier denied claims that the government had cut funding to emergency services, stating that the CFA budget had increased year-on-year and was provided with an additional $20m after it had warned the government that this fire season would be "a big one".
Rebuilding and Recovery
The community in Natimuk is already talking about how it will work together to rebuild and support one another. The premier stated that the community is strong and will come together to recover from the devastating losses. The government’s assistance payments and the fundraising appeal will help to support those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. The expansion of the Rural Financial Counselling Service will also provide much-needed support to affected communities. As the state continues to respond to the bushfires, it is clear that the road to recovery will be long and challenging, but with the support of the government and the community, those affected will be able to rebuild and recover.