Bushfire response and recovery information

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the recent bushfires.
We know this is a difficult time, and that the impacts can be felt in many ways - immediately and over time.

This page brings together support and resources for the Victorian wine community who have been impacted. Some of these services may be helpful now, while others may be useful as recovery continues.

Please take what feels right for you.

Reporting Damage & Loss (AgVic)

Agriculture Victoria (AgVic) staff have been contacting Property Identification Code (PIC) holders to help assess damage caused by the fires.

If you have been impacted, AgVic has asked that you please complete their online Loss and Damage Assessment Form, even if you have already spoken with someone by phone. Submitting the form ensures your information is captured in the same way as a direct call and helps inform recovery support and planning.

Complete the Loss and Damage Online Assessment Form Here

If you do not already have a Property Identification Code, you can apply online:

Apply for a Property Identification Code (PIC) Here

Providing this information helps AgVic understand the scale of impact and ensures affected properties are considered as recovery support continues.

Government & Emergency Assistance

The following services provide information and support for people impacted by bushfires, including financial assistance, recovery services and practical help.

  • VicEmergency – Relief & Recovery
    Central information on emergency relief, financial assistance, clean-up support, recovery services and community updates.
    🌐 https://emergency.vic.gov.au/relief
  • Bushfire Personal Hardship Assistance Program
    Financial support available for eligible individuals impacted by bushfires.
    🌐 https://providers.dffh.vic.gov.au/personal-hardship-assistance-program
  • National Centre for Farmer Health – Look Over the Farm Gate
    Victorian Government–funded community grants of up to $5,000, administered by the National Centre for Farmer Health, to support locally led wellbeing activities that help bring farming communities together and support farmers and farming families during challenging times.
    🌐 https://farmerhealth.org.au/
  • Joint Victorian & Commonwealth Bushfire Support Package 
    The Victorian and Commonwealth Governments have announced a joint bushfire support package to assist communities and agricultural businesses impacted by the recent fires. Support on offer includes a combination of immediate response and longer-term recovery measures, such as:
    • Emergency fodder and animal welfare support for farmers
    • Emergency accommodation coordination and community recovery hubs
    • Community mental health and wellbeing support services
    • Recovery support workers to help navigate grants, financial assistance, housing and available services
    • Grants and concessional loans to support clean-up, recovery and business continuity

Further details and updates are available below:
🌐 All Fires Response Update for Victoria
🌐 Bushfire Resource Directory
🌐 Victorian Government support for farmers and primary producers

  • Rural Finance Grants

    Rural Finance administers a range of Victorian Government grant programs to support agricultural businesses, including assistance for bushfire recovery and other seasonal or operational impacts. Available grants may help eligible businesses with clean-up and recovery costs, restoring or replacing damaged assets, and supporting business continuity. Eligibility and funding amounts vary by program.

    🌐 View available grants and eligibility

Wine & Agriculture Community Support

These resources have been developed with vineyards, wineries and the broader wine and agriculture community in mind.

Banking & Financial Relief

Many banks offer temporary support for customers impacted by bushfires, including loan deferrals and fee relief.

Community-Led & In-Kind Support

The following offers have been shared publicly to support members of the wine and agriculture community impacted on the ground.

  • Fodder Support (Longwood Fire Ground)
    Coordination of fodder supplies across Longwood to Alexandra.
    For farmers needing fodder or able to donate:
    - Andrew Embling (Alexandra – South): 0418 266 038
    - Michael Downie (Euroa – North): 0458 241 242
    - Warren Davies: 0448 815 001

  • Fencing Posts – Ashley Ratcliff
    Free fencing posts and free delivery available to farmers, grape growers and winemakers impacted by bushfires.
    (Contact via LinkedIn)

  • BlazeAid
    Supports farmers and rural communities by coordinating volunteers to assist with rebuilding fences and other recovery work after natural disasters.
    🌐 https://blazeaid.com.au/

  • Property Management Support – Property Management Partners
    ‘Free Temp for a Day’ support for bushfire-impacted property management businesses.
    Includes phone diversion, admin support, email handling and maintenance coordination.
    Contact: nina@pm.partners

Appeals & Recovery Funding

For those within the community seeking longer-term recovery support, or for anyone wishing to contribute to recovery efforts.

  • Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal – Bushfire Recovery Appeal
    Supports medium and long-term recovery in affected communities.
    🌐 https://www.frrr.org.au/
  • GIVIT
    Matches donations with verified needs identified by communities and charities.
    🌐 https://www.givit.org.au/

Wildlife Support

Relief Centres & Recovery Support

Relief centres provide face-to-face support for people impacted by the current bushfires and can assist with a range of immediate and recovery-related needs.

Relief centres may offer:

  • Access to emergency relief payments (apply onsite)
  • Help with forms and applications, including Personal Hardship Assistance and DRFA support
  • Referrals to counselling and wellbeing services
  • Information on accommodation and temporary housing
  • Livestock and farm assistance contacts (Agriculture Victoria)
  • Links to financial counsellors (Rural Financial Counselling Service) and business recovery support

Before visiting a relief centre:

  • Call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 to confirm the centre is open and check current hours
  • Bring identification and any proof of address or evacuation, where possible
  • Ask to speak with a Recovery Support Worker if available, who can assist with applications, referrals and follow-up support

Note: The Castlemaine Recovery Hub is currently supporting residents from the Harcourt area.

Wellbeing & Emotional Support

Experiencing a fire, or supporting others through one, can take a quiet but significant toll. If you would benefit from speaking with someone, free and confidential support is available.

  • Rural Aid
    Free counselling and support for farmers and rural communities
    📞 1300 175 594
    🌐 https://www.ruralaid.org.au/

  • Farmer Assistance Hotline
    Information and referrals for wellbeing, mental health and recovery support
    📞 13 23 16

  • Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS)
    Wellbeing and mental health support
    📞 1300 735 578🌐 https://www.rfsvicne.org.au
  • Lifeline
    24/7 support for anyone feeling overwhelmed or distressed
    📞 13 11 14
    🌐 https://www.lifeline.org.au/

  • Beyond Blue
    Mental health support, information and online resources
    📞 1300 22 4636
    🌐 https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

A gentle reminder

It’s okay to seek support, whether that’s practical help, financial advice, or simply someone to talk to. Recovery looks different for everyone, and there is no set timeline.

Wine Victoria is here to support the wine community. If you or your business have been impacted and you’re unsure where to turn, or need help navigating available support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We can help connect you with relevant services, share information, or simply listen.

Wine Victoria will continue to share updates and support the wine community as further information becomes available.

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