January 2026 Fires

Ongoing Recovery Information and Support

The Moira Recovery Information Centre (RIC) at 3/29 Station Street, Cobram (opposite the Shire office) has closed.

The information and support that was provided in the RIC is now available in Moira Shire’s Cobram Service Centre, 44 Station Street, Cobram, between 9am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Moira staff can provide information, support and referrals to all appropriate agencies.

To help residents apply for Emergency Relief Payments, the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) will be at the Cobram Service Centre on:

• Thursday 29 January 2026
• Thursday 5 February 2026
• Thursday 12 February 2026

Support is also available over the phone via our Customer Service Centre (03) 5871 9222

Please note: The Cobram Service Centre will be closed on Australia Day, Monday 26 January 2026.

The Australian and Victorian governments have announced $160 million in additional support for families, businesses and primary producers impacted by the January 2026 fires.

Moira Shire residents affected by the Friday 9 January fire are eligible for this new support.

This funding is on top of the already announced relief and recovery supports for fire-affected Victorians, including emergency relief payments, grants for primary producers, access to emergency accommodation, and support for councils.

Clean-up for uninsured and underinsured homes and businesses

The state-coordinated Clean-up Program will be expanded, with Forge Solutions now appointed as lead contractor.

Forge Solutions have extensive experience in disaster clean up and will prioritise engaging local contractors to support their work.

Clean-up support will be available for uninsured and underinsured residential homes and structures such as sheds or garages.

It will also be available for businesses if uninsured or underinsured structures have been damaged or destroyed by the January 2026 Victorian fires.

Registrations for the Clean-up Program are now open. Call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 or visit the Emergency Recovery Victoria website.

Emergency Recovery Support Program

To help people get the support they need throughout their lengthy recovery journey, an the Emergency Recovery Support Program will be expanded.

The program helps people affected by the bushfires navigate and access the government support programs and services they need. It can also help with things like insurance and legal questions, finding local services and connecting people to essential health and wellbeing support.

Dedicated recovery support workers will also be available for people who need extra help navigating their recovery.

The Emergency Recovery Support Program is available by calling the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760.

Temporary accommodation

Further funding is being provided to ensure immediate accommodation supports are available to those who need it, while authorities work to provide medium to longer term accommodation options best suited to the recovery needs of individuals, families and communities.

Recovery Water Tank Rebates

Financial assistance will be available for bushfire-affected rural households that are not connected to mains water supply, with a new program to help ensure access to safe drinking water.

Eligible households will receive a rebate of up to $1,500 for cleaning and decontaminating rainwater tanks, roofs and gutters that are impacted by the fires. Residents who have already paid for cleaning are also eligible for reimbursement.

Mental health support

Additional mental health and wellbeing support will be made available for people in fire-affected communities.

This will allow Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals to continue to provide free treatment, care and support for adults.

A list of Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals can be found at betterhealth.vic.gov.au/mental-health-wellbeing-locals

Financial counselling and advisory support for businesses

Business owners affected by the January 2026 fires will be supported with access to tailored business recovery advice and financial counselling.

The Business Recovery Advisory Service will be available on the ground and through the Business Victoria website. Business Recovery Advisors will deliver free, confidential one-on-one support to business owners, tailored to their circumstances and supporting their long-term recovery.

The Small Business Financial Counselling service will provide free and confidential financial counselling to businesses who are in financial risk or at risk of it due to the bushfires.

More information will be available on the Business Victoria website: business.vic.gov.au

Public land and waterway recovery

Funding will support immediate repair works to public land and waterways.

This includes making roads and bridges safe so they can open as quickly as possible, land management works, as well as pest control and critical mitigation of immediate risks to threatened species and biodiversity.

It also includes catchment and waterway restoration activities undertaken with the state’s Catchment Management Authorities, such as riparian fencing support for landholders, and immediate works to address water quality risks and remediate riparian areas.

Prolonged Power Outage Payments for businesses

Businesses can access Prolonged Power Outage Payments if they have been without power for seven or more days within a two-week period.

Payments of $3,088 per week will be available for up to three weeks.

As previously announced, eligible households can continue to apply for payments of $2,380 per week for up to three weeks.

Affected businesses can apply for a payment through their electricity distribution business. More information is available at energy.vic.gov.au/about-energy/safety/power-outages

There are two Australian Government payments you may be eligible for if you’ve been directly affected by the Victorian fires in January 2026.

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) is to help you if the disaster caused major damage to your home or major assets that you own at your home.

It can also help if you were seriously injured or your immediate family member has died or is missing.

It’s a lump sum non-taxable payment of $1,000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children under 16.

If you’re a New Zealand citizen living in Australia, you may be eligible for New Zealand Disaster Recovery Payment.

For more information on eligibility and how to claim, visit the Services Australia website.

Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) is financial support if you’ve lost income as a direct result of this disaster.

If you’re eligible, you’ll get the maximum equivalent rate of JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance, depending on your personal circumstances. You can get Disaster Recovery Allowance for a maximum of 13 weeks.

DRA is a taxable payment.

If you’re a New Zealand citizen living in Australia, you may be eligible for New Zealand Disaster Recovery Allowance.

For more information on eligibility and how to claim, visit the Services Australia website.

If you’re eligible, you can get both AGDRP and Disaster Recovery Allowance.

While donations of goods and money to help fire victims are greatly appreciated, please do not take donations to the RIC.

Moira FoodShare is the central donation point for both physical goods and monetary donations, ensuring support reaches those who need it most during this challenging time.

Physical donations can be dropped off on the labelled pallets outside FoodShare’s warehouse at 116 Karook Street, Cobram. Please ensure all donated items are non-perishable pantry goods to prevent spoilage.

Monetary donations can be made in the following ways:

• In person (EFTPOS) at FoodShare: Monday, 9am to 11am; Tuesday to Thursday, 8am to 12pm; Friday, 9am to 11am.
• Bank transfer:
  Bank: National Australia Bank
  Name: MHA Care Limited
  BSB: 083 945
  Account: 484 182 129
  Reference: Moira Bushfire Appeal

• Online: Donate via the link on FoodShare’s website: https://mhacare.org.au/food-share/

All donations are 100% tax deductible and will be kept separate from FoodShare-specific donations, ensuring they are directed to those impacted by the bushfires.

Cobram Community House has placed a temporary pause on receiving physical donations after being overwhelmed by the generosity and support of the community.

The pause will allow them to assess what has been donated and to gain a clearer understanding of what those affected still need. They are continuing to keep a register of donation items.

The Victorian Government has made Emergency Relief Payments available for eligible people affected by the January 2026 fires.

To help residents apply for Emergency Relief Payments, the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) will be at Moira Shire’s Cobram Service Centre at 44 Station Street, Cobram, between 9am and 4.30pm on:

• Thursday 29 January 2026
• Thursday 5 February 2026
• Thursday 12 February 2026

Payments are based on a fixed amount for each member of your household. The payment is not calculated based on how much money you earn.

Payments are $680 per adult and $340 per child, up to a maximum of $2380 per eligible family. 

You can apply for an emergency relief 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.

A support officer from the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing can help you apply for emergency relief support. 

Call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 (press 0, then 1 to talk to someone).

Moira Shire Council is waiting for Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) to complete initial impact assessments of fire-affected properties.

Until FRV’s inspections are completed, Council staff cannot assess risks on each property.

We encourage everyone to avoid fire-affected areas because of potential unknown hazards and risks, which may include:

• Hazardous material
• Dangerous trees
• Unsafe structures

Following Friday’s fire, we’re working to support impacted residents with waste disposal.

The information listed below is a first step in assisting fire-affected residents with waste disposal.

Council will also be in contact with every fire-affected property individually to discuss waste needs and support for disposing of larger items. 

What are ‘fire-affected’ properties? The grey area marked on this map and immediate surrounds (from the fire Incident Control Centre).

Kerbside services:

• Normal kerbside collection resumed on Wednesday 14 January, in areas affected by fire and road closures.
• There will be an additional kerbside collection for Landfill (red lid) bins on Wednesday 21 January. 
• Recycling (yellow lid) bins will be collected as usual.
• Damaged bins? Call (03) 5871 9222 for replacements before next Wednesday’s collection.
• Check the Kerbside Calendar for updates or download the Moira Waste Info App for updates and reminders.

Additional support:

• Free disposal of fire-damaged material at the Cobram Landfill (bring proof of your fire-impacted address).
• Please consider if you need to contact your insurer before disposing of fire-damaged items, especially large items like fencing or building material.

• Asbestos is not accepted at the Cobram Landfill.
• The Cobram Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre is at 64 Pye Road, Cobram. For opening hours visit: www.moira.vic.gov.au/Resource-Recovery-Centres-Cobram-Landfill        

If your property has been affected by fire, your drinking water supply and wastewater systems may be damaged.

WATER TANK SAFETY

• Contamination risk: Fire debris (especially ash), aerial fire retardants and water-bombing water can enter rainwater tanks, making water unsafe to drink or use for food preparation.

• Rainwater collection: 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 1000 litres of water in your tank you can safely add:

  • Approximately 125ml or 125g of 4% chlorine household bleach, or
  • Approximately 40ml or 40g of 12.5% chlorine liquid swimming pool or dairy factory chlorine, or
  • Approximately 8ml or 8g of 65% granular ‘swimming pool’ chlorine.

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

WASTEWATER SYSTEMS

On-site wastewater systems – such as septic tanks and aerated wastewater treatment systems (AWTS), and their land application systems, for example sprinklers and below ground drippers – can be easily damaged during a fire.

Avoid driving or walking near a fire-affected system until it is assessed by a licensed plumber or service technician familiar with on-site wastewater systems.

Contact with effluent or untreated wastewater from damaged on-site wastewater systems can cause illness and should be always avoided.

If your system is damaged and presents an immediate safety risk, action should be taken as soon as practicable to make it safe. For example, if the lid is missing, place a temporary cover or fencing around the system to prevent access to the area.

The system may need to be pumped out prior to an inspection, however it is advisable to only leave the tank empty for a short time.

Plastic and fibreglass on-site wastewater systems, or systems made with plastic components, are more susceptible to damage than concrete tanks – particularly if installed above ground. This includes shallow PVC pipes, plastic tanks and sumps, and plastic irrigation pipework which may be installed above or below ground.

Pumps and other equipment with electrical components may also be damaged.

It is recommended that damaged on-site wastewater systems are not used until repaired or replaced.

Due to the risks associated with using systems after a fire, the following actions are recommended:

• If the on-site systems are damaged, make arrangements to repair the system as soon as possible to prevent sewage from backing up into the house.
• Avoid driving or walking near underground pipes, tanks and tank covers and their land application systems, which may have been weakened or damaged.
• Reduce water use as much as possible until the system is inspected and repaired by reducing the frequency of toilet flushing for liquid waste; taking shorter showers or shower elsewhere; and limiting laundry and dishwashing as much as possible. If possible, avoid using automatic clothes washers and dishwashers.

• If the power has not been restored, the septic tank can be used as a temporary holding tank and pumped out periodically, provided the tank is not damaged. You may need to disconnect the pump (if present) and block the outlet to the land application area. If the tank is significantly damaged and can’t be used as a temporary holding tank, do not use the system until it is repaired or replaced.
• Once power is restored, ponding may occur near the wastewater system and these areas should be avoided. Contact a licensed plumber or authorised service technician to reassess the system.
• Replace shallow PVC pipes if they have melted as they may cause blockages.
• Repair or replace damaged electrical components and pumps as soon as possible.
  
  

Further advice

The manufacturers of on-site wastewater systems should have information and user manuals about their systems on their web sites.

Council is able to provide further advice about measures that can be taken while on-site wastewater systems are repaired or replaced. Call (03) 5871 9222.

Also go to: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/campaigns/bushfire-emergency-information

Poor air quality is being experienced across the state due to dust and smoke.

What can you do:

• Stay indoors where possible

• Keep updated with the air quality in your area here.

Check Vic Emergency for updates and health advice.

Current air quality is updated hourly with data collected from The Environment Protection Authority Victoria air quality monitoring sites across Victoria. Air quality forecasts are updated daily at 5 pm with forecasts for the next 24 hours.

We understand the devastating impact the January 2026 bushfires have had on our communities. Our priority is to support affected customers with practical assistance, clear information, and compassionate service during this challenging time.

Damage to GMW infrastructure

If GMW infrastructure (such as service points or fencing) on your property was damaged during the bushfires, please call us on 1800 013 357 or visit one of our Customer Service Centres.

RELIEF AND RECOVERY PAYMENTS

Recovery support information for people and communities affected by the bushfires is available on the Victorian Government and Vic Emergency websites.  

Information includes emergency relief payments, re-establishment assistance, and help with insurance.

People who have been impacted by the bushfires may be eligible for an Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment.

More information on this payment will be available at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, 14 January 2026 on the Services Australia website.

Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) disaster relief fund

The VFF Disaster Relief Fund assists farmers impacted by extreme events such as bushfires and floods. For more information, please contact the VFF on 1300 882 833 or vff@vff.org.au.

RECOVERY SERVICES, WELLBEING AND SUPPORT

Emergency fodder support program

Emergency fodder is being made available for farmers in fire-affected areas. To request fodder, contact the VFF on 1300 882 833 or visit the VFF website.

If you have urgent animal welfare needs, please call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

Essential water replacement

If essential water is taken from your land to fight fires, you can request for it to be replaced.

For more information on how to lodge a request for essential water replacement, visit the Forest Fire Management Victoria website.

Emergency water supply points

Our region has multiple water supply points that provide water for emergency stock and domestic purposes during severe dry seasonal conditions, surface water scarcity, and bushfires.

Find your nearest water supply point at the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action website.

GMW hardship support

We recognise that financial stress impacts our customers in different ways.

Regardless of whether you’re experiencing temporary or long-term financial difficulties, we encourage you to call GMW on 1800 013 357 and we will work with you to find a financial and service solution that best suits your individual needs.

Waiving of application fees

To support customers affected by the recent bushfires, we will waive all application fees associated with the replacement of lost infrastructure (e.g. pumps) to help ease the financial burden during recovery.

Replacing information and records

Call us on 1800 013 357 and we will replace any water entitlement records and statements free of charge. To ensure the privacy of customer information, we will need to verify customer identities. If you require your records to be sent to an alternative address, please notify us when requesting replacements.

OTHER INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

Agriculture Victoria website

Agriculture Victoria has developed a dedicated bushfire webpage with information and resources to help agricultural communities affected by bushfires.

Emergency Recovery Hotline

The Victorian Government has established an Emergency Recovery Hotline. You can call the Hotline on 
1800 560 760 from 9am to 5pm to receive assistance. 

In times of crisis, caring for our mental health and wellbeing is vitally important.

There is support available close to home, online or just a phone call away.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Local

Mental Health and Wellbeing Local is Moira Shire’s free and easy-to-access support for anyone experiencing mental health or wellbeing challenges.

They offer a welcoming and inclusive space and support, where your experiences are respected and valued.

• No referral or Medicare card required.
• Free service.
• For adults 26 years of age or older.
• In-person or by telephone.
• Call: 1300 000 559.
• Visit: 116 Corio St, Shepparton
• Open: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
• More: https://www.wellways.org/

Other resources:

• The Victorian Government has information targeted at victims of the January 2026 fires available at: https://www.vic.gov.au/january-2026-victorian-bushfires
• For Victorian Government general information following natural disasters, go to: https://www.vic.gov.au/recovery-services-wellbeing-and-support
• Vic Emergency has comprehensive support and advice, with a number of very useful links to other services, at: https://emergency.vic.gov.au/relief/#january_2026_fires
• Lifeline has a dedicated page to support mental health following natural disasters, that provides excellent resources : https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/support-toolkit/topics/natural-disasters#short-term-help-for-coping-with-natural-disasters
• If you need help supporting older adults, go to: https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/disaster-hub/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/4-Phoenix_FS_DH_Older-Adults.pdf
• If you need help supporting children and teenagers, go to: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/servicesandsupport/trauma-recovery-services
• Primary producers can access support through the Rural Financial Counselling Service: https://www.rfcsvicne.org.au/

More help:

• Lifeline provides 24-hour support: 131 114 or https://www.lifeline.org.au/
• Beyond Blue provides 24-hour support: 1300 224 636 or https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
• Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 or https://kidshelpline.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.

Working alongside the rural families, the BlazeAid volunteers help to rebuild fences and other structures that have been damaged or destroyed.

BlazeAid is setting up a base camp to help people impacted by the Yarroweyah and district fire on Friday 9 January.

They are seeking volunteers to help with re-fencing, and also want to hear from fire-affected residents who need help with their fences.

The camp will open on Saturday 17 January, at the Yarroweyah Football Ground, 58 Kenny Road, Yarroweyah.

Volunteers can register now. Those with camp experience and/or fencing experience, especially team leaders, would be very helpful with setting up team structures and to support those less experienced but eager and willing to help.

Volunteers can go to https://blazeaid.com.au/yarroweyah for more information and to register.

For volunteer and farmer enquiries, please contact:   Graeme Allen on 0477 488 434 or Alicia Sorrenti on 0408 543 119.

For general BlazeAid enquiries, please contact:  Debbie Buttler on 0418 990 267.

You can also email the base camp at:yarroweyah@blazeaid.com.au

Farmers impacted by the Yarroweyah and district fire have a number of support options available to them.

• Agriculture Victoria: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/emergency-management/bushfires
• Blaze Aid: https://blazeaid.com.au/yarroweyah
• Goulburn-Murray Water: https://www.g-mwater.com.au/customer-services-resources/bushfire-recovery
• Rural Finance: https://www.ruralfinance.com.au/
• Rural Financial Counselling Service: https://www.rfcsvicne.org.au/
• Victorian Farmers Federation: https://www.vff.org.au/

• Need for Feed: https://www.needforfeed.org/

   

Council is offering tailored hardship support to help residents recover and regain stability.

The recent fire has affected our community in many ways, and Council recognises every resident’s experience and recovery needs will be unique.

Financial hardship support is available in a range of forms, including payment extensions, reviews of valuation adjustment applications, payment deferrals, and payment arrangements.

These options can be tailored to individual circumstances to ease financial pressure during recovery. Impacted community members are encouraged to contact Council to discuss the support options best suited to their situation.

Important points:

• The recent fire has impacted ratepayers differently, and support options can be tailored to individual needs.
• Community members experiencing hardship are encouraged to contact Council for assistance.
• Council is offering several financial hardship support options, including:
• • Payment due date extensions.
  • Assistance in reviewing property valuation adjustment applications.
  • Payment deferrals and arrangements tailored to individual needs.

For more information, please contact our Rates Team at (03) 5871 9222.

Assistance payments of up to $52,250 are available to help uninsured households affected by the January 2026 fires.

This is administered by the Victorian Government.

Emergency Re-establishment Assistance is designed to assist people and families to re-establish a principal place of residence. A principal place of residence is the primary home that you live in.

It may be available for people whose primary home has been:

• Damaged.
• Destroyed.
• Inaccessible for more than seven days.

This support can help cover the cost of:

• Clean-up.
• Temporary accommodation.
• Repairs or rebuilding.
• Replacing essential household items.

Who can get this support

Re-establishment assistance is only available for your main residence and is means-tested.

It is for people who:

• Do not have much money to fix their home damaged by a major emergency AND
• Do not have building (house) or contents insurance AND
• Cannot return home because it is damaged or destroyed

How to apply

The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) can help you apply for a Re-Establishment Assistance payment. Call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 and press 4.

The Victorian Government has established an Emergency Recovery Support Program (ERSP) to support people, families and communities impacted the January 2026 fires.

• If an 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.
• The amount of support made available after emergencies can be overwhelming, and it can be hard to know what you are eligible for, and how to access it.
• Recovery support officers can help you navigate all of the supports and 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.

   

  Emergency Recovery Support can be accessed via:

• The Emergency Recovery Hotline, which is available every day on 1800 560 760 from 9am to 5pm.
• Community members that require interpreting services should press 9 for an interpreter or call Translating and Interpretation Service (TIS) on 131 450.

You may be eligible for up to 12 months of free Mail Redirection by Australia Post if a major natural disaster impacts your mail delivery.

How to apply

Visit your local post office to have your mail redirected for up to 12 months at no charge.

To be eligible, you need to be over 18 years of age and your address needs to be within the area of the natural disaster.

Please bring with you:

• A valid proof of identity such as a driver’s licence, passport or Australian birth certificate. Further acceptable ID types are listed at: auspost.com.au/mail-redirection
• Details of your alternate address, along with up to six names of people staying at that address.

If you are unable to provide a valid proof of identity, please bring each of the following:

• A document with your name and Australian residential address (for example, a utility notice), and
• A document with your signature (for example, a Keypass or Statutory Declaration).

Help for businesses

If your business has been impacted, you may be eligible for Mail Redirection or Mail Hold. For eligibility criteria, visit auspost.com.au/MRSbusiness or ask in-store.

Other ways Australia Post can help

• Free Mail Hold service for up to 12 months at no charge (Mail Hold can not be used in conjunction with Mail Redirection). For information on how to apply, ask in your local post office.
• ID services – access identity verification at participating post offices.