Recovery Information Centre open for Moira residents impacted by fire
Published on 12 January 2026
Our community has been deeply impacted by a devastating fire on Friday 9 January.
Moira Shire has now entered the assessment and recovery phase following the grassfire that impacted Cobram East, Katamatite, Katamatite East, Katunga, Muckatah, Naring, Yarroweyah and Yarroweyah South.
Developments over the weekend included a community information meeting held in Katamatite on Saturday; and the Emergency Relief Centre in Cobram, which was opened to support affected people on Friday, was closed on Saturday.
The Moira Recovery Information Centre is now open in Cobram to provide ongoing assistance and information to affected residents.
Moira Shire Council Chair Administrator Dr Graeme Emonson PSM urged anyone affected by the fires to reach out for help.
“We understand that we have at least 10 families who have lost their homes in the fire,” DrEmonson said.
“This is a tragic situation. Our thoughts are with them and all others who have suffered property loss and damage from the fire.
“Our staff and other service representatives at the Recovery Information Centre are ready with information and access to resources to support fire victims.
“We’re also very moved and grateful with how many community members have put their hands up to help, offering donations of food, money and household items.”
Information about how to donate is listed below.
“In times of adversity like this we’re reminded of the strong community spirit within Moira Shire,” Dr Emonson said.
“We must thank our first responders and volunteer firefighters, and other emergency and relief organisations, for their unyielding efforts in fighting this fire and their support during the ongoing recovery.
“Over coming days, we will have access to the fire site. We will be working with property owners to understand the impacts, and we will ensure that every impacted property owner has the support and connection with agencies that can continue to provide assistance in the coming days, weeks and months as the recovery journey begins.”
MOIRA RECOVERY INFORMATION CENTRE
The Moira Recovery Information Centre (RIC) is at 3/29 Station Street, Cobram (opposite the Shire office).
It will remain open until at least Friday 16 January, between 10am and 2pm each day. Call the centre on 0477 796 975.
Services available at the RIC this week include:
Emergency Relief Payments (see below for more information): Department of Families, Fairness and Housing: https://www.dffh.vic.gov.au/
Emotional Care/Support Services:
DONATIONS
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
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 is also accepting donations of practical goods and services.
They are accepting:
- Essential household goods (please contact Cobram Community House to let them know what you have).
- New clothing and bedding, towels, etc.
- Toiletries and personal care items.
- Services or vouchers that may help families in the weeks ahead.
Donations can be dropped off at Cobram Community House at 43-45 Punt Road, Cobram.
If you are unable to take food donations to Moira FoodShare, they can be left at Cobram Community House, who will pass them on to FoodShare.
If you’re unsure what to donate or would like to offer a service, please contact the Community House on 5872 2224.
EMERGENCY RELIEF PAYMENTS
The Victorian Government has made Emergency Relief Payments available for eligible people affected by the January 2026 fires.
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).