Raff Ciccone
Labor Senator for Victoria
LAST month’s Victorian bushfires tore through communities with terrifying speed, leaving families without homes, disrupting businesses, and devastating farms and landscapes.
Across the state, over 400,000 hectares have now been burnt. More than 1500 structures, including over 400 homes, have been damaged or destroyed.
Recovery after a disaster isn’t measured in days or weeks, but in years. It requires ongoing commitment from all levels of government, communities and the thousands of volunteers who step up when it matters most.
The recent announcement of a further $160 million in recovery support from the Federal and State Governments is a significant step in that long journey, building on more than $210 million already committed.
Over 20 local government areas are eligible for support under the Commonwealth State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), including Alpine Shire, Benalla Rural City, Campaspe Shire, Colac Otway Shire, Corangamite Shire, East Gippsland Shire, Golden Plains Shire, Greater Bendigo City, Horsham Rural City, Macedon Ranges Shire, Mansfield Shire, Mildura Rural City, Mitchell Shire, Moira Shire, Mount Alexander Shire, Murrindindi Shire, Strathbogie Shire, Towong Shire, Wellington Shire, Wodonga City, Yarra Ranges Shire and Lake Mountain Alpine Resort.
The DRFA support package covers a wide range of programs, from immediate clean-up and temporary accommodation to financial counselling for affected businesses and mental health support.
It includes prolonged power outage payments, grants and loans for primary producers, funding for emergency relief centres, debris removal and fodder delivery, providing practical help for communities to recover and rebuild.
The Albanese government has also expanded financial support for Victorians affected by the bushfires, with the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) now available in 66 locations across the state.
The one-off AGDRP provides $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per child to those directly impacted, including people who have suffered major damage to their home or serious injury.
These payments complement existing disaster recovery support for households, businesses and communities, including the Disaster Recovery Allowance for those who have lost income.
Victorians can check their eligibility for disaster recovery payments through the Services Australia website at servicesaustralia.gov.au/disastersupport.
For further information about payments and recovery programs, assistance is available through the Emergency Recovery Hotline at 1800 560 760.
Alongside this assistance stands the extraordinary contribution of volunteers – firefighters, recovery workers, local groups and neighbours helping neighbours.
They’ve been at the forefront of the bushfire response, working day and night to protect their communities.
Their courage, compassion and tireless efforts restore hope and remind us of the very best of the Australian spirit in times of crisis.
The recovery phase is a long journey and a shared responsibility.
That’s why the Albanese government stands with every Victorian affected by these fires.
Together, we’ll rebuild not just what was lost, but stronger, safer and more resilient communities for the future.
