Fire Recovery Program Supporting Community Recovery and Resilience

Since the January bushfires, Council's Fire Recovery Program has supported residents, businesses, farmers and community groups across the shire as they rebuild.

The program has focused on restoring infrastructure, helping people get back on their feet, and connecting communities with the right support at the right time.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said Council would continue to work with the community as they look to rebuild.

“Our community stood shoulder to shoulder during the 2026 Victorian bushfire season and we will stand shoulder to shoulder with them until they’ve rebuilt.”  

"The bushfires had a profound impact on our community, but they also highlighted the strength, resilience and determination of our residents. The best little shire is home to the best little community."

To combat wellbeing issues that arose during and after the fires, Council has partnered with the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local, the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) and the Australian Red Cross to provide practical and psychological support.  

Recovery funding also brought disaster recovery psychologist Dr Rob Gordon and community recovery specialist Anne Leadbeater to Merton Hall for psychosocial support sessions, helping residents work through the ongoing impacts of the fires.

Community-led initiatives have played their part too. The Social Inclusion Action Group screened the Australian film Just A Farmer, sparking conversation about mental health in rural communities. Community dinners and support networks have helped bring people back together and ease isolation.

On the land, Council is working with Up2Us Landcare, the Upper Goulburn Landcare Network and local landholders to review and update the Landowners Revegetation Guide After Bushfire, giving practical, on-the-ground advice for getting land back to health.

For business recovery, Council used business impact surveys and local data to connect people with Business Connect, Business Victoria and AgBiz Assist. AgBiz Assist is currently supporting 11 farming businesses and 25 local businesses through financial counselling, professional advice and access to grants.

Manager of Bushfire Recovery, Tamara Watson, said recovery remains an ongoing process and Council remains committed to supporting communities as they continue to rebuild, recover and prepare for future challenges.

“The Fire Recovery Program had been instrumental in helping the community move forward. Through the support of the program, we have been able to restore access to the local road network, support local recovery initiatives and create opportunities that will benefit our community for years to come.”