Help is Available for Victorian Families Affected by Bushfires
If you’ve been affected by the recent bushfires in Victoria, I want you to know that help is available. The government and banks are working together to support families during this tough time.
Over the weekend, large parts of Victoria experienced really bad bushfires. Places like Bendigo, Gippsland, Natimuk and Harcourt were hit hard. Sadly, one person has died, and more than 350 buildings have been destroyed.
In Natimuk alone, over 8,000 hectares of land have been burnt. The hot weather (over 40 degrees!) and strong winds made the fires spread quickly.
Where Are the Bushfires?
A State of Disaster has been declared in these areas:
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- Alpine Shire
- Ararat Rural City
- Colac Otway Shire
- Corangamite Shire
- East Gippsland Shire
- Golden Plains Shire
- Greater Bendigo City
- Horsham Rural City
- Lake Mountain Alpine Resort
- Mansfield Shire
- Mildura Rural City
- Mitchell Shire
- Moira Shire
- Mount Alexander Shire
- Murrindindi Shire
- Pyrenees Shire
- Strathbogie Shire
- Towong Shire
- Wellington Shire
Financial Help Available
The government has announced $19.5 million to help people affected by the fires. Here’s what’s available:
For Families Who Lost Their Homes
If you don’t have insurance and lost your home, you might be able to get up to $52,250 to help rebuild your house.
Emergency Money for Families
Families can get emergency payments to buy food, clothes, and medicine:
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- $680 per adult
- $340 per child
- Maximum of $2,380 per family
Help for Farmers
Farmers who lost animals, crops, or equipment can get:
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- Free animal feed through a $10 million program
- Free counselling for mental health support
- Money for community events (up to $5,000 from January 16, 2026)
- Help from the Rural Financial Counselling Service
Getting Help from Case Workers
The government is setting up a Recovery Support Program with $5 million in funding. Case workers will help you:
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- Find housing
- Get legal help
- Sort out money problems
- Access other practical support
There’s also a recovery hotline with $2 million in funding to answer your questions.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “The Federal Government is working hand in hand with the Victorian Government to provide immediate support for communities impacted by the devastating bushfires.”
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan visited Natimuk and said: “These fires have caused unimaginable loss for so many across Victoria – that’s why we are delivering more financial and mental health support to help ease some of the burden facing our farmers and regional communities.”
What Can Your Bank Do to Help?
All the major Australian banks have disaster relief programs to help bushfire victims. Here’s what they can offer:
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- Repayment holidays – you can pause your home loan or credit card payments
- Fee waivers – they’ll remove some fees
- Emergency grants – some banks give money for urgent needs like food and accommodation
- Loan restructuring – they can help reorganize your loans
NAB’s Belinda Mamet said: “We know people need help now, not later. That’s why we’re offering $1,000 Disaster Relief Grants to cover urgent costs like accommodation, clothing and food.”
Westpac’s Damien MacRae said: “Westpac stands ready to support customers affected by the Victorian bushfires. Our Disaster Relief Package provides immediate financial assistance and tailored support.”
The Australian Banking Association CEO Simon Birmingham said: “There are now special arrangements in place for those who may need additional financial assistance from their bank in the coming days, weeks and months.”
Important Contact Numbers
Bank Hardship – Contact Numbers for Help
Major Banks:
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- ANZ: 1800 252 845 or 1800 149 549
- Commonwealth Bank (CBA): 1300 720 814 or 13 30 95
- NAB: 1800 701 599
- Westpac: 132 032 or 1800 067 497
Regional Banks:
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- Auswide Bank (Credit Care team): 1300 077 969
- Bank of Melbourne: 1300 630 266
- Bank SA: 1800 679 461
- Bankwest: 1300 769 173
- Bendigo & Adelaide Bank: 1300 652 146 or 1800 652 146
- Beyond Bank: 13 25 85
- MyState Bank (Credit Care team – select option 3): 138 001
- St. George Bank: 1300 308 008
- Suncorp: 1800 225 223
Specialist Lenders:
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- AFG Retro Link Alpha: 1800 629 948
- AFG Edge: 1300 155 426
- AFG Options: 1300 030 4694
- AFG Bright: 02 8880 6633
- AFG Align: 1300 162 184
- AMP: 1300 721 862
- Firstmac (Financial Hardship): 1300 784 434
- Granite Home Loans: 1300 232 999
- Great Southern Bank (Financial Assistance – select option 2): 1800 110 440
- Heritage Bank: 1800 222 030
- ING: 1300 349 166
- La Trobe Financial (Mortgage Help team, Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:30pm AEST): 1800 620 639
- Liberty Financial: 13 11 33
- Macquarie Bank: 1300 363 330
- ME Bank (Customer Assistance Team): 1300 500 520
- Newcastle Permanent (Customer Assist Team): 02 4927 4374
- RedZed: 1300 722 462
- Resimac (Resimac-funded loans): 1300 764 447
Other Important Numbers
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- Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA): If your lender hasn’t helped you within 21 days, call 1800 931 678
- Beyond Blue: For emotional or mental health support about money stress, call 1300 22 46 36 (available 24 hours a day)
How to Donate
If you want to help bushfire victims, the Victorian government has set up the 2026 Victorian Bushfire Appeal. Every dollar you donate goes directly to helping fire-affected communities.
You can donate online starting from Monday, January 12, 2026.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said: “We know there are so many Victorians out there who want to dig deep to support our farmers and fire-affected communities – that’s why we have set up the Victorian Bushfire Appeal.”
What Should You Do Next?
If you’ve been affected by the bushfires:
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- Call your bank as soon as it’s safe – use the numbers above to speak with their hardship team
- Contact the recovery hotline to find out what government help you can get
- Speak with a case worker to help you navigate all the support available
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help – that’s what these programs are for
Remember, you’re not alone. The government, banks, and your community are here to help you get back on your feet.
As a mortgage broker, I’ve helped many families through tough financial situations. If you need guidance on dealing with your home loan during this difficult time, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the hardship teams at your bank. They’re there to help, not to make things harder.
Stay safe, and remember – there is help available.
This article provides general information about bushfire disaster relief available in Victoria. For specific advice about your situation, please contact the relevant organizations directly using the phone numbers provided above.
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