January 2026 Victoria bushfires
Victorian Government Emergency Relief Payment
Immediate financial help for eligible Victorians experiencing extreme financial hardship due to the Victorian bushfires.
For more information and to apply, visit the Victorian Government website, call the VicEmergency Hotline 1800 226 226 or visit an Emergency Relief Centre.
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment
More information will be available at 2pm on Wednesday 14 January 2026 on the Services Australia website.
Contact your Local Government
It is also recommended that any residents who have been impacted by the fires contact their Local Government and seek assistance. The Council should be able to coordinate relief and recovery support on the resident’s behalf, with local relief agencies like Salvation Army, Australian Red Cross and Victorian Council of Churches.
The Victorian Emergency Relief and Recovery Foundation (VERRF) has launched the January 2026 Victorian Bushfire Appeal to raise funds to support people affected by the bushfires, for immediate relief and long-term recovery.
GIVIT Australia are collecting donations for goods, equipment, and services via their website.
GIVIT Australia is the official State Government donation platform and ensures that assistance goes directly to those who need it most by matching donations to specific requests from emergency services and impacted households.
This link takes you straight to the Victoria Disasters page which ensures donations go specifically to natural disasters, including the bushfires, which are occurring in Victoria.
You can donate money or buy a voucher for someone in need via the “Give Money” Tab.
You can donate material aid like white goods via the “Give Items” Tab. Or you can “Give Time” and offer to volunteer for a service that is required at this time of need.
City of Port Phillip begun partnering with GIVIT Australia in 2024.