Grass Flat-Telfers Road fire recovery
This page has information about support available to residents impacted by the Grass Flat-Telfers Road fire.
For the most up to date information on relief and recovery support available to residents impacted by the Victorian bushfires, please visit the VicEmergency website or Emergency Recovery Victoria website.
Support after the January 2026 Victorian bushfires(PDF, 211KB)
Victorian fires January 2026 - relief and recovery support(PDF, 174KB)
Recovery hub open day
Sunday 3 May 2026
10am-12noon - Quantong Community Centre
2pm-4pm - NC2 building, Natimuk
Call in for a cuppa and help us develop the Cuppa and Conversation Program.
For further information, contact Rhonda McNeil on 0472 704 674 or recovery@hrcc.vic.gov.au
Recovery Newsletters
Recovery Newsletter - April 2026(PDF, 313KB)
Recovery Newsletter - March 2026(PDF, 492KB)
Recovery hub
Residents affected by the fire are encouraged to visit Council's recovery hubs in Natimuk and Quantong. Horsham Rural City Council staff, together with representatives from other services are available at the recovery hub to provide information and support.
Opening hours
Natimuk Recovery Hub
NC2 building (former Council Offices), 62 Main Street, Natimuk
Tuesdays - 2pm to 6pm
Wednesdays - 10am to 4pm
Quantong Recovery Hub
Quantong Community Centre Recreation Reserve, Chequers Road, Quantong
Mondays - 2pm to 6pm
For further details, contact Rhonda McNeil, Horsham Rural City Council's Recovery Coordinator on 0472 704 674 or recovery@hrcc.vic.gov.au.
Victorian Emergency Relief and Recovery Foundation
The Victorian Emergency Relief and Recovery Foundation (VERRF) is a charitable trust, supported by the State Government of Victoria.
The VERRF is independent of government and all funds raised will support relief and recovery programs not otherwise fully met through government assistance.
During events of state significance such as the 2025-26 Victorian bushfires, the VERRF is stood up by the Victorian Government to administer an appeal. When stood up, the VERRF will establish criteria that determines who can apply for financial support.
Donations: The VERRF is accepting donations to support people, organisations and communities affected by the January 2026 Victorian bushfires. You can make a donation here: https://www.vic.gov.au/2026-Victorian-Bushfire-Appeal
Payments: A $1,000 payment is available if bushfires in Victoria significantly damaged or destroyed your home during the 2025-26 summer. You can apply for VERRF grant here: https://www.vic.gov.au/apply-victorian-emergency-relief-and-recovery-foundation-support
For further details, visit the VERRF website.
Clean-up support
Clean-up help is available for uninsured and underinsured homes, businesses and community assets.
Eligible households may receive up to $1,500 including:
- Up to $750 - 100% of the cost of tank cleaning assistance
- Up to $750 - 100% of the cost of roof and gutter cleaning assistance.
Note: This rebate is for households who are not connected to the mains water supply and are not covered by primary producer programs. Support is limited to domestic drinking water needs, not agricultural, stock or garden purposes.
For further information and to register, visit vic.gov.au/clean-support-january-2026-bushfires
Demolition of bushfire-affected structures fact sheet(PDF, 177KB)
Personal protective kits
A limited number of personal protective kits are now available from the Recovery Hub.
Each kit contains disposable coveralls, a disposable P2 face mask, sturdy gloves and a garbage bag to dispose of used protective equipment.
After a fire - using your personal protective kit(PDF, 199KB)
Recovery water tank rebates
Financial assistance is available for households who are not connected to the mains water supply to clean and fill water tanks impacted by the fires.
Note: This rebate is for households not covered by primary producer programs. Support is limited to domestic drinking water needs, not agricultural, stock or garden purposes.
For further information, visit water.vic.gov.au
Solar support
Hardship provisions are available for Solar Victoria applicants and existing customers or businesses experiencing disruption or financial hardship as a result of the fires.
Support for customers impacted by the bushfires includes the option to pause loan repayments, extending applications, and helping replace damaged solar and hot water systems.
For further information, visit solar.vic.gov.au
Telstra support
Telstra disaster support package
If you've had to leave your premises due to a disaster, immediate support to help you stay connected can include:
- Free diversion of calls
- An extra 70GB of data for eligible pre-paid mobile customers
- An extra 100GB of data for eligible post-paid and upfront mobile customers
- Billing and payment support.
If you've suffered severe damage or loss of your home or business premises and need to relocate, Telstra can help keep you connected by:
- Free diversion of calls
- Covering the connection cost of a new phone service at your temporary address
- Reconnecting your home or business phone to your original address
- Billing and payment support.
For further information, visit the Telstra website.
2026 Telstra Connected Communities Grant - now open
The 2026 Telstra Connected Communities Grant Program is now open, supporting remote, rural and regional communities across Australia. Delivered in partnership with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR), the program is part of Telstra’s long-term commitment to building stronger, more connected communities. Over five years, $1 million will fund locally led projects that create real impact. Grants of up to $10,000 for eligible not-for-profit organisations are available to support projects that are:
- Resilient – strengthening social connection and disaster preparedness
- Sustainable – promoting health, wellbeing and long-term prosperity
- Liveable – building digital skills and confidence
Key dates
- Applications close: 5pm (AEDT), Thursday 26 March 2025
- Funding this round: $200,000
- Grant amount: Up to $10,000 per project
- Successful applicants announced: June 2026
- Projects completed by: June 2027
For full details and to apply, visit the Telstra Connected Communities Grant Program page: Telstra Connected Communities Grant Program
Justice of the Peace (JP)
If you have important documents that need to be witnessed/certified, a JP is available at the Horsham Library every Wednesday from 10am to 1pm.
Booking an appointment is not required, but you can phone the Horsham Library on 5382 5707 to check that they are in attendance.
If you require JP services outside of the hours of 10am-1pm on a Wednesday, you can visit Horsham Police Station at 20 Roberts Avenue, Horsham.
If your request is urgent, please contact Council on 5382 9777 and we will put you in touch with a local JP who can assist.
Emergency Recovery Support Program
The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) have now activated the Emergency Recovery Support Program for people directly affected by the January 2026 fires. Support is based on you and your family's needs. Support officers can advise on what services are available or connect you to programs. They can help with:
- Finding local services
- Insurance and legal questions
- Money problems
- Your health and wellbeing
- Registering from government services.
For further information, visit the VicEmergency website: Relief and Recovery - VicEmergency scroll down to the Emergency Recovery Support Program section.
You can also call the Emergency Recovery Support Hotline on 1800 560 760 (press 9 for an interpreter or call TIS on 131450).
Commonwealth Recovery Payments
Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA): Provides short-term income support for individuals who have lost income as a direct result of the Victorian bushfires that started in January 2026. The DRA is paid for 13 weeks, with the rate based on individual circumstances (for example, partnered, single, caring for children).
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP): A one-off payment for people significantly affected by a major disaster. $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per child for those whose home or major assets have been destroyed or severely damaged, those seriously injured, or those who have lost an immediate family member.
For further information, visit the Services Australia website.
Emergency Recovery hotline - 1800 560 760
- If you have been affected by bushfire, support is available to help you in your recovery.
- Call the hotline on 1800 560 760 from 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm on weekends. Press 9 for an interpreter.
- Information about recovery support is also available on the VicEmergency website and the Emergency Recovery Victoria website.
Important waste disposal information
Council's waste collections are operating as normal, however, additional provisions have been made for bushfire waste to be taken to either the Natimuk Recycling Facility or the Quantong Transfer Station.
Natimuk Recycling Facility
Scrap metal can be placed on the ordinary scrap metal pile at the Natimuk Recycling Facility.
Other bushfire waste should be placed in the skip bin marked "Bushfire Waste" at the Natimuk Recycling Facility.
Bushfire affected green waste, including trees, branches, etc should be placed in the skip bin marked "Bushfire Green Waste".
Quantong Recycling Facility
Scrap metal can be placed on the ordinary scrap metal pile at the Quantong Transfer Station.
Other bushfire waste should be placed in the general garbage bins marked "Bushfire Waste".
Bushfire affected green waste, including trees, branches, etc should be placed int he skip bin marked "Bushfire Green Waste".
Asbestos
Asbestos or materials suspected of containing asbestos must be removed by a licensed asbestos removalist. Local licensed asbestos removalists are:
If removing asbestos yourself, please note
- Measures to minimise dust during the process including removing whole pieces and not breaking them up, and wetting down material prior to removal.
- Ensure that appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn including: coveralls, gloves, P2 face mask and eye protection.
- Packaged and sealed asbestos can be taken to Dooen Landfill, 132 Ladlows Road, Dooen.
Asbestos removal handout(PDF, 133KB)
Please note: Tyres and eWaste must be taken to a transfer station for proper disposal.
There will be no charge at Council's waste disposal facilities for property owners who have been affected by the fire, however you will need to provide proof of residence.
The fee waivers will run for 120 days until 13 May 2026.
Transfer station locations
- Horsham: 93 Kenny Road, Haven, open 10am to 5pm daily
- Mt Zero: 693 Wonwondah Dadswells Bridge Road, Laharum, pen 9am to 12noon Saturday
- Quantong: 497 Lanes Avenue, Quantong, open 10am to 7pm daily (temporarily)
- Toolondo: 217 Telangatuk East Rocklands Road, open 1pm to 4pm Thursday
Replacement bins
Bin collections have resumed for fire affected areas.
If your bins were damaged in the fires, they will be replaced as a matter of priority.
Please complete our bin replacement for fire affected residents form
Support for farmers
Victoria Bushfires January 2026 - Agriculture Victoria Resource Recovery Directory(PDF, 318KB)
Animal welfare: Agriculture Victoria has teams of field staff on the ground supporting farmers, prioritising animal welfare and carrying out impact assessments across the State. Any farmers needing supporting with animal welfare should call 1800 226 226.
Fodder: Emergency fodder is being delivered to farmers through the Emergency Fodder Support program. Farmers can request emergency fodder by contacting the Victorian Farmers Federation on 1300 882 833 or vff@vff.org.au
Livestock disposal: Agriculture Victoria have setup a Livestock Disposal Advisory Service to assist landholders with managing deceased livestock. Farmers can contact the advisory service on 0407 145 077 or livestock.disposal@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Victorian Primary Producer Recovery Grants: Grants of up to $75,000 are now available to eligible primary producers to help cover the costs of cleanup and reinstating their enterprises that have suffered direct damage as a result of bushfires. This includes repairing, reconditioning or replacing essential plant or equipment damaged by the bushfires. Applications are now open and will close at 4pm on 21 October 2026. Information is available on the Rural Finance website.
Concessional loans for primary producers: Concessional loans are now available to help primary producers recover from the bushfires. Loans of up to $250,000 are available for primary producers who have suffered significant damage to assets. Applications are now open and will close on 21 October 2026 at 4pm. Further Information is available on the Rural Finance website.
Farm drought support grants: These grants aim to assist primary production businesses to implement on-farm instrasturcture improvements and undertake essential business activities that improve drought management and preparedness. This program is available to eligible primary producers in all Local Government Areas of Victoria. Eligible primary producers are required to provide dollar for dollar matching funding co-contribution, with a total amount of a grant is up to $5,000 (excluding GST). Applications are open until funds are exhausted, or 30 June 2026 whichever comes first. Further information is available on the Rural Finance website.
Look Over the Farm Gate: Look Over the Farm Gate applications opened on 16 January 2026. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to run events that support mental health, wellbeing and social connection for farmers and farming families. All events must be held before 30 June 2026. This program is managed by the National Centre for Farmer Health on behalf of the Victorian Government. Further details are available on the National Centre for Farmer Health website.
The Agriculture Victoria website provides details of community groups and service organisations that are supporting farmers with recovery, including fodder, fencing repairs, wellbeing services and financial assistance.
Fencing and essential water replacement
The Essential Water Replacement Scheme was put in place for the replacement of essential water used during bushfire operations by Victoria’s fire agencies.
If you believe essential water needs replacing on your property, please submit an essential water replacement claim form Essential water replacement form(PDF, 158KB) or visit the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action website.
Fencing and water replacement information(PDF, 1MB)
Bushfire recovery - fencing fact sheet(PDF, 245KB)
Property boundaries
Following a bushfire, where boundary fences may have been destroyed, it is important that title boundaries of properties be re-established and marked on the ground by a licensed land surveyor prior to any building and other works occurring near those boundaries.
Land surveying for private properties affected by the bushfires fact sheet(PDF, 1MB)
Disaster relief and business support
For business support and assistance, please contact Council's Business and Tourism Team on business@hrcc.vic.gov.au or 5382 9507.
Prolonged power outage payment
If your business has been without power for more than 7 days you may be eligible for a payment. For more information, visit energy.vic.gov.au/about-energy/safety/power-outages
Business Recovery Advisory Service
Free, confidential, one-on-one support to business owners to identify needs and develop strategies for long-term recovery. For more information, visit business.vic.gov.au
Small Business Financial Counselling Service
Free, confidential financial counselling to businesses who are in, or at risk of, financial hardship due to the bushfires. More information, visit business.vic.gov.au
CommBank
Emergency assistance to customers and businesses affected by bushfires and other disasters. Visit the CommBank website for further details.
National Australia Bank
Disaster relief grants to customers severely impacted by natural disasters. Visit the National Australia Bank website for further details.
Victorian Small Business Commission
Guidance for retail tenants requesting support from the landlords(PDF, 165KB)
Insurance
If you require legal advice specific to your situation, you can book an appointment through any of the following free legal services:
- Victoria Legal Aid Horsham Office, phone 5381 6000
- Allied Justice, phone 5331 5999
- Disaster Legal Help Victoria, phone 1800 113 432
Scroll down to the Legal assistance section for more information about free legal services and the support they can provide with insurance.
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) is the representative body for the general insurance industry of Australia. They are on the ground following disasters to coordinate insurer response. The ICA encourages impacted businesses and individuals to get in touch with their insurer or broker to lodge a claim as soon as its safe to return to your property.
Insurance Council of Australia website
Claims Process after a Disaster.pdf(PDF, 210KB)
Cleaning up after a Disaster.pdf(PDF, 214KB)
Complaints Process.pdf(PDF, 180KB)
Getting Bushfire Season Ready.pdf(PDF, 209KB)
Legal assistance
Allied Justice
Allied Justice is an organisation that provides free legal advice, information and community legal education to people who live, work or study in the Grampians region. If you've been impacted by the bushfire, they can provide legal help with problems such as financial hardship, insurance claims, property damage, tenancy issues, debt management, employment issues, replacing damaged, lost or destroyed documents, family violence, family law, parenting orders compliance and intervention orders compliance. For further details please call 03 5331 5999 or 1800 466 488 (free call) or email help@alliedjustice.org.au
Allied Justice website
Allied just flyer(PDF, 115KB)
Disaster Legal Help Victoria
Support for people affected by disasters in Victoria. Call 1800 113 432 weekdays between 8am to 6pm for legal information and referrals.
Disaster Legal Help Victoria website
Disaster Legal Help flyer.pdf(PDF, 820KB)
Insurance checklist - after the event(PDF, 242KB)
Legal health checklist(PDF, 190KB)
Emergency assistance and accommodation(PDF, 238KB)
Replacing lost documents(PDF, 196KB)
Centrelink and disasters - getting help (Social Security Rights Victoria)(PDF, 796KB)
Renting and disasters - legal basics (Tenants Victoria)(PDF, 139KB)
Disaster Legal Help (Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service)(PDF, 125KB)
Insurance - cash settlements(PDF, 242KB)
Victoria Legal Aid
Victoria Legal Aid helps people with their legal problems. They focus on protecting the rights of Victorians and representing those who need it the most.
Victoria Legal Aid website
Counselling and mental health services
Trauma counselling, general counselling and mental health support services are available for anyone affected by the fires across the Wimmera and Grampians region.
Counselling and mental health support services flyer(PDF, 61KB)
Better Health
The Victorian Government's Better Health website has information on trauma and emergencies and helpful strategies on how to best manage trauma for you and your family.
Counselling, online and phone support for mental illness
Trauma recovery services
Rural Financial Counselling Service - Victoria West
Provides free, independent and confidential financial and wellbeing counselling services to farmers and small business owners in rural areas of Western Victoria.
P: 1300, 735 578 | E: admin@wswrcs.com.au | W: https://wswrcs.com.au/
Rural Financial Counselling Service disaster recovery flyer(PDF, 767KB)
MELI Financial Counselling Program
Meli is a not-for-profit community service organisation, committed to supporting people and strengthening communities. They have a financial counsellor based in Horsham who can provide free, confidential and non-judgmental services to people experiencing financial hardship including debt, job loss, insurance claims, fines, or any form of financial distress. For further information, contact the Counselling Intake Team on 03 5226 8900 or intake@meli.org.au or visit the Meli website.
Meli financial counselling brochure(PDF, 428KB)
How to help someone doing it tough
R U OK? have prepared a Mateship Manual to help you support someone who's doing it tough because of a natural disaster or emergency.
For further details, visit the R U OK? website
R U OK? Mateship Manual(PDF, 2MB)
Disaster and emergency recovery
A range of support is available for people experiencing trauma, damage or loss due to disasters and emergencies.
Visit the Department of Families and Fairness website for further details.
Support for carers
If you are providing unpaid support to a family member or friend who has been affected by the fire, you may be finding your caring role harder to manage right now. Alongside emergency services that focus on safety, housing and finances, you may need extra support to keep caring for the person you look after. This includes help to:
- Keep caring even if your usual routines are disrupted or you need to move temporarily
- Look after the person you care for while accessing emergency or recovery services
- Find short-term or emergency support including respite
- Navigate multiple services at the same time.
For further information, visit the Carers Victoria website.
Health advice
Please note: The information in some of these links is available in languages other than English
Community newsletters - Grass Flat-Telfers Road Fire
What to do in a disaster
The What to do in a disaster fact sheet(PDF, 56KB) is a great resource if you've experienced disaster and need support.
Visit the Consumer Affairs Victoria website for further details.
Emergency contacts
Emergency Contacts List.pdf(PDF, 182KB)
Help for wildlife
https://www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/wildlife-emergencies/wildlife-fire-emergencies
To report wildlife impacted by fire, call 1300 356 682.
Report an issue to Council
If you need to report a road, tree or other safety issue on Council-managed land that could pose an immediate risk to public safety, please report it online here.
Otherwise, call our customer service team on 5382 9777 during business hours, Monday to Friday.
Fire information
VicEmergency - Grampians is the leading source of up-to-date information for fires in our region but always use more than one source of information. For information on how to stay informed, click on the Important emergency information tab.
Make sure you have a portable battery operated radio and spare batteries to stay informed during an emergency in case your power is cut off.
Emergency awareness brochure.pdf
Land surveying fact sheet for private properties affected by the bushfires - Department of Transport and Planning
Plan and prepare for an emergency
To learn more about planning for bushfires and other emergencies, click on the Plan and prepare for an emergency tab.
Emergency preparedness brochure.pdf
Handy links