Concerns over bushfire relief as those who stayed remain ineligible for payment

Under the eligibility requirements, those whose principal place of residence was damaged or destroyed by the fires and is unlivable or whose principal place of residence was in an evacuation area and who evacuated can access the payment if they have unmet immediate relief needs.

In Victorian Parliament last week, Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland urged Emergency Services and Disaster Recovery Minister Vicki Ward to expand the financial assistance available.

“Right now, the people who protected our towns are being told they are not eligible for support because they stayed,” she said.

“You almost have to say it twice to believe it. The people who turned towards the fire to save others are the ones being penalised.

“Farmers, contractors and neighbours worked through the night with slip-ons, pumps, graders and farm equipment, cutting firebreaks and building containment lines.

“That local effort is the reason this disaster did not become a catastrophe. Without them, we would have lost far more homes, far more livestock, and, frankly, more lives.”

With a number of funding streams available for impacted Victorians, the government is encouraging applicants to get in touch with local hubs or its Emegency Recovery Hotline to assess their eligibility.

“Right now, Victorians need clear facts and support — not misinformation and political opportunism,” Ms Ward said.

“Along with the Federal Government, we’ve announced more than $370 million worth of support programs — from emergency relief payments for those who could not return home, to extra mental health supports and help for farmers to get back on their feet.

“Whether it was those who turned out to protect their communities, or those who chose to leave — there is support available.

“I encourage people to stop into their nearest recovery hub or call the Emergency Recovery Hotline to find out what support they’re eligible for.”

Ms Cleeland said she would continue to press the minister to re-evaluate eligibility.

“If we have learnt anything from bushfires, it is that communities act first and government follows,” she said.

“We rely on these people when it matters most. We should be backing them in recovery too.

“These people did not walk away from us. We should not be walking away from them.”

A list of available government support can be found at vic.gov.au/january-2026-victorian-bushfires

Residents can also attend their nearest recovery hub for information and support, with locations in the region at: