Thursday 1 October 2026

H5 bird flu – current situation

If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife, do not touch them. 

Avoid direct contact. 
Record what you see. 
Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or using the online form.

Report clusters of 5 or more sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in Victoria.

Report even one sick or dead:

• wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey
• marine mammal (e.g. seal, dolphin).

Shearwaters set to arrive in Victoria

Victorians are reminded that Shearwaters are about to begin arriving in Victoria, migrating from the Northern hemisphere.

Shearwaters travel more than 15,000 km to Australia each year to breed in spring and summer, one of the world’s longest bird migrations.

Some exhausted birds do not survive the journey and may be found on Victorian beaches.

Managing fire fuel on-farm 

Get on top of fuel management now ahead of the fire season. 

• Undertake routine maintenance of house and farm buildings
• Clear long grass and other flammable materials from around the home, yards and sheds
• Establish fire breaks. 

Check out the tips and templates in the Fire Preparedness Toolkit.  

Request a hard copy of the Fire Preparedness Toolkit by emailing recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au 

Grants to rehome and care for our precious pets opens

The Victorian Government is ensuring more Victorian pets get the care they need and have the chance to find a new home.

Minister for Agriculture Michaela Settle opened Round 14 of the Animal Welfare Fund Grants today at Beyond Racing in Myrniong.

The $1.7 million grants round will help organisations across Victoria care for and rehome animals.

Drought support

As we move into the warmer months, support is still available for farmers across Victoria.  

Manage current conditions, access practical advice and plan ahead with more confidence with:  

• Rural Financial Counselling Service Wellbeing Counsellors - free, confidential wellbeing support alongside its usual financial and business counselling support. 

• Drought support events – workshops and events across the state supporting farmers in drought and recovery.  

To view the full range of financial, technical and wellbeing support available, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or phone 136 186.     

New molecular tools for Australian citrus biosecurity

Check out the latest edition of Australian Citrus News for an article by our researchers Dr Francesco Martoni and Dr Mark Blacket.

It looks at their research which is helping keep Australia free from exotic pests and protecting citrus growers from damaging plant pathogens.

Rebates to improve digital connectivity for primary producers

The On Farm Connectivity Program Round 3 assists primary producers to take advantage of digital agribusiness solutions to boost productivity and improve safety.

The grant is provided as a rebate to approved suppliers following the sale, delivery, installation, and training, where applicable, of eligible equipment to eligible primary producers. Eligible primary producers must access the program through an approved supplier.

A rebate of up to $20,000 (GST exclusive) is available to cover up to 50% of the eligible purchase price of eligible equipment.

Applications close 5 pm Thursday 15 October.

Have your say - Looking ahead 2026 survey 

Help East Gippsland Shire, Wellington Shire and East Gippsland CMA update the 2019 'Looking Ahead' advocacy paper for Gippsland agriculture.

If you live in Wellington Shire Council or East Gippsland Shire Council they need your input on: 

• What are the key issues affecting your farm?
• What opportunities do you see?
• What challenges are you facing?

Take 15 minutes to have your say. 

Survey closes Friday 9 October.  

• New H5 bird flu cases detected in fur seals

• Requirement to prevent poultry contact with wild birds extended

• Investigating wildlife deaths on Port Phillip Bay’s Mud Islands

• Supporting H5 preparedness and poultry welfare reforms

Chemical skill set training for beekeepers 

Do you own 20 or more registered beehives? Using chemicals to manage Varroa mite? 

Become accredited in safe chemical use through Melbourne Polytechnic. 

When: 16 and 17 October, 9 am-–5 pm 
Where: Melbourne Polytechnic, Fairfield campus 

As part of this training program, you may be eligible to be reimbursed up to $200 for the cost of this course.  

For more information, contact biosecurityservicescentre@agriculture.vic.gov.au 

Managing the spring break

When: Wednesday 21 October, 6:30–8:30 pm 
Where: The Courthouse Restaurant, 72 Smith St, Warragul

Come and enjoy a night off the farm. Join a farm consultancy presentation and farmer-led discussion focused on preparing for the spring season.

Hear practical insights on:

• knowing your numbers
• managing feed
• navigating the opportunities
• challenges that spring can bring to your business.

Connect with fellow farmers, share experiences, and take home ideas to help set your farm up for a successful season.

A delicious sit down dinner will be provided.

GippsDairy industry update lunch - Morwell and Orbost

Morwell: Thursday 29 October, 12-2 pm 
Where: Morwell Club, 136 Helen St, Morwell

Orbost: Thursday 12 November, 6:30-8:30 pm 
Where: Orbost Football Club, Lochiel St, Orbost

Tom Youl, Dairy Australia

Tom will present Dairy Australia's latest Situation and Outlook Report, providing expert analysis and unbiased insights into current domestic and international dairy market trends, industry drivers, and what they mean for Victorian dairy farmers.

20 Years of Dairy Farm Monitor Project Insights

Natalie Nelson, Farm Business Economist, Agriculture Victoria

Natalie will share findings from the project's landmark 20th year, highlighting the key trends, challenges, and opportunities that have shaped Victorian dairy farming over the past 2 decades.

The DFMP provides comprehensive physical and financial analysis of approximately 250 dairy farms across Australia, representing a broad range of farm sizes, herd sizes, and geographical locations. The project supports decision-making and investment priorities for Dairy Australia, Agriculture Victoria, and other key industry stakeholders.

Natalie will also discuss:

• The challenges dairy farms faced during the 2024-26 period due to difficult weather conditions.
• The impact on home-grown feed consumption and fodder reserves.
• How some businesses have successfully rebuilt fodder reserves and strengthened resilience.
• Recent improvements in farm profitability, with average returns on assets approximately doubling between 2024/25 and 2025/26.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training – Swifts Creek and Ensay, Omeo, Cann River and Dargo 

Who is this for?

• Individuals: Equip yourself with practical skills to recognise and safely respond to mental health concerns
• Businesses and Organisations: Supports organisations in meeting Psychosocial Hazards obligations under Australian WHS legislation
• Community groups and Clubs: Increased capability in providing support.

Includes:

• Official MHFA Manual to each participant
• MHFA Training by a Licenced Instructor
• MHFA Certificate of Completion upon meeting requirements. 

9 am to 3 pm. Morning tea and lunch provided. 

• Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 October – Swifts Creek and Ensay: Bush Nursing Centre, 17 McMillan St, Swifts Creek 
• Thursday 8 and Friday 9 October – Omeo: Community Hall and Hub, 179 Day Ave, Omeo 
• Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 October – Cann River: Bush Nursing Centre, 27 Monaro Hwy, Cann River    
• Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 November – Dargo: Bush Nursing Centre, 72 Lind Ave, Dargo.

Contacting Agriculture Victoria

Call 136 186 from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call (except for mobiles and public telephones).

If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service at 133 677 or visit the National Relay Service.

All contact points can be found at: agriculture.vic.gov.au/about-us/contact-us

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