No images? Click here
Thursday 13 August 2026
H5 bird flu update as cases spread to new region
Reports from community members and land managers across the state continue to play a critical role in pinpointing new cases of H5 bird flu in Victoria.
A further 7 cases of H5 bird flu have been detected in greater crested terns in Phillip Island, Mildura, Warrnambool, Hamilton, Hawkesdale and St Andrews Beach. The new cases bring the total current number to 60 statewide.
Chief Biodiversity Officer James Todd said the detections in new parts of the state – including at Seal Rocks on Phillip Island – were significant developments, but ones that were anticipated based on the spread of the virus in the south-west of the state.
'These detections show us that the virus is continuing to move through wild bird populations, and its ability to move across large regions.
Community pop-up: Phillip Island
Do you have questions about the recent detections of bird flu on Phillip Island? Drop in and chat with us:
When: Friday 14 August, 11 am – 1:30 pm
Where: Berninneit, 91-97 Thompson Avenue, Cowes
In the meantime, you can help by continuing to:
AVOID contact with sick or dead wild birds or wildlife and their environment.
RECORD what you see, including:
- Location
- Species
- Number of animals affected.
REPORT online or by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Backing wildlife volunteers to respond to bird flu
The Victorian Government is providing more support for wildlife volunteers and organisations, following the detection of H5 bird flu in Victoria.
Minister for Environment Jaclyn Symes announced a $500,000 funding package for the wildlife sector.
It includes $250,000 for frontline wildlife rescuers and shelters and $250,000 for Wildlife Victoria.
The funding will help wildlife rescuers and carers buy personal protective equipment (PPE) and other supplies needed to meet strict biosecurity requirements.
Protecting Victoria's penguins from bird flu
The Victorian Government is moving quickly to protect Victoria’s little penguins from H5 bird flu.
Following the Commonwealth’s vaccine announcement, doses have arrived at Phillip Island and are ready to be administered early next week, pending final regulatory approvals.
More than 5,000 little penguins at Phillip Island and St Kilda are expected to be vaccinated as part of the program.
Gippsland Red Meat Conference comes to Sale
With a theme of ‘every decision counts’ the 2026 Gippsland Red Meat Conference is sure to be another event producers shouldn’t miss.
Agriculture Victoria Director Agriculture Services, Kate Linden acknowledged the hard work of the organising committee and the leadership of the Gippsland Agriculture Group for bringing an excellent event and program to Gippsland producers.
‘Agriculture Victoria is delighted to again be supporting and sponsoring the event as part of the Drought Support Package, which has been available to producers across the state. As the conference theme says, ‘every decision counts’ and this is particularly true of drought.
‘Recovery looks different for every farm business and takes time, with many producers in Gippsland still facing seasonal uncertainty and financial pressures.
‘I encourage producers who haven’t yet accessed drought supports to explore the assistance available.
‘The Farm Advisory Service, 1 of the key supports in the package, provides producers with an opportunity to work one-on-one with a consultant to support business decision-making as they stabilise and rebuild.
‘The conference provides another opportunity for Agriculture Victoria to support farmers as they recover from drought and plan for future seasons.’
Agricultural and pastoral society grants now open
The Victorian Government is backing agricultural and pastoral societies to help regional communities come together, support local economies and promote Victorian agriculture.
Minister Settle recently announced the opening of applications for this year’s Agricultural and Pastoral Society Grants Program.
The grants provide successful applicants with up to $10,000.
This can be used to upgrade or build new facilities for community use and showcase project delivery that celebrates Victoria’s agricultural communities, industries and produce.
Victorians invited to help shape biosecurity in Victoria
Victorians with an interest in protecting and enhancing biosecurity are encouraged to apply for Biosecurity Reference Group (BRG).
Agriculture Victoria is seeking expressions of interest for the third term of the BRG, from 2026 to 2029.
The group brings together people from across Victoria to provide independent advice and support the implementation of Victoria's Biosecurity Strategy.
Biosecurity = food security
From paddock to plate, every meal starts with preparedness, prevention and protection.
By working together to detect and respond to animal disease threats early, we all help to protect the livestock industries that feed Australia.
In #BioWeekAU, take a moment to learn how preparedness strengthens Australia’s resilience and helps safeguard our food supply.
When it comes to biosecurity, being prepared today helps protect tomorrow’s herds and flocks
Support is available for farmers in fire recovery
Farmers impacted by the January 2026 bushfires: you may be eligible for financial support for recovery.
- Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Grants of up to $75,000 to assist with clean-up and reinstating enterprises.
- Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Concessional Loans of up to $250,000 for those who have suffered major asset damage or loss of income.
- Grants are open until 4 pm on 21 October 2026.
Applications can be made at ruralfinance.com.au/grants
Support to help you reset and recover after drought
Gippsland farmers are encouraged to access support as they recover from drought and plan for the seasons ahead.
Agriculture Victoria Executive Director Dougal Purcell said recovery is not the same for every farm, with each business facing its own circumstances and timeline. Many farmers are also continuing to manage seasonal uncertainty and financial pressures.
'We are supporting farmers to stabilise, rebuild and make practical decisions that strengthen their businesses over time.
Applications for the Farm Drought Support Grants are open until funding is fully allocated or 30 September 2026, whichever comes first.
Support before, during and after drought with RIC loans
Wherever you are in the drought cycle, a RIC Drought Loan can improve cash flow to help eligible farm businesses manage through, recover and prepare when faced with drought.
Or if you’re in prolonged drought that has affected your financials for 2 years or more, and you expect the impact to continue, you may be eligible for a RIC Drought Hardship Loan to pay for operating costs, with no repayments for the first 2 years of the 5-year loan. Interest is deferred in this time to be repaid with principal and interest from year 3.
RIC has helpful tools and information to understand loan products and eligibility before applying. If in doubt please don't self-assess. It’s important to start a conversation with RIC’s agri lending team about your individual business situation.
Farm forecaster webinar
Date and time: Tuesday 18 August, 7-7:30 pm
Location: Online
Join Agriculture Victoria and South East Local Land Services (NSW) for a 30-minute webinar on Farming Forecaster, a decision support tool providing real-time soil moisture data and 3-month pasture production forecasts from sites across Victoria, NSW and Tasmania.
Hear from:
- Matt Lieschke, Senior Agricultural Adviser, South East Local Land Services
- Jane Court, Agriculture Victoria
WorkSafe - noise basis online workshops
This free, online workshop:
- helps you check if noise is a problem on your farm
- provides practical tools and tips to protect you and your team from injury.
Date and time: Tuesday 18 August, 9 am – 12 pm
Date and time: Thursday 3 September, 9 am – 12 pm
Date and time: Wednesday 9 September, 1–4 pm
Wearing safety gear like earmuffs can reduce your risk of injury, but relying on it alone is not enough. Review your work and try to reduce the noise first.
Use safety gear, or PPE, as part of your plan – not as the only plan.
Irrigating berries – maximising uniformity, minimising runoff
Date and time: Wednesday 19 August, 9 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Yarra Valley (exact location will be provided when you register
Expert irrigation agronomists Jeremy Giddings (Agriculture Victoria) and Peter Henry (Netafim), will present a session focused on berry irrigation systems and design, including:
- flow rates and system uniformity
- alternative dripline model options and their uniformity
- system drainage, incl in-field demonstration of system drainage
- calculation of system drainage loss over the season
- solutions to system drainage issues, wet patches and discussion of system design
The event includes an on-farm practical irrigation demonstration at a berry farm in the Yarra Valley.
Get RIC Ready free webinar
Date and time: Wednesday 19 August, 12 pm
Location: Online
RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) is hosting a free online Get RIC Ready webinar to help you understand if a RIC low interest loan is right for you and get prepared to apply, so you can take the next step with confidence.
The webinar is for farmers, advisers and industry representatives keen to find out more about RIC loan eligibility, how to apply, and how RIC loans can help farmers in financial need.
RIC Agri Lending Specialists and Rural Financial Counsellors will lead the session to answer your most frequently asked questions.
Can’t attend the live event? Register anyway and RIC will send you the webinar recording.
AI in horticulture workshops – Maffra and Cranbourne
Date and time: Tuesday 25 August, 10 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Maffra
Date and time: Wednesday 26 August, 10 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Cranbourne
Victorian growers are invited to a practical demonstration on how AI can be used to support horticulture - from farm to packing shed and beyond.
Learn from 2 presenters about a wide variety of uses for AI, including the different AI options available – cost, pros/cons etc privacy and data protection using AI – to analyse farm and factory data AI in meetings, the pack-shed and much more.
The event will be tailored to grower questions - tell us how you would like AI to support your farming operations. Minimal cost input for maximum efficiency output.
2026 Victorian Landcare forum
Date and time: Monday 31 August from 9 am – 5 pm
Location: Cardinia Cultural Centre, 40 Lakeside Blvd, Pakenham
Throughout 2026, Victoria will celebrate Landcare’s 40-year anniversary. A key part of these celebrations is the Victorian Landcare Forum, which brings together landcarers, professionals, experts and key stakeholders who are working to support rich landscapes, vibrant ecosystems and sustainable agricultural practices, while strengthening local communities.
Keep up to date with GippsDairy's events on their website.
Keep up to date with Gippsland Agricultural Group's events on their website.
Keep up to date with Food & Fibre Gippsland's events on their website.
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
This newsletter is distributed by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
Were you forwarded this email? Subscribe now.