No images? Click here
Thursday 3 September 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).
Webinar recording: H5 bird flu update for backyard poultry and pet birds
We recently delivered a H5 bird flu webinar for people with backyard poultry and pet birds.
The session provided an update on H5N1 bird flu, Victoria's preparedness efforts, and practical steps backyard poultry and pet bird owners can take to protect their birds.
Community awareness and preparedness play an important role in supporting Victoria's response to animal disease emergencies.
Update your farm fire preparedness plan
Agriculture Victoria’s Fire Preparedness Toolkit can help you develop or review your pre-season planning.
Use the 8 checklists and templates in the toolkit to update your planning:
- Business preparedness
- Family/staff briefing
- Farm preparedness
- Building/vegetation maintenance
- Equipment and asset maintenance
- Water supply
- Livestock management
- High risk day ratings plan.
Get your free copy of the toolkit today.
Closing date extended – Biosecurity Reference Group
Applications for the third term of Victoria's Biosecurity Reference Group close soon.
If you'd like to help shape biosecurity policy, programs and priorities in Victoria, now is the time to apply.
We're seeking people from a range of industries, communities and sectors who can bring different perspectives to the table.
Applications close this Sunday 6 September at 11:59 pm
Backing Victorian farmers through drought
Victorian farmers and regional communities will have better tools to manage future drought conditions.
The Australian and Victorian Governments are investing more than $66.8 million to continue the Victorian Farm Business Resilience Program and Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program through to 2029.
Drought support available
Recovery isn’t one size fits all, every farm is different with its own timeline.
Support is available to help farmers manage current conditions, access practical advice and plan ahead with more confidence, including:
- Farm Drought Support Grants –grants of up to $5,000 are available for primary producers across the state
To view the full range of financial, technical and wellbeing support available visit the website or phone 136 186.
Kangaroo population survey
DEECA's biennial kangaroo population surveys are happening 5 to 30 September across Victoria.
The surveys are done from the air so helicopters will be flying at low altitudes and slow speeds to count kangaroos. Flights are carefully planned to avoid houses and livestock.
These surveys improve our understanding of Victoria's kangaroo population and help inform wildlife management decisions.
For further information, call 131 186.
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.
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 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.
AI in horticulture workshop
When: Tuesday 8 September, 2:30–5:30 pm
Where: Werribee, details provided after registration
Learn from 2 presenters about a wide variety of uses for AI, including:
- the different AI options available – cost, pros and cons etc
- privacy and data protection
- using AI to analyse farm and pack-shed data
- AI in meetings, the pack shed and much more.
Minimal cost input for maximum efficiency output.
The event will be tailored to grower questions – tell us how you would like AI to support your farming operations.
A light meal will be provided.
WorkSafe – noise basics 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: 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.
Parma for a South Gippsland Farmer
When: Wednesday 16 September, 6:30–9:30 pm
Where: Poowong Hotel, Poowong
- Connect with local farmers and community members
- Support informal conversations around wellbeing
- Strengthen relationships across agriculture and support sectors
- Promote available services and programs in a relaxed environment
Gippsland Soil Symposium
When: Thursday September 24, 9:30 am–3:30 pm
Where: Gippsland Agricultural Centre, 345 Bengworden Rd, Bairnsdale
Fertiliser prices are rising, margins are tightening, and every input dollar needs to work harder. Join Joel Williams, Teale Simmons and Lachie Barclay for a practical and thought-provoking day focused on one key question: How can farmers maintain productivity and profitability while reducing costs and building more resilient farming systems?
Bringing together leading expertise in soil science, farm business economics, and commercial farming, this symposium will explore nutrient cycling, soil function, fertiliser efficiency, and real-world management strategies that are delivering results on farm. Expect practical examples, honest discussion, and evidence-based insights that you can take home and apply to your own business.
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.
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.
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.