Business Recovery Grants

The Harcourt Progress Association (HPA) has opened applications for a business recovery grant.

This is a $1,500 grant to support those who lost the capacity to earn income.

To be eligible, the business must be your primary source of income, hold an ABN, and have suffered at least $10,000 in losses to tools of trade or premises. Hobby farmers and stock losses are excluded.

Applications can be made online at www.harcourtprogress.org.au and are assessed on a rolling basis. Applications close on Friday 31 July.

Upcoming community meeting 

Community members are invited to attend an important meeting at the Harcourt Leisure Centre on Monday 8 June.

The Thinking Group will present its proposal for a new Community Recovery Association, and seek community feedback and a vote of confidence.

Doors open: 6.30pm
6.00pm to 7.00pm: Lions Club BBQ
7.00pm to 9.00pm: Presentation and community discussion

The session will also be live streamed, with recording details available for those unable to attend in person. 
 

Secondary Impact Assessments underway

Council is continuing Secondary Impact Assessments across fire-affected areas.

These detailed follow-up visits help Council understand the full impact on homes, businesses and community wellbeing, beyond initial emergency assessments.

Teams may visit properties or contact residents to assess structural damage, hazards and support needs.

Staff wear high-visibility vests and carry official identification. Participation is voluntary, but sharing information helps secure recovery support.

If you haven’t been contacted or need more information, please reach out to the Bushfire Recovery Team on 03 5471 1752 or email bushfirerecoverygroup@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.

Bushfire recovery payments closing soon

A $1,000 payment is available through the Victorian Emergency Relief and Recovery Foundation for households whose homes were significantly damaged or destroyed in the 2025-2026 summer bushfires.

To be eligible, the property must have been your main residence and deemed uninhabitable.

No means test applies and you may still qualify if uninsured, receiving other support or unable to return home.

Renters and eligible home-based business owners can apply.

Only one application per household is allowed.

Applications close on Tuesday 30 June.
 

What’s on at Harcourt Valley Community House

Weekly activities include:

• Playgroup (Wed. 10am-12pm)
• Cuppa & a chat (Wed. 12pm-3pm) 
• Tech support (Fri. 10am-12pm)
• Community pantry (Fri. 10am-3pm) 
• Community lunch (Fri. 12pm-1.30pm, $5 donation)
• Anglicare caseworkers supporting fire-affected residents (Fri. 12pm-2pm)

A new choir starts on Sunday 14 June at 2pm.

The House also offers a free library, complete with puzzles, printing and computer access, and affordable room hire.

Free blankets and quilts are available for anyone who wants to stay cozy.

Free plants are available on the platform for pick-up at any time. 

Join us! And consider volunteering 🫶

Bushfire Recovery Team established 

Council has established a dedicated Bushfire Recovery Team to support the fire-affected community.

The team will help residents and businesses navigate available assistance, connect with services, and plan local events and workshops.

The team includes:

• Phil Harrison – Senior Recovery Coordinator
• Michelle O’Donoghue – Recovery Coordinator
• Rebecca Primmer – Business Support Officer)
• Freya MacRae – Administration Support Officer

Community members are encouraged to get in touch and share their needs via the online Community Bushfire Recovery Hub.

We're looking forward to hearing from you!

Free bushfire clean-up support

Free clean-up support is now available for properties affected by the January bushfires.

Assistance covers homes, businesses and community assets, with structures such as sheds potentially eligible.

Residents are encouraged to register even if they are unsure of eligibility. Support teams will assess each situation and provide guidance.

Local trades can express interest in working on the program via the Forge Solutions' website at www.forgesolutions.au.
 

Free fencing materials

The Harcourt Progress Association (HPA) has secured a Magistrate’s Court Fund grant to support fencing recovery after the January bushfires.

In partnership with BlazeAid, 50km of fencing has been rebuilt at no cost to landholders. Limited fencing materials remain for those still in need or who missed out.

HPA has two complete fencing tool kits for community use.

For materials, tool access or to register your interest in future fencing workshops, contact Jarrod Coote on 0438 069 849 or email hillsideacres9@gmail.com.

Connecting at community events

We were pleased to connect with the community at several fantastic events.

We joined the Harcourt Football Netball Club to recognise the contributions of local volunteers. We also attended a wellbeing gathering at Buda Historic Home & Garden.

If you’re interested in seeing more events like these, we’d love to hear from you. 

Email Michelle O'Donoghue at m.odonoghue@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.

After Disaster: Parent & Carer Wellbeing session

After a natural disaster, many parents and carers continue balancing their own recovery alongside supporting children and young people.

Parents and carers are invited to a free community education session focused on coping, stress management and wellbeing during disaster recovery.

The session will also cover common child and adolescent responses after disasters and when to seek extra support.

Where: Castlemaine Community House, 30 Templeton Street
When: Wednesday 10 June 2026, 4.30pm-6.00pm
Cost: Free

Priority places will be given to Harcourt, Sutton Grange and Walmer residents.

Childminding is available.