Join the Harcourt & District Community Recovery Association

Thank you to everyone who came along to the Harcourt & District Community Recovery Association's (HADCRA) meeting on Monday 22 June.

The community meeting was facilitated by Mosaic Lab and welcomed 39 new members.

Topics of conversation were about how the community wants to run its recovery – what they care about and what kind of organisation they want to be.

Small group discussions captured priorities – community mental health and wellbeing support, managing weed control and supporting natural regrowth, addressing planning red tape issues, and inclusion for all residents in the area beyond Harcourt.

These meetings will run in parallel to the work of HADCRA's Thinking Group, which will finalise rules and constitution for member voting.

There will be more opportunities to share your thoughts, ideas and priorities.

Upcoming community meeting:

When: Sunday 26 July, afternoon
Where: Location TBC

HADCRA now has 180 members, but are looking for more community members to join. Ask your neighbours, tell your friends and get on board to have your say.

The association is ultimately about community voice, community ownership and ensuring Harcourt and district has the opportunity to shape and lead their own recovery journey. 

Membership is entirely free and available to any person who is 15 years of age or older and who supports the purposes of the association. Strong membership is key to success.

You're invited to the launch of Harcourt Valley Mouse

Celebrate the launch of Harcourt Valley Mouse, a story of courage, community and hope to support children, healing and connection.

Bring the family to hear the first reading, get your book signed, and enjoy music, morning tea and miniature train rides.

When: Sunday 5 July, 11.00am
Where: Victorian Miniature Railway, Harcourt
Entry: Free, no need to book

Book sales will support the Harcourt & District Lions Club.

National Tree Day – A fun day out for the whole family!

Join Connecting Country and Harcourt valley Landcare Group for a day of tree planting, kids activities and a free lunch.

Together, you'll be planting a mix of grasses and shrubs along Barkers Creek to help create habitat and restore vegetation to the area.

When: Sunday 26 July, 10.00am
Where: Barkers Creek at Harcourt
Please bring: Drinking water and your favourite planting tools
Wear: Gardening/leather gloves, hat and wear sturdy footwear/clothing
 

You may be eligible for a land tax waiver

People impacted by the January bushfires may be entitled to:

• a land tax waiver for properties destroyed or substantially damaged by bushfires
• a land tax waiver for properties in the bushfire-affected areas that have incurred significant financial losses
• a vacant residential land tax waiver for residential properties that cannot be used or accessed
• land transfer duty refunds up to $55,000 for recent purchasers whose homes were destroyed
• up to $55,000 in land transfer duty relief on a replacement home.

Upcoming outreach welfare visits from VCC Emergencies Ministry

From 14 July the Victorian Council of Churches Emergencies Ministry will be conducting outreach welfare visits to fire-affected people on behalf on Mount Alexander Shire Council.

They'll be gathering information on how the recovery process is unfolding, what measures have been effective and where the most important unmet needs are.

Visits will be at your property in the fire impact zone.

If you would like a visit to an alternate location, please email Council's Bushfire Recovery Team.

Environmental support for bushfire recovery

Connecting Country is grateful to be able to offer opportunities to support environmental recovery on private land in and around fire affected areas

Some of the support available includes:

• Property visits, ecological assessments and advice.
• Nest boxes.
• Contributions towards weed control.
• Minor erosion mitigation works.
• Reintroduction of woody habitat.
• Revegetation of local Indigenous shrubs and trees.

Expressions of interest close on 13 July.

Look Over the Farm Gate – Community Grants

The Look Over the Farm Gate community grants program was established to help communities come together and support farmers and farming families under stress. 

This grants program empowers local organisations to deliver events and initiatives tailored to their unique needs.

The focus is on events or activities that support mental wellbeing and bring people together – whether through capacity-building mental health initiatives or other creative ideas – reflecting the diversity of the communities they serve.
 

Employment opportunity: Community House Manager (paid)

Harcourt Valley Community House is looking for a Community House Manager.

They need an experienced senior manager to support their vision as the organisation strives to meet changing needs and long-term recovery for those in the local Harcourt community.

This position requires a fundamental understanding of the role of community organisations, proven organisational ability with experience leading and managing a community organisation, a command of community development principles and skills and an ability to advocate for the local community.

Check on your neighbours ❤️

Do you know someone who hasn’t started their clean‑up after the January bushfires?

They may be eligible for free clean‑up support.

Register online for clean-up:
www.vic.gov.au/register-for-cleanup
1800 560 760 (option 3)

Disaster Legal Help Victoria:
www.disasterlegalhelp.org.au
1800 113 432

Rural Financial Counselling Service:
www.wswrcs.com.au
1300 735 578

A quick check‑in could help them take the next step.