A fortnightly newsletter to keep our fire-affected communities informed and connected.
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10 September 2026
Welcome to our fire recovery newsletter, a fortnightly update to keep our fire-affected communities informed and connected.
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News
Community groups, businesses and organisations are invited to register funding requests
Our funding request form is the first place community groups, businesses and organisations can go when seeking support for bushfire recovery projects and activities.
A number of funding and support organisations have partnered to create a more coordinated approach to recovery funding. Rather than navigating multiple application processes, applicants can submit their idea once and have it reviewed by participating partners.
Together, we're aiming to simplify access to recovery funding, reduce duplication and ensure that local ideas are connected with the funding and support opportunities that best match community needs.
Community recovery works best when we work together!
An update on planning approvals for fire recovery rebuilds 🫶
Since January, Council has received 26 planning applications for properties within the fire-affected area. As of 31 August, 11 of these applications had been finalised.
Applications from within the fire-affected area are currently being processed faster than applications from elsewhere in the shire, taking an average of 52 days compared with 95 days.
Council understands that waiting for planning approval can be frustrating, especially for people who have been displaced and are eager to rebuild and return home. At the same time, planning decisions need to balance recovery needs with the requirement to protect the amenity of neighbours and the broader community as outlined in the Mount Alexander Planning Scheme, which is State legislation.
One of the best ways to support a smooth application process is to arrange a pre-application meeting with Council's planners. They can explain the process, identify any requirements early, and provide advice on compliance matters and potential constraints before an application is lodged.
What do you think of our bushfire recovery hubs?
The doors of our recovery hubs are open:
Castlemaine
Tuesdays, 10.00am to 2.00pm
65 Templeton Street, Castlemaine
Harcourt
Thursdays, 10.00am to 1.00pm
7 High Street, Harcourt Heritage Museum and Visitor Centre
Help ensure our hubs are meeting community needs by providing feedback.
Are the locations and hours working? What other resources do you need? Are there any barriers to accessing support?
Your input will help us shape the recovery hubs so they're genuinely useful for fire-affected residents.
Are you interested in a Harcourt Men's Shed?
Harcourt Progress Association is thinking about setting up a Men's Shed facility in Harcourt.
A Men's Shed is a community space with tools and facilities available that provides a space to gather, tinker on your projects or a group project, and socialise.
The phrase Men's Shed is used here, but all community members would be welcome.
The proposed location is the Old Scout Hall on Eagles Road.
Please help us understand the level of interest by answering a few questions.
HADCRA committee appointed
The Harcourt and District Community Recovery Association is an independent, volunteer-led and community-driven group established to support our community through the longer-term recovery following the January bushfires.
The committee was elected by HADCRA members, and is made up of local people who are passionate about Harcourt and committed to supporting the community through recovery and into the future.
HADCRA welcomes the following committee members:
Built Environment
Jess Chaplin and John Baldock
Economic and Tourism
Bonnie Sowman and Rob Fowler
Landscapes and Environment
Rob Fowler and Daniel McWilliam
Preparedness and Prevention
Jon MacKenzie and John Baldock
Social and Community Wellbeing
Colleen Marchant and Daniel McWilliam
Meet Laura and Lylia, Anglicare Victoria Financial Counsellors
You may have seen Laura and Lylia, Anglicare Victoria Financial Counsellors, at our recovery hub and lunches.
We asked Lylia to tell us what she’s been up to this week:
“This week I’ve provided feedback to an insurer, which saw the resident get nearly $10k extra in settlement money.
"I’ve lodged a complaint to Telstra because a resident hadn’t been able to use their service since the event but was still being charged and got a refund.
"I reviewed a scope of works to make sure nothing was missing and the figures were correct.
"I reviewed an insurance PDS to make sure no entitlements were being missed with a claim.
"I sought a free consult with an expert about whether a report would be beneficial for a claim before the resident spent money on one (hot tip: if your claim is approved the insurer reimburses the report costs).
"I met with a client at the Castlemaine hub to look into his insurance claim, find out where it had gone wrong and make a to do list to help progress the claim."
We asked Laura how Financial Counsellors can help:
“Financial Counsellors aren’t judgmental about anyone’s circumstances – we’re here to offer you free, confidential and independent support and advice.
"While Lylia’s week has been quite insurance-focused, Financial Counsellors have special knowledge across a whole range of financial matters.
"So, if your finances are causing you a bit of stress, have a chat with a Financial Counsellor to see how we can help. If we can’t, we probably know someone who can."
Contact Anglicare Victoria's Financial Counselling team on 5440 1100, email financial.counselling@anglicarevic.org.au or say hello at the community lunch on a Friday.
Harcourt bushfire response from Bendigo Foodshare
Following the January fires, Bendigo Foodshare quickly responded to the needs of our communities and Harcourt and surrounds.
In the first few weeks, they launched the Bushfire Relief Food Drive, which saw an incredible 10,234kg of food and essential items donated by the community.
By June they had distributed over 10,800kg of food across affected areas.
They also received more than $19,000 in generous community donations.
Months on, these funds are still making a difference for Harcourt residents.
HVCH welcomes generous donations for community
Neil Barraclough from the Heritage and Rare Fruit Network generously donated bare-rooted fruit trees for fire-affected community members.
Thank you, Neil!
The Mothers' Union of Australia, through the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne and Bendigo, have donated $1,300 to Harcourt Valley Community House.
The union supports communities facing adversity and recovering from the impacts of natural disasters, and the organisations working with them.
Thank you, Mothers' Union of Australia!
Events
Claims support sessions with Insurance Council of Victoria
Representatives from Insurance Council of Victoria and insurers are coming to Harcourt for in-person consultations.
They'll be offering information and support policy holders impacted by the January fires.
When: 15 September, 10.00am-4.00pm
Where: Harcourt Leisure Centre
If you need help with your insurance claim or support on the day, contact Anglicare on 5440 1100 or email
DisasterFC@anglicarevic.org.au.
Workshop – Pruning
fire-damaged fruit trees
Join Katie and Hugh Finlay from Grow Great Fruit for a hands-on workshop where you'll learn to prune fire-damaged fruit trees.
Come along to learn the fundamentals of good pruning and have an opportunity to practise your new skills
When: 13 September, 1.00pm-3.00pm
Where: 19 Twyford Street, Harcourt
Free for all fire-affected people.
Learn how to support those affected by emergency events
Introduction to Personal Support for Community Leaders is a session about supporting and facilitating self-recovery following an emergency.
Learn simple, safe ways to support those affected by emergency events, your colleagues and yourself.
When: Sunday 13 October, 12.00pm-2.00pm
Where: Harcourt Valley Community House
Email harcourtvalleych@gmail.com to book your place.
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Mount Alexander Shire Council
email: info@mountalexander.vic.gov.au web: www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au
Mount Alexander Shire Council acknowledges that the traditional custodians of this
land, the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung peoples, proudly survive. We acknowledge their continued practise of custom and their close cultural, spiritual, physical, social, historical and economic relationship with the land and waters that make up
their country, which includes Mount Alexander Shire.