Register for insurance consultations 

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) is offering bushfire-affected residents an opportunity to meet face-to-face with insurers to discuss existing claims or lodge new ones. Representatives from the ICA will also be available to answer questions about the claims process, explain dispute resolution options, and provide practical insurance advice. 

Harcourt Consultation 

When: 10.00am - 4.00pm,
Tuesday 15 September 2026
Where: Harcourt Leisure Centre, Recreation Reserve, Binghams Road

Registrations are strongly recommended and can be made via the Insurance Council of Australia.

Bushfire Clean-Up Registration closing soon

Residents affected by the January bushfires are reminded that registrations for Emergency Recovery Victoria's Clean-Up Program close on 31 August 2026.

The program offers free demolition and debris removal for eligible fire-damaged homes, sheds and other structures. If you're still working through an insurance claim, it's worth contacting Emergency Recovery Victoria, as assistance may still be available for uninsured or underinsured properties.

Eligible business and farm owners may also access free demolition support for fire-damaged structures if they intend to rebuild and continue operating on-site.

For more information, visit vic.gov.au/register-for-clean-up or call 1800 560 760 (option 3).

After disaster: Parent and Carer Wellbeing Resource 

Local clinical psychologist Kate Templer has created a resource in partnership with CCH to support parents and carers who are navigating the impact of the fires. 

After a natural disaster like the Harcourt fires, physical and emotional recovery can continue over an extended period of time. Many parents and carers can find that once the initial crisis has passed, a new stage of secondary stress emerges.

The resource acknowledges some of the experiences fire-affected people may be facing at this stage in the recovery journey and provides resources and tools to help.

Sutton Grange Community Meeting retrospective

The Bushfire Recovery Team delivered a recovery meeting to 18 residents for the Sutton Grange community on Thursday the 30th of July. 

Representatives from Mount Alexander Shire Council, State Government, Emergency Management Victoria, CFA, HPA, Anglicare and DFFH panellist Susie Bourke also attended. 

We thank those who participated in the discussion, provided feedback, and highlighted the importance of community engagement in the efforts of response, recovery, and resilience.  

Community Recovery Grants information sessions

The Emergency Management Victoria (EMV) grants program has been set up to help communities affected by the January 2026 Victorian bushfires.

The program is for not-for-profit groups and provides money for projects that support locally-led recovery, up to $75,000.

Online information sessions

EMV is holding online information sessions (via Microsoft Teams) to explain the grant program and how to apply.

Sessions times:

6pm-7:30pm, Thursday 13 August 
10am-11:30am, Monday 17 August 

If you are unable to attend you can download the presentation information at www.vic.gov.au/community-recovery-grants-2026-bushfires.

Grants available for community projects and equipment

Council allocates funds each year to support community projects, groups and activities. The program includes two separate funding streams:

Project Grants up to $3,000 - Supports new community projects, programs, and activities.

Equipment Grants up to $2,000 - Supports the purchase of essential equipment that enables volunteer community groups to operate safely, sustainably, and inclusively.

Applications open: Monday 3 August
Applications close: Monday 24 August

Drop-in Session

Council officers from the grants teams will be available to answer questions and provide one-on-one support with applications and eligibility.

When: 11am - 1pm, Thursday 13 August
Where: Harcourt Heritage Museum

Local Leaders Forum

Join Rev Tim Costello AO and local leaders for an important conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing community groups, charities and not-for-profit organisations.

As communities continue to recover and build resilience, local organisations are navigating rising costs, growing demand for services, increasing compliance requirements, and emerging challenges such as natural disasters and cyber threats.

This forum provides an opportunity to connect with sector leaders, discuss the support needed to strengthen community organisations, and explore how we can work together to create a stronger future for our region.

For enquiries, contact Dimity on 0475 260 051 or email  dimityf@communitycouncil.com.au.

RSVP to Dimity to assist with planning.

Future ready your farm business workshops

These FREE workshops are aimed at helping farm business owners build confidence in leading people, have better conversations and plan for the future.

Family farms now rely on employees, contractors and family members working together. At the same time, many businesses are beginning to think about what the future looks like - such as preparing the next generation, stepping back from management or creating opportunities for growth.

When: 8:30 am-12.00pm, 18 August
Where: Elmore Recreation Reserve, 2 Elmore-Mitiamo Road

When: 8:30 am-12.00pm, 19 August
Where: Raywood Town Hall, 50 Inglewood Street

For details email Zoe Zoe.Tsenalidis@agriculture.vic.gov.au or
Maddy at m.buykx@bendigo.vic.gov.au.