Bushfire clean-up registration closes Monday 31 August

Registrations for Emergency Recovery Victoria's clean-up program close this Monday 31 August.

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 www.vic.gov.au/register-for-clean-up or call 1800 560 760 (option 3).

Planned burning over spring

Planned burning is a land management tool where controlled fire is used, under carefully monitored conditions, to reduce fuels such as grass, leaves, bark, shrubs and fallen branches.

This is to reduce the risk of bushfire to communities, property and the environment.

Planned burning is a vital part of the fuel reduction work conducted throughout the year by highly skilled fire crews from Forest Fire Management Victoria and the Country Fire Authority.

Planned burning is coming up in Castlemaine, Barkers Creek, Newstead and Glenluce.

Find out when and where planned burns are happening near you at plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au.

Local Leaders Forum – A day
with Rev Tim Costello

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.

When: 1 September, 11.00am to 2.00pm
Where: Campbells Creek Community Centre

For enquiries and to RSVP, contact Dimity on 0475 260 051 or dimityf@communitycouncil.com.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 to 3.00pm
Where: 19 Twyford Street, Harcourt

Free for all fire-affected people.

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 bushfires.

When: 15 September, 10.00 to 4.00pm
Where: Harcourt Leisure Centre

Bookings recommended.

If you need help with your insurance claim or support when meeting with your insurer on the day, contact Anglicare’s Financial Counselling team on 5440 1100 or DisasterFC@anglicarevic.org.au.

Harcourt Progress Association Annual General Meeting

Join HPA's Annual General Meeting.

When: 29 October, 7.00pm
Where: Harcourt Valley Community House
RSVP: bit.ly/HPC-AGM-RSVP

Please note: Only financial members have voting rights at the meeting and must have paid their dues 14 business days prior to the advertised meeting date (15 October 2026).