GIVIT: official donations platform

The Distribution and Donation Centre in Castlemaine has now closed and the Harcourt Progress Association is no longer taking physical donations. 

We recommend community members in need of assistance use GIVIT. Your Anglicare case support worker can register your needs on GIVIT, so please sync with them.

GIVIT is the official Emergency Recovery Victoria partner for donations of essential goods and services for people impacted by the fires.

It's an online platform that connects the needs of people experiencing hardship to generous donors. Donors can donate items, money or time. Find out more at mountalexander.vic.gov.au/How-to-help.

HFNC Community Day

Harcourt Football Netball Club is hosting a Community Day on 23 May recognising those affected by the January fires and the many local volunteers. 

The day includes a Harcourt vs Trentham match at 2.30pm, followed by live music, guest speakers and free food, with drinks available at bar prices from 6:00pm- 9:30pm.

HV Community House lunches, pantry, support

Harcourt Valley Community House is open for lunch, pantry services and Anglicare case support on Fridays and all are welcome.
◾Lunch 12-1.30pm (BYO plastic container for leftovers)
◾Pantry 10am-3pm (BYO bags)
◾Slow Tech Social onsite 10-12 (answering any tech questions and needs)
◾Anglicare Victoria onsite.

Anglicare at CCH

Anglicare will be at the Castlemaine Community House every Thursday from 9:30pm-3:30pm offering case support. Drop ins are welcome. You can also make an appointment via email recovery.north@anglicarevic.org.au

Online fire recovery hub launched

Council has launched a new online fire recovery hub to support communities affected by the January fires.

The hub is a one‑stop place for information, support and ways to get involved in recovery and resilience efforts in Harcourt, Ravenswood South, Barkers Creek, Walmer, Sutton Grange and Faraday. 

The hub includes news, events, resources and an online forum to help people stay connected and informed. Visit the hub at: Community Bushfire Recovery Hub | Shape Mount Alexander

Insurance support visit in Harcourt

The Insurance Council of Australia and insurers will be in Harcourt to offer face‑to‑face support for people with insurance claims.
This is a chance to talk directly with your insurer about your claim, check on progress, and work through any outstanding issues.
When: Thursday 28 May 2026, 10.00am–4.00pm
Where: Harcourt Leisure Centre
Bookings are recommended.

Coping with smell of smoke 

As the weather cools, more fireplaces are being lit and planned burns are being carried out. 

The return of the smell of smoke in the air can be especially hard for people affected by the recent fires.

Smell is a powerful sense and for many the scent of smoke can instantly bring back memories of danger and uncertainty. This is a very normal trauma response. It can trigger anxiety, stress, flashbacks or a sudden feeling of being unsafe, even when there is no immediate threat.

If you’re finding the smell of smoke difficult, please know you’re not alone and support is available. Reaching out to mental health and wellbeing services can help you feel supported as you navigate these reactions.

A list of local and national support services is available on our website. 

Waste levy waiver extended

The Victorian Government has confirmed an extension of the waste levy waiver and Gate Fee Rebate Program until 30 June 2026, continuing support for communities impacted by the January 2026 bushfires fires.

Fire-affected residents can dispose of materials that have been damaged by the fire at our transfer stations free of charge until 4pm Tuesday 30 June 2026.

Proof of residence of Mount Alexander Shire (driver's license or rates notice) is requested.

Council transfer stations are unable to accept commercial quantities of material from fire-affected structures. We ask contractors to access an approved landfill for this purpose. For further information, please contact council on 03 5471 1700.

Some La Larr Ba Gauwa trails reopen

La Larr Ba Gauwa Mountain Bike Park has reopened non-fire-affected trails for riding. 
Reopened trails include: Barramul, Gart gart, Gurri, Mir, and some sections of Wanyarra.
The fire-affected area of the park remains closed. Riding outside legitimate trails risks damaging sensitive vegetation, soil conditions and slowing the recovery of the park.
Trails that are closed include: Girra, Wilkerr, Murnong, Werpil, Milipa, Milakuk.
A working bee is planned for June to tackle some jobs to get more of the park open. Stay tuned for details.
Please ride with care, expect variable trail conditions in places, and keep to the reopened formal trails only.

Thinking Group update

A strong recovery effort is underway, led by local people for the Harcourt and District community. A dedicated “Thinking Group” has been formed to help shape the next phase.
Members are Ryan Hubbard, Donna McMahon, Rob Fowler, Jan Hull, Leigh Canet, Rebecca Edwards and John Baldock.
The group is designing a new community‑led recovery association to listen to the whole community and support local priorities. It will not make final decisions or run the future association.
If the proposal is supported, a community election will follow.
Have your say: Attend the community meeting on Monday 8 June, 7.00pm at Harcourt Leisure Centre.
Enquiries: harcourtrecovery@cch.org.au