General News
13 January, 2026
Premier visits fire-affected Natimuk
Victorian premier Jacinta Allan spent two hours with residents of Natimuk and nearby communities affected by Friday's Grass Flat fire, which destroyed 17 homes and 30 buildings in total.
She was accompanied by the Minister for Natural Disaster Recovery, Vicki Ward.
After Prime Minister Albanese announced a $19.5 million immediate support package for the fire-affected area, including Natimuk, on Sunday, the premier announced more support measures on Monday during her visit.
Emergency assistance packages of up to $52,250 will be available to people who could not insure their principal place of residence.
Those unable to return home or rebuild can apply for this funding.
Premier Allan said that, along with rebuilding support for fire-affected communities, the government had brought forward extra well-being support funding, which is a free confidential service through the Rural Financial Counselling Service.
Initially appointed as part of the drought response, wellbeing counsellors will be available to visit bushfire-affected producers and their families at their property or by phone.
The package will also bring forward the start date of the state government's ‘Look Over the Farm Gate’ program, administered by the National Centre for Farmer Health, to support farming communities experiencing stress.
During her visit, she spoke with home and property owners who had been affected by the fires, firefighters, police, and members of the community, as well as Horsham Rural City Council mayor Brian Klowss, deputy mayor Rebecca Sluggett, and CEO Gail Gatt.
"These fires have caused unimaginable loss for so many across Victoria – that’s why we are delivering more financial and mental health support to help ease some of the burden facing our farmers and regional communities," she said.
Minister Ward announced additional support to the 19.5 million dollars already mentioned by the Premier.
There will be $10 million available for fodder, five million dollars to kick-start businesses, $1.5 million for emergency access funding, and a further $1 million for mental health support.
Adults will be eligible for $680 and children for $340, with a limit of $2,380 per family.
To apply for this payment, people can call 1800 226 226 or contact their local disaster relief centre.
An additional one-off payment of $1000 per adult and $400 per child can be accessed through Service Victoria.
The minister said the emergency re-establishment grant of $52,250 is to ensure people who could not insure their properties can begin re-establishing themselves immediately.
This payment is only available in connection with a principal place of residence.
The additional mental health support will be available through the Rural Primary Producers confidential support service by calling 1300 771 741.
Farmers concerned about their livestock were urged to call Agriculture Victoria on 1800 226 226 to be connected with people who can assist them.
In closing, she announced the 2026 Bush Fire Appeal and said all funds raised would go directly to assist fire-impacted communities.
She said that people wanting to help but unsure how, donating to the appeal was the best way to provide immediate support.
"In recent days, many Victorians have asked how they can donate to the fire-affected communities; that's why we launched the appeal to get these generous funds directly to where they are needed most," Minister Ward said.
there would be no red tape delaying the support she announced on Monday.
"The government will cover all administrative costs associated with getting this funding out to where it's needed as quickly as possible," she said.
Donations can be made online from Tuesday, January 13.
After meeting with the community, Cr Klowss took the premier on a tour of the fire-damaged area.
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