The Federal and Victorian Governments have today activated Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements for Hindmarsh Shire and Horsham Shires following bushfires over the weekend.
Personal Hardship Assistance Payments are available for residents in the Hindmarsh Shire Local Government Area (LGA) affected by the Little Desert bushfire.
These payments are available for eligible community members impacted by the Little Desert National Park and the Grampians National Park fires that commenced on 27 January 2025, who have been directed to evacuate their home, or their home was damaged, and they can’t live in it due to the bushfires.
Assistance under the program includes a one-off payment of $680 per adult and $340 per child up to a maximum of $2,380 per eligible family, to help cover the costs of essentials like food, clothing, medication and accommodation.
“The joint assistance activated today will ensure communities can access essential supplies and accommodation and ensure councils can start their clean up and repairs following these fires,” said Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Jenny McAllister.
“I’d like to thank the residents who listened to the warnings and advice issued by local emergency services and the tireless efforts of first responders.
“The Australian and Victorian Governments are working closely together to ensure assistance is available to impacted communities as quickly as possible.”
The payments are jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and are delivered through the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing’s Personal Hardship Assistance Program.
Financial assistance is also being provided to assist Local Government with the costs of undertaking counter disaster operations and restoring essential public assets. This support is available for Hindmarsh Shire and Horsham Shire, building on the activation of disaster assistance for the Ararat, Hepburn, Macedon Ranges, Northern Grampians, and Southern Grampians LGAs in December 2024.
Victorian Minister for Emergency Services, Vicki Ward said Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV) would continue to work with local councils to understand the assistance required to support communities due to these bushfires.
“We’d like to thank every Victorian who has followed the advice of the emergency services – these payments will help cover the essentials and lessen the immediate impacts on individuals and families who have had to leave their properties to protect their lives,” said Ms Ward.
“We’re working with the Australian Government to provide quick access to financial support for people who have had their lives and livelihoods disrupted by these fires.”
If you think you may be eligible for a relief payment, please visit an Emergency Relief Centre or call the VicEmergency hotline on 1800 226 226. Information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s website at Disaster Assist and also on the VicEmergency website.
