Learn about impacts to council services, and relief and recovery resources on our Longwood Fire Event - January 2026 page and on Facebook.
Visit the Longwood Fire Event - January 2026 page
Published on 04 February 2026
Initial assessments indicate the Murrindindi Shire community experienced nearly half of the total damage from the 9 January fires across Victoria.
Four weeks on and many community members are now confronting the long and often overwhelming path to recovery.
With fire activity reduced, Council is focused on supporting the community by providing clear information, practical help and a steady path forward through recovery and rebuilding.
Council teams have supported the State-led response efforts throughout the emergency and will continue to keep the community informed. While conditions have stabilised, safety risks remain. Active fire remains in parts of the landscape and flare-ups may still occur. Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring official advice via the Emergency Victoria app.
With community recovery underway, the next stage is about gaining a detailed understanding of the full extent of the fire’s impact, so support can be targeted and community‑led recovery efforts are based on real needs. This work is detailed and will take time. It includes:
These inspections are essential to support a safe return, guide rebuilding and ensure that recovery funding goes where it is genuinely needed.
Fatigue, grief, frustration and uncertainty are natural and understandable responses at this stage.
Across the Shire, communities have shown extraordinary care - checking in on neighbours, sharing supplies and information, and supporting one another emotionally and practically. Council is working to facilitate these community-led efforts by providing supplies, information and support wherever it’s needed.
Council officers will stay in close contact with the community throughout this process, providing updates, listening to concerns and connecting people with the right support.
Information and support are available at Council’s Bushfire Information Hubs located at Yea Library and Customer Service Centre and Alexandra Library.
These hubs offer face‑to‑face support, help access disaster relief payments and State and Commonwealth services, referrals for clean‑up and wellbeing supports, and clear, up‑to‑date information.
A key role for Council is to advocate to State and Federal Governments throughout the long journey ahead to ensure the needs of Murrindindi communities remain central in all relief and recovery decisions. Further advocacy is focused on:
This work will continue throughout the months ahead.
Murrindindi Shire Mayor Damien Gallagher said the community’s needs must remain at the centre of all response and recovery efforts.
“Our community has experienced profound loss, and people are beginning to feel the weight of what lies ahead. Fatigue, frustration and uncertainty are completely understandable,” Cr Gallagher said.
“At the same time, we continue to witness remarkable care, generosity and resilience. Council is committed to supporting every impacted resident, business and town. Your recovery is our priority.”
“With this media release coinciding with the anniversary of the 2009 bushfires this Saturday, we are reminded that recovery is not a moment in time, but a journey.”
“As a community that has lived through and learned from the lasting impacts of fire, we honour those we lost, reflect on how far we have come, and recommit to standing alongside one another through recovery.”
“We are here to help - whether you need clear information, support to navigate services, or simply a place to sit, talk and have a cuppa. Council’s doors are open, and we will continue walking alongside our community for as long as it takes.”