Council have activated a Community Recovery Helpline for all queries on disaster relief and recovery, on (03) 5355 0980.

Community members who have been impacted by the Yarram Gap Road bushfires can also access a number of different support services, which Council have compiled on its website. 

On the site landing page (ararat.vic.gov.au) is a tab titled ‘FIRE RECOVERY’, which leads to a page full of useful information for those in need of various types of assistance, including relief payments, water replacement and more.

Landholders whose water supply was utilised by the CFA or Forest Fire Management during firefighting efforts are eligible to receive replacement water from Emergency Recovery Victoria. The application form is on our site in both PDF and Word format, as are the submission details.

Emergency Relief Payments are available for eligible community members whose homes are in an area evacuated during the bushfires, or whose homes have been damaged by the bushfires. Find the eligibility criteria, payment amounts, and application hotline details on our site.

BlazeAid is a volunteer-based organisation which assists disaster-affected rural communities, rebuilding fences and other structures which have been damaged or destroyed. Community members whose fencing has been impacted by the bushfire events are encouraged to register their interest in BlazeAid assistance by calling Council's Community Recovery Helpline.

Council is also collecting the details of those who require fodder for livestock or animals.

For anyone affected by the fires who is seeking mental health support or would simply like someone to talk to, Council has published a document containing the contact details of multiple mental health services. 

Please note that not all local mental health services may be open during the New Year season’s public holidays. If you need urgent mental health support during this time, contact Grampians Health on 1300 247 647 or South West Healthcare Mental Health and Wellbeing Services on 1800 808 284.

“Understanding which support services are available, and gaining easy access to them, is paramount for our community at this time,” says Ararat Rural City Council Mayor, Cr Jo Armstrong. 

“Council will be here to help residents navigate the entire recovery process. And while we do have important information on our website, the helpline will allow residents to speak directly with a knowledgeable Council staff member who can guide them through relief payment access, finding services for emotional support, or accessing practical assistance with rebuilding efforts.”