Originally published in The Ararat Advocate and Pyrenees Advocate on 10 January 2025.

At the worst of times we always see the best of the Australian spirit.

Neighbours helping each other out, communities coming together, firefighters and first responders protecting lives and livelihoods.

That’s exactly what we’ve seen with the recent Grampians bushfire.

The Albanese Labor Government wants to make sure people in these communities can get back on their feet as quickly as possible, which is why we’re rolling out support.

On December 26, the Australian and Victorian Governments activated support to communities affected by the recent bushfires with disaster assistance available under the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Support to Ararat Rural City Council, Macedon Ranges, Northern Grampians and Southern Grampians Shires included assistance with the establishment and running of emergency relief centres, psychological first aid and council led financial counselling and counter disaster operations (evacuations, cleaning up debris, road closures, establishment of temporary access routes).

Emergency Recovery Victoria will continue to work with local councils to understand the assistance required to support communities due to these bushfires.

The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, also announced further financial support on December 29 by activating the Disaster Recovery Allowance.

This allowance provides up to 13 weeks of income support for workers and sole traders who have experienced loss of income as a result of recent bushfires in the Ararat Rural City Council, Macedon Ranges, Northern Grampians and Southern Grampians Shires.

It is available to people who work or live in a declared Local Government Area, who have lost some or all of their income as a direct result of the disaster, and will earn less than the average Australian weekly income in the 13 weeks after this income loss.

These bushfires have impacted the livelihoods of a number of workers, especially tourism operators during what would normally be the peak season.

The federal government is moving quickly to activate this financial assistance so those whose incomes have been disrupted are supported in the immediate recovery phase.

It’s critical that locals and those travelling in the area remain prepared to act in an emergency and listen to the advice from local emergency services.

Members of the community are encouraged to seek information regarding eligibility and how to claim on the Services Australia website.

The easiest way to make a claim is online through myGov. If people need help to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66. More information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s website and the VicEmergency website.