12/01/2026
‼️Urgent call for short term accommodation‼️
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the devastating events of the past few days. The scale of impact is immense, and words cannot fully express the loss and hardship so many are facing. We are deeply grateful to the brave emergency responders and the wider community who have worked tirelessly together to protect lives, homes, and livelihoods.
We are urgently calling on property owners who may be able to assist those displaced. This includes vacant homes, holiday houses, granny flats, spare rooms, or vacant land suitable for livestock, animals, or mobile homes. If you can help, please contact Kye Rishworth on 0407 041 395 or visit our office at 52 High Street, Yea.
Important information to be mindful of during this time:
Financial assistance: Relief and recovery payments are available through the VicEmergency website or via their hotline on 1800 226 226. The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment will be available to claim from 2:00pm on Wednesday 14 January via the Services Australia website. Please check eligibility online.
Travel safety: Exercise extreme caution when travelling. Trees may continue to fall, and fire conditions can change rapidly.
Water safety: Check your tank water before use. Fire retardants, ash, and debris may have contaminated water supplies. If you disconnected downpipes, thoroughly wash roofs and gutters before reconnecting. Assess your water supply carefully and use bottled water for drinking. Boiling water does not remove fire retardants or chemical contaminants.
Community support: Please check in on your neighbours and community members. Extreme events can be overwhelming, and staying connected is vital during times of crisis.
While we hope the worst has passed, recovery will take time. Donations and support are available locally through community businesses, locally organised GoFundMe pages, and GIVIT. Local community social media pages are also actively connecting people who need help with those who can assist.
Together, we will support one another through the recovery ahead.
~ Nutrien Harcourts Yea
