RECOVERY ACTIVE

Bushfire Victoria Bushfires
Victoria 2026

If your property has been damaged by bushfire Victoria Bushfires, NRPG-network IICRC FSRT (Fire & Smoke Restoration Technician)-qualified contractors are ready to attend. Document your damage and lodge your insurance claim today.

Affected Areas — Declared Bushfire Event

Alpine
Ararat
Benalla
Campaspe
Colac Otway
Corangamite
East Gippsland
Golden Plains
Greater Bendigo
Horsham
Macedon Ranges
Mansfield
Mildura
Mitchell
Moira
Mount Alexander
Murrindindi
Pyrenees
Strathbogie
Towong
Wellington
Wodonga
Yarra Ranges

Government Financial Assistance

The following assistance programs have been activated for this event. Verify eligibility and application deadlines directly with the relevant government agency.

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP)

Services Australia

One-off payment for eligible adults and children whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged, who suffered serious injury, or whose family members died as a direct result of the January 2026 Victorian bushfires.

Amount: $1,000 per eligible adult | $400 per eligible child
Hotline: 180 22 66
Apply

Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA)

Services Australia

Income support for employees, primary producers, and sole traders who experienced loss of income as a direct result of the January 2026 Victorian bushfires.

Amount: Up to 13 weeks of income support
Deadline: 21 July 2026
Hotline: 180 22 66
Apply

Re-establishment Assistance Payment

Victorian Government / Emergency Recovery Victoria

Financial assistance for uninsured or underinsured homeowners with limited resources who were unable to occupy their home for 7 or more days due to fire damage.

Hotline: 1800 560 760
Apply

Primary Producer Grants

Victorian Government

Grants to support primary producers with the cost of clean-up and emergency measures following the January 2026 bushfires.

Amount: Up to $75,000
Hotline: 1800 560 760
Apply

Clean-up Program

Victorian Government

Funding for demolition and hazardous material removal for uninsured or underinsured homeowners whose properties were destroyed or significantly damaged by the bushfires.

Hotline: 1800 560 760
Apply

How to Lodge Your Insurance Claim

Follow these steps for the strongest possible insurance outcome. Work completed by IICRC FSRT-certified contractors is accepted by all major Australian insurers.

  1. 1

    Ensure Safety

    Do not enter the property until it is structurally safe. Do not use electricity if water has entered the building. Contact emergency services if required.

  2. 2

    Document the Damage

    Photograph and video all damage before any clean-up begins. Note the date and time. This documentation is critical for your insurer.

  3. 3

    Lodge Your Claim

    Contact your insurer as soon as possible. Provide your damage documentation. Ask your insurer to confirm cover for the event type.

  4. 4

    Engage NRPG Contractor

    Submit your claim through NRPG to be matched with an IICRC FSRT (Fire & Smoke Restoration Technician)-certified contractor. All work is documented to insurance standards.

Industry Standard: IICRC FSRT (Fire & Smoke Restoration Technician)

All NRPG-network contractors working on this event type follow IICRC FSRT (Fire & Smoke Restoration Technician) protocols. This certification is the recognised industry standard for bushfire damage restoration in Australia and is accepted by all major insurers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can a restoration contractor attend in Victoria?
NRPG-network contractors aim to attend within 60 minutes in major urban areas of Victoria. Response times in regional and remote areas may vary — always call first to confirm availability for your location.
Will my insurance cover bushfire damage?
Coverage depends on your specific policy. Most standard home and contents policies cover sudden water damage from storms and cyclones. Flood damage may require a separate flood cover endorsement. NRPG contractors provide insurance-standard documentation to support your claim.
What should I do first after the damage?
Ensure the property is structurally safe before re-entering. Do not turn on electricity if water has entered the building. Document all damage with photos and video before any clean-up. Contact your insurer to lodge a claim, then engage an IICRC FSRT (Fire & Smoke Restoration Technician)-qualified restoration contractor.
How do I apply for government financial assistance?
Multiple assistance programs are available for this event. See the Financial Assistance section above for program names, amounts, deadlines, and application links. You can also call the Government Recovery Hotline: 1800 560 760.

Ready to Start Your Recovery?

Submit your claim online. NRPG will match you with a certified contractor in your area.

Privacy Notice: Personal information collected through this service is used solely for the purpose of connecting you with a restoration contractor and is handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). We do not sell your information to third parties.

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