January 13th, 2026Harcourt loses 30 homes

Thirty houses and 40 sheds have been lost in the fire at Harcourt. At the time of going to press (Sunday, January 11, 2pm) 80 per cent of the fire was contained.
Around Victoria more than 300 structures have been lost including those at Harcourt, 150 in the Longwood fire and a house and 12 sheds in the Mt Mercer fire.
Also at the time of press, there were still 32 active bushfires and 15 warnings in place advising people to leave their communities. About 350,000 hectares have been burnt out around the state.
The federal and state governments will provide a $19.5 million package to provide support to impacted communities. It will include $10 million to help get fodder to farmers, $1.5 million for emergency accommodation and $1 million for mental health support.
Those from the most-impacted communities may be eligible for an immediate payment of $1000 for adults and $400 for children.

Members of Striketeam 1545, including Hepburn, Porcupine Ridge, Trentham and Leonards Hill from the Glenlyon Group, filling up the tanker at Barkers Creek Reservoir on Saturday, January 10 at 2.30am.