February 4th, 2026Help for schools impacted by recent bushfires

The state government is standing with school communities affected by January’s devastating bushfires. 

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll has announced the schools in areas most impacted by recent bushfires that will share in $2 million of additional funding to address the immediate mental health and wellbeing needs of students.

The funding will be delivered as a top-up to impacted public schools’ existing Schools Mental Health Fund, enabling them to purchase additional evidence-based mental health and wellbeing support.

Schools were identified based on direct bushfire impacts to facilities and communities, including where students and staff have experienced loss of property or disruption.

This will provide impacted public schools with access to increased recovery and wellbeing support, focusing on trauma-informed support as well as disaster, grief and loss programs.

This boost supports the government’s Recovery and Resilience Model for schools, an evidence-based framework which includes the core features of routine and safety, health and wellbeing, belonging and connectedness.

New uniforms, books and other educational items can also be replaced through State Schools’ Relief. Schools can also apply for additional support through the School Breakfast Club Program.

For a list of schools identified to receive this funding, visit www.vic.gov.au/mental-health-and-wellbeing-support-bushfire-affected-schools.