May 14th, 2026More Than $37 Million Boost For Long-Term Bushfire Recovery In Victoria

An extra $37 million will help bushfire-affected Victorians get back on their feet where it’s needed most.

Nearly $33 million will provide more than 100 temporary modular homes for people without adequate insurance whose home was significantly damaged or destroyed.

Navigating insurance and housing issues can also be complicated, so $4 million will fund more legal services for families, small businesses and primary producers.

Support will be delivered by Disaster Legal Help Victoria and other existing legal centres.

The Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) will also receive an $880,000 boost to employ more financial and wellbeing counsellors.

The services will provide free, confidential support to farmers as they work through the financial impacts of the bushfires.

This includes analysing their business position, negotiating with lenders and accessing government support.

The wellbeing counsellors will support the mental health of their clients.

The Rural Financial Counselling Service can be accessed by calling 1300 771 741.

This funding brings the total recovery assistance provided for the January 2026 bushfires to more than $420 million including cost-sharing under the DRFA.

For more information on the DRFA packages and supports provided, visit vic.gov.au/disaster-recovery-funding-arrangements.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the government stands with the bushfire affected communities in Victoria and will make sure they’re being supported throughout the extent of the recovery journey.

“This additional support acknowledges disaster recovery is complex, and we must ensure all available measures have been undertaken.

“We will continue to work together with the Victorian Government to make sure that effective assistance gets to where it’s needed and communities are able to move onto the next stages of recovery.”