Bushfire Recovery Support for Albury, Wodonga & Wangaratta Communities — January 2026

The January 2026 bushfires have had a significant impact across Northeast Victoria and continue to be a threat to the communities surrounding Albury / Wodonga and Wangaratta. In response, state and federal governments — along with local organisations — have activated a broad suite of financial, practical and community‑based recovery supports to help families, businesses and community groups rebuild.

Immediate financial relief for households

Affected residents can access several support payments designed to meet urgent needs. These include Emergency Relief Payments for those evacuated or whose homes are now uninhabitable, as well as Emergency Re‑establishment Assistance for uninsured households unable to return home due to damage. Both are available via the VicEmergency Hotline and Emergency Recovery Victoria. Phone numbers can be found at the top of the linked summary Support after the January 2026 Victorian bushfires.

Eligible residents may also claim the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP), a lump‑sum payment for people who have suffered major home or asset damage. A Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) is also available for those who have lost income, including in LGAs such as Wodonga and Benalla. Victorian Bushfires – Department of Home Affairs. Details and online applications are available through Services Australia.

Support for primary producers and rural families

Farmers and agricultural operators can apply for Primary Producer Grants and Concessional Loans to support clean‑up, rebuilding or replacing damaged on-farm infrastructure and restoring operations. Grants are available up to $75,000, applications close 21 October 2026 with further details in the guidelines published by Rural Finance. Loans are available up to $250,000, applications close 21 October 2026 with further details in the guidelines published by Rural Finance.

Additional relief includes prolonged power‑outage payments, water‑replacement, fence repair, fodder and livestock disposal support and access to rural financial counselling. The websites and phone numbers for these are all different but can be found in the linked summary Support after the January 2026 Victorian bushfires.

Community organisation assistance

Local community foundations such as Border Trust are also coordinating grants and donations to support grassroots recovery initiatives throughout the impacted Mt Lawson, Walwa and surrounding communities. On their website you can find more information on how to donate to support recovery efforts and contact details to inquire about applying for support bordertrust.org.au.

Where to get more information

Further information, links and contact details for all supports related to the January 2026 fires can be found on the Vic Emergency Relief & Recovery website.

If you would like to find out more about grants, loans and programs to help you, your community or your business contact your Johnsons MME advisor today.