Further support for those affected by the Bayindeen fire

Council’s Recovery team

Council’s Recovery team is the first point of contact for those affected by the Bayindeen bushfires. They can give essential guidance on the range of support services available during the recovery process regardless of whether you plan to rebuild.

We recommend contacting the Recovery team on 1300 797 363 or recovery@pyrenees.vic.gov.au and registering your details as soon as possible.

More information about the Bayindeen Fire Recovery can be found on our fire recovery information page.

Victorian Government Recovery Services, Wellbeing and Support

Find out more about the support, advice and counselling available as you and your family recover from storms, bushfires or floods on the Victorian Government Recovery Services, Wellbeing and Support webpage.

Emergency Recovery Hotline

You can contact the Emergency Recovery Hotline by 1800 560 760 from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday or visit the Emergency Recovery Hotline’s website.

Services Australia disaster recovery payment

Services Australia has a disaster recovery payment for those affected by the Bayindeen bushfire.

Rates relief

If your property has been damaged or destroyed by fire, rates relief may be available through a revaluation. Contact Council on 1300 797 363 or rates.department@pyrenees.vic.gov.au.

Mental health support

The following organisations can help with mental health support while you and your family are recovering from the impact of the bushfires.

Ballarat Community Health – 0490 819 710

headspace Ballarat (people aged 12 to 25) – 5304 4777

The Orange Door Ballarat – 1800 219 819

Uniting Care Ballarat – 5332 1286

Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative (BADAC) – 5331 5344, extension 3

13YARN First Nations support – 139 276

Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636

Free clean-up support

Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV) has engaged Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) to support clean-up efforts in communities impacted by the February 2024 western Victorian bushfires.

Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) is a widely recognised organisation that recruits, trains, equips and deploys volunteers to help with disaster operations across the country. DRA volunteers are formed into ‘strike teams’ to ensure the work is done efficiently and safely.

Property owners who need additional clean up support, that is not covered by insurance or ERV’s free demolition of damaged homes, can register by:

  • calling the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760; or
  • registering directly with a DRA representative in the area.

Fencing help

BlazeAid and LandMate can help you rebuild your fences after the fires.

BlazeAid registrations: admin@blazeaid.com.au

LandMate registrations: recovery@pyrenees.vic.gov.au

Agriculture Victoria

Agriculture Victoria has help for farmers and landowners affected by the Bayindeen fires.

Free Business Recovery Advisory Service

The Business Recovery Advisory Service provides expert guidance and tailored support to small businesses.