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Council is continuing to provide support in recovery to local residents and businesses impacted by the recent fires in Charlton and Sea Lake.
If you, or someone you know that was impacted and needs support or assistance, please contact us on 1300 520 520, during business hours and/or complete the online Fire Impact & Recovery Needs Form.
Mallee Family Care staff will be available to provide in-person advice, support and information to residents impacted by the recent fires at a 'drop-in session' on Wednesday 21 Jan 2026 at the Charlton Municipal Offices - 1 High Street, Charlton.
Drop in at any time between 11.00am and 2.00pm to speak with a member of the team about: legal assistance, insurance claims, financial counselling, general support. For more information contact Mallee Family Care on 03 5023 5966.
Support services:
Council staff can assist with completing the forms required - please call 1300 520 520 for assistance.
Power and road closure updates:
Legal services and information:
If you or a loved one needs extra support, speak with a local doctor, mental health professional, or counsellor. Call Triple Zero (000) if in immediate danger.
Lifeline offers confidential 24/7 support. They exist so no one has to go through their darkest moments alone.
Beyond Blue can help when you need information to support others, or when you feel overwhelmed and don't know where to start.
Kids Helpline offers free 24/7 counselling for youth (ages 5–25). They can talk about anything big or small, serious, or silly, easy, or complicated, long or short, bad or good, in the past, future or now.
Headspace can help when young people are feeling stressed or overwhelmed (ages 12–25).
There is a link between disasters and an increase in family violence. It can happen to anyone. Call Triple Zero (000) if you are in immediate danger.
Men’s Referral Service works with men who are worried about their behaviour and want to change.
1800RESPECT is available for free, 24/7. Even if you’re not sure if what you’re experiencing is family violence, you can talk to a counsellor and get the help you need.
Organisation / Service
What They Do
Website
Phone
Email
Emergency Relief & Recovery Information
Central hub for relief & recovery services (financial, housing, wellbeing)
https://emergency.vic.gov.au/relief
1800226226
Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV)
Coordinates recovery support after disasters
https://www.vic.gov.au/emergency-recovery-victoria
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Victorian Government – Help After Bushfire
Info on relief programs and support
https://www.vic.gov.au/help-after-bushfire
Victorian Council of Churches (Emergencies Ministry)
Community support, welfare volunteers
https://www.vcc.org.au
(03)96504511
vcc@vcc.org.au
Australian Red Cross
Disaster support, financial assistance & referrals
https://www.redcross.org.au
1800733276
contactus@redcross.org.au
Rural Aid
Counselling and support for rural families
https://www.ruralaid.org.au
1300327624
contact@ruralaid.org.au
Beyond Blue
Mental health info and support
https://www.beyondblue.org.au
1300224636
1800 RESPECT
24-hour counselling
https://1800respect.org.au
1800737732
Lifeline
24/7 crisis support
https://www.lifeline.org.au
131114
MensLine Australia
Support & counselling for men
https://www.mensline.org.au
1300789978
Parentline (Victoria)
Family support and counselling
https://www.parentline.com.au
132289
National Debt Helpline
Financial counselling and hardship support
https://www.ndh.org.au
1800007007
Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS)
Free financial counselling for farmers & small businesses
https://www.agriculture.vic.gov.au
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Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC)
Business support & dispute resolution
https://www.vsbc.vic.gov.au
1800878964
enquiries@vsbc.vic.gov.au
Insurance Council of Australia
Info on claims and insurance help
https://www.insurancecouncil.com.au
1300444557