Victoria is experiencing bushfires throughout much of the state. A State of Disaster has been declared. Communities, farmers and businesses are facing heavy losses.
Acknowledging the significant devastation from the ongoing bushfire emergency across many parts of the state, the Victorian Emergency Relief and Recovery Foundation (VERRF) has launched the January 2026 Victorian Bushfire Appeal to raise funds to support these communities.
If you would like to donate over the phone, please call 1800 837 733 (Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm).
Your generosity will go towards the rebuilding of lives, livelihoods and the communities of those affected by the January 2026 Victorian Bushfires.
Appeal funds may go to:
- immediate assistance, relief and delivery of services to support individuals and their communities through this traumatic event
- community identified projects and programs that support and instil a strong sense of community spirit and community recovery
- critical programs identified by the community which regenerate the region’s natural environment and wildlife.
Support through immediate relief to individuals will be provided in collaboration with a number of locally identified charities. These charities are embedded in the local community, providing immediate practical relief and recovery, and ensuring the most vulnerable within our community are supported. Further information on how individuals can apply directly to VERRF for additional assistance will be provided in the coming days.
Community recovery initiatives, including those focused on community spaces in the natural and built environment will be funded through a merit-based application process. The application process will be determined in the coming weeks, allowing impacted communities time to consider their immediate local priorities. VERRF will continue to provide updates on this website on projects funded.
For more information about recovery work happening in Victoria, please go to Emergency Recovery Victoria.
We only accept financial donations
VERRF does not accept non-monetary donations, such as food, household items, livestock feed etc.
If you would like to donate goods or volunteer your time or money you are encouraged to reach out to other charities, for example GIVIT.
How your donation is used
100% of the money you donate goes towards supporting the relief and recovery of people and communities affected by an event. Your donation will not be used to cover any administrative costs.
The VERRF Board generously volunteers their time and are not paid for their work.
The Department of Justice and Community Safety provides administrative support to VERRF and our Board.
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