Colac Otway now eligible for federal bushfire recovery payments

​​Joint media release with Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher

The Albanese Government is extending financial assistance further for Victorians impacted by the bushfires that have devastated communities.

From 2pm local time on Thursday, 29 January 2026, the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) will be available for eligible people in the following added locations: Gellibrand and Separation Creek.

This extension brings the total number of locations where AGDRP has been activated in Victoria to 54. Previously activated locations include: Alexandra, Arapiles, Avenel, Barkers Creek, Berringama, Bungil,Carranballac, Cathkin, Caveat, Cobram, Creightons Creek, Devils River, Dropmore, Duchembegarra, Fawcett, Ghin Ghin, Gobur, Gooram, Harcourt North, Harcourt, Highlands, Kanumbra, Koetong, Koriella, Limestone, Longwood East, Longwood, Maintongoon, Merton, Mitre, Molesworth, Murrindindi, Natimuk, Noradjuha, Quantong, Ravenswood South, Ruffy, Shelley, Skipton, Streatham, Sutton Grange, Tarcombe, Terip Terip, Thologolong, Upton Hill, Vectis, Walmer, Walwa, Whanregarwen, Whiteheads Creek, Yarck and Yarroweyah.

AGDRP is available for people who have been directly impacted by the bushfires. This includes major damage to their home, serious injury, or loss of a loved one as a result of the bushfires. It’s a one-off payment of $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per child.

Impact assessments are undertaken by emergency management agencies as locations are safe to access. Those impact assessments allow the Australian Government to activate additional support for those communities.

These payments are on top of the other recovery assistance that has been activated under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to help households, small businesses, primary producers and councils.

People can check their eligibility for AGDRP on the Services Australia website – Natural disaster support.

The quickest way to claim AGDRP is online through myGov.

If people need help to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.

People in impacted areas can change or pause Centrelink debt repayments online, in the myGo​v or Express Plus Centrelink mobile apps (through the Money You Owe service), or by calling 1800 076 072.

Quotes attributed to Minister for Government Services, Katy Gallagher

“My thoughts are with the communities in Victoria, especially those who are continuing to respond to the fire threat.

“The AGDRP provides immediate support to those bearing the brunt of this disaster, allowing them to replace essential items lost.

“I encourage people in the impacted areas to check their eligibility for these payments on the Services Australia website.”

Quotes attributed to Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain

“I have been on the ground and seen first-hand just how significant these bushfires have been. This assistance is designed to ensure people can access meaningful support as quickly and smoothly as possible during such an incredibly challenging time.

“My thoughts are particularly with those in the Colac Otway Local Government Area that has suffered an incredible amount over recent days. This extension of the AGDRP means that those affected in that area can now access this support.

“The Albanese Government remains focused on the situation and is working closely with the Victorian Government to continue taking the necessary action to ease immediate pressures and work through the early recovery stages.”