Supporting businesses affected by January 2026 Victorian bushfires

With many regional employers navigating widespread damage, workforce displacement and operational uncertainty, the Victorian Chamber is providing practical, free support for businesses located in declared State of Disaster areas. 

Acting Chief Executive Amelia Bitsis said:

“The Victorian Chamber’s priority is making sure business owners feel supported and have somewhere to turn for trusted, practical advice.

“These fires have caused enormous stress and disruption across our communities. Behind every small business is a family, a workforce and a region relying on them.

“We want business owners to know they are not alone - the Victorian Chamber is here to help with straightforward guidance, referrals and support to get them through this period.”

Helping businesses respond and recover after the January 2026 Victorian bushfires

The new Bushfire HR Support Helpline connects employers with expert workplace relations advisers who can provide immediate guidance on critical employment and workforce matters including:

• Pay and leave options if staff are stood down
• Employee entitlements when workers cannot safely attend work
• Guidance on pay when sending staff home versus following a government directive
• Information on payments for employees affected by the fires
• Referrals to other grants, agencies, wellbeing services and business recovery programs

Alongside the helpline, the Bushfire Support Resource Hub offers up-to-date information on emergency relief, government assistance, mental health support and business recovery services. This hub is a reliable source for accurate and timely information during a fastmoving and overwhelming period. 

Support for mental health, wellbeing and primary producers

The Victorian Chamber is also directing members to essential wellbeing and rural support services including:

• TELUS Mental Health Support Advice Line – Free, confidential counselling for business owners, managers and workers of businesses with up to 200 staff
• Rural Financial Counselling Service – Wellbeing support and financial counselling for farmers
• Personal wellbeing services such as Lifeline and Beyond Blue
• Emergency Fodder Support Program through the Victorian Farmers Federation

These services ensure that business owners and primary producers have access not only to operational advice but also to emotional and wellbeing support during the recovery period. 

Government assistance and financial support

To help simplify the recovery process, the Victorian Chamber’s resource hub includes information on key government programs, including:

• Emergency relief payments for unmet immediate needs
• Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment for affected households
• Look Over the Farm Gate Program providing up to $5,000 for community wellbeing initiatives
• Waste disposal fee waivers for 18 affected LGAs to support cleanup
• Small Business Mentoring Service providing tailored recovery advice
• Insurance and legal support to assist with claims and disputes

This consolidated guidance helps businesses cut through complexity and quickly find the right support. 

How to access assistance

Businesses can contact the 2026 Bushfire HR Support Helpline on (03) 8662 5461, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm. If lines are busy, callers can leave a message and will receive a return call. 

Visit the Victorian Chamber Bushfire Support Hub for full details, updates and resources: www.victorianchamber.com.au/bushfire-support.