In the aftermath of the devastating Longwood fires in Victoria’s North East, small communities are showing continued extraordinary strength and unity. Across the region, community‑run hubs ‑ created for community, by community ‑ have become lifelines for residents navigating loss, uncertainty and the first steps of recovery.
At Highlands, Andrea Bower and the Highlands–Caveat community have opened their hall to anyone needing meals, donated goods, provisions, or simply a place to connect. Volunteers work around the clock to make sure neighbours have what they need—practical support delivered with compassion.
In Fawcett, Sam Hicks and the Fawcett–Koriella community are running a vibrant hub at the Fawcett Hall, distributing food, clothing, linens and essential items. They’ve also created a welcoming space for information sessions delivered by support agencies and organisations, ensuring vital advice and information reaches community members directly.
At Creightons Creek, Chris Bakker and the local community are providing essential supplies and keeping their community connected. From practical goods to organised sessions focused on mental health and other important recovery topics, they are ensuring that people are supported not just physically, but emotionally recognising that true recovery is both practical and deeply human.
In Terip Terip, Lyn Burley and her volunteers continue to coordinate meals, goods and everyday essentials for families who have lost homes and properties. Their steady, organised approach has been a source of reassurance and stability for many.
Over in Yarck, Graham Halliburton and the Yarck–Gobur community have opened their space to provide hot food, donated goods, animal feed, clothing, and a safe environment where people can talk, ask questions and access visiting service providers.
And at Ruffy, Felicity Sloman and the Ruffy community have mobilised swiftly, creating a responsive hub that is supplying essential items, meals, support and practical help to affected residents. Their focus has been meeting immediate needs while ensuring no one feels isolated during the recovery process.
Across all these towns, agencies and organisations are coming directly into the hubs to meet community members where they are — making support more accessible, trauma‑informed and locally centred.
These hubs are more than distribution points. They are gathering places, sources of hope, and anchors of resilience. They show what happens when local knowledge, kindness and community leadership drive recovery efforts.
This is community‑led recovery at its finest: practical, dignified, connected and powered by the people who know their communities best.
A range of support is available for individuals and communities affected by the January 2026 Victorian bushfires. To learn more about the available support, visit the Emergency Recovery Victoria website or call the Emergency Recovery Hotline 1800 560 760.
