A message from Premier and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan

I HOPE you and your family had a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

For many in our local community, the extreme weather conditions brought the festive season to an abrupt end.

Devastating bushfires ravaged parts of our region, with homes destroyed and huge losses of livestock, crops and agricultural businesses.

I want to thank the firies who worked around the clock to protect lives, homes and communities.

I also want to thank the countless community volunteers who joined together to support those going through such a tough time.

If you or someone you know has been affected by the recent fires, please know that there is support available to you.

You can call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 (Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm or weekends and public holidays 9am to 5pm), visit vic.gov.au/january-2026-victorian-bushfires or contact my office to get help.

If you are looking for a way to help those affected by the recent fires, the Victorian Bushfire Appeal 2026 is open for donations at vic.gov.au/2026-Victorian-Bushfire-Appeal

Donations will go towards:

· 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.

This summer’s extreme heat has also been challenging for vulnerable and older people in our community.

To help with the cost of running your cooling system, eligible concession card holders can apply for the $100 Power Saving Bonus.

The $100 Power Saving Bonus will ease cost-of-living pressures and is in addition to the $150 Energy Bill Relief Fund all households automatically receive from the Commonwealth Government. Visit compare.energy.vic.gov.au

If you need to upgrade your cooling system, there are discounts available through the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.

There are also discounts to help with the cost of window glazing, weather sealing, investing in an energy-efficient fridge or freezer and more.

To access this program, please call 9032 1310, visit energy.vic.gov.au/victorian-energy-upgrades or contact my office.

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