We understand the devastating impact the January 2026 bushfires have had on our communities. Our priority is to support affected customers with practical assistance, clear information, and compassionate service during this challenging time.
Damage to GMW infrastructure
If GMW infrastructure (such as service points or fencing) on your property was damaged during the bushfires, please call us on 1800 013 357 or visit one of our Customer Service Centres.
Relief and recovery payments
Recovery support information for people and communities affected by the bushfires is available on the Victorian Government and Vic Emergency websites.
Information includes emergency relief payments, re-establishment assistance, and help with insurance.
People who have been impacted by the bushfires may be eligible for an Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment.
More information on this payment can be found on the Services Australia website.
Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) disaster relief fund
The VFF Disaster Relief Fund assists farmers impacted by extreme events such as bushfires and floods. For more information, please contact the VFF on 1300 882 833 or vff@vff.org.au.
NAB disaster relief grants
NAB has opened applications for $1000 disaster relief grants to customers severely impacted by the Victorian bushfires. Visit the NAB website to learn more.
Recovery services, wellbeing and support
Emergency fodder support program
Emergency fodder is being made available for farmers in fire-affected areas. To request fodder, contact the VFF on 1300 882 833 or visit the VFF website.
If you have urgent animal welfare needs, please call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
Essential water replacement
If essential water is taken from your land to fight fires, you can request for it to be replaced.
For more information on how to lodge a request for essential water replacement, visit the Forest Fire Management Victoria website.
Emergency water supply points
Our region has multiple water supply points that provide water for emergency stock and domestic purposes during severe dry seasonal conditions, surface water scarcity, and bushfires.
Find your nearest water supply point at the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action website.
Emergency relief drinking water
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action has provided essential guidance on access and eligibility for emergency relief drinking water up to 20,000L for communities impacted by the fires.
GMW hardship support
We recognise that financial stress impacts our customers in different ways.
Regardless of whether you’re experiencing temporary or long-term financial difficulties, we encourage you to call GMW on 1800 013 357 and we will work with you to find a financial and service solution that best suits your individual needs.
Waiving of application fees
To support customers affected by the recent bushfires, we will waive all application fees associated with the replacement of lost infrastructure (e.g. pumps) to help ease the financial burden during recovery.
Replacing information and records
Call us on 1800 013 357 and we will replace any water entitlement records and statements free of charge. To ensure the privacy of customer information, we will need to verify customer identities. If you require your records to be sent to an alternative address, please notify us when requesting replacements.
Other information and resources
Agriculture Victoria website
Agriculture Victoria has developed a dedicated bushfire webpage with information and resources to help agricultural communities affected by bushfires.
You can also find guidance on building a sediment fence, including a YouTube video, on their Building a sediment fence to protect your dam webpage.
Emergency Recovery Hotline
The Victorian Government has established an Emergency Recovery Hotline. You can call the Hotline on 1800 560 760 from 9am to 5pm to receive assistance.
BlazeAid
BlazeAid is a volunteer-based organisation that works with families and individuals in rural Australia after natural disasters such as fires and floods. Working alongside the rural families, volunteers help to rebuild fences and other structures that have been damaged or destroyed. For more information, please see the BlazeAid website.
Victorian Premier's announcement of new recovery measures for fire-affected communities
New Recovery Measures For Fire-Affected Communities | Premier