15 January 2026: In response to the devastating bushfires impacting communities across Victoria in January 2026, Landcare Australia is contributing $100,000 to kickstart post-bushfire landscape restoration efforts, made possible through a bequest. These funds will go directly to the community-led projects on the ground that make lasting change possible.
These fires have already burned an area approaching the scale of the 2009 Black Saturday Bushfires, destroying critical habitat for countless native and endangered species. As the crisis continues, Landcare Australia remains deeply committed to supporting affected communities as they begin the long road to recovery.
Landcare Australia CEO, Dr Shane Norrish, emphasises that rehabilitation of both the land and livelihoods will take time, dedication, and meaningful support. Dr Norrish said, “Funding is urgently needed to restore fences and pastures, replant native vegetation, manage erosion and weeds, and bring people together through community-led events and recovery efforts. With your support, we can help Victoria’s people, wildlife, and landscapes heal and thrive once again.
“Landcare Australia has a history of managing bushfire recovery projects, including in partnership with the Australian Government and Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service Ltd (WIRES), and we hold an ongoing commitment to support impacted communities.
“Our thoughts are with the communities, landcare groups, landholders, Traditional Owners and First Nations communities, farmers, viticulturalists and first responders who have endured unimaginable loss of homes, infrastructure, livelihoods, and the landscapes they care for.
Landcare Australia invites the support of individuals, philanthropic partners, corporations, and government organisations to join in strengthening recovery efforts. Every contribution, large or small, helps local groups to rebuild their communities, environments and renew hope for the future.
If you would like to support Victoria’s bushfire recovery or learn more about how your donation will make a difference, please contact us at [email protected].
Learn more about Landcare Australia’s efforts in disaster recovery projects here.
Bushfire Recovery Activities
The activities community Landcare groups and volunteers across Australia will co-ordinate during bushfire recovery include:
- Forging partnerships to understand the individual needs of local affected communities.
- Supporting mental health outcomes for farmers and others in the community by organising volunteer working bees, community workshops and Landcare meetings.
- Removing burnt and fallen trees from fence lines, roads and access tracks.
- Cleaning up rubble from burnt sheds and other infrastructure including fencing which usually involves many kilometres and therefore days of rolling up and removal of damaged wire.
- Installing temporary fencing to manage immediate stock and pest control needs.
- Replacing permanent fencing over a longer period of time.
- Revegetating bush areas, paddock trees and shelter belts as conditions become appropriate.
- Restoring habitat for wildlife including construction and installation of nest boxes and re-planting Indigenous vegetation (grasses, shrubs and trees).
- Organising knowledge sharing workshops to provide information to land holders on best practice fire recovery for pastures, weed management, erosion control, fencing, nest box installation and revegetation to restore biodiversity and productivity to the landscape.
- Supporting farmers and landholders with projects that improve soil health, conservation activities, and adaptation to climate change techniques critical to managing land and water assets.
- Working with Traditional Owner groups to protect and enhance cultural heritage and environmental outcomes on Country.
- Building community capacity and resilience with communications, storytelling, volunteering and creating partnerships for on ground action.
- Mobilising volunteers to help farmers and landholders with recovery activities.