Opinion & Perspectives
24 January, 2026
Busy and ‘heartbreaking’ month for residents in the regions
December ended with emergency services being called to two suspicious fires at McIntyre and Cochranes Creek.
By MARTHA HAYLETT
FOR MANY across our region and state, the last month has been nothing short of heartbreaking.
December ended with emergency services being called to two suspicious fires at McIntyre and Cochranes Creek.
Two more suspicious fires followed near O’Briens Dam and Rheola- Bealiba roads in Wehla.
Fortunately, all fires were quickly extinguished by incredible first responders with no one injured.
Then a grassfire on the Sunraysia Highway near the Maryborough-St Arnaud Road in Moyreisk on 7 January saw around 40 firefighting units respond in extreme heat.
At least 28 hectares of farmland were burnt before it was contained by firefighters on the ground and in the air.
Families in Moyreisk, Natte Yallock, Redbank, and Stuart Mill were told to leave their homes.
Roads were closed and people waited anxiously for news about their properties, neighbours, and animals.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to every local volunteer firefighter, SES member, and Forest Fire Management Victoria worker across the Northern Grampians Shire and beyond that has responded to recent fires.
Their dedication has protected many local homes, farms, and entire communities.
Without them, the losses would have been far greater. I also want to thank the families who have held down the fort while loved ones were out fighting fires.
The role you play is so important and our community is so grateful to you.
To anyone who has been directly affected—or who is supporting loved ones who have—please know that help is available, and you do not have to navigate this alone.
The first step is to call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 to register for support.
Once registered, families can access emergency relief payments of up to $2,380, along with guidance on accommodation, fencing repairs, fodder access, property clean‑up, mental health support, and more.
The Premier and Prime Minister have also announced an initial $19.5 million support package to help communities begin the long road to recovery.
This includes funding for fodder, emergency accommodation, mental health support, a dedicated recovery hotline, and case workers who can walk people through the practical steps of rebuilding.
To stay informed about bushfires, please download the VicEmergency app, visit emergency.vic.gov.au, call the VicEmergency Hotline, or tune in to ABC Local Radio.
For any questions you might have, you can always get in touch with me and my team via email by contacting: Martha.Haylett@parliament.vic.gov.au or on the phone by calling 5461 1255.
I hope you stay safe and I’m sure I will see you around the Northern Grampians Shire soon.
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