UPDATE: In an emotional address, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan expressed her deep ties to Harcourt, a community devastated by the recent Ravenswood fire. As families grapple with the aftermath, Allan revealed her children attended kindergarten in Harcourt, making the destruction feel even more personal.
Allan, who was forced to evacuate her home on Friday, January 9, described the experience as a “sickening feeling.” Fortunately, her family’s home remains intact, but the impact on the community is profound. “Harcourt is a small community, a beautiful community. It’s beautiful produce. It’s beautiful landscape that’s just been ravaged by these terrible fires,” she stated at a press conference on Sunday, January 11.
The fires have resulted in the loss of 47 homes and three businesses in Harcourt, including a local cafe and the Coolstore. Tragically, one individual is believed to have died due to a medical episode during the blaze.
Residents of Harcourt are currently unable to return home as authorities work to assess and remove hazards, with warnings in place against drinking the town’s water. Additionally, repair work on telecommunication towers that went offline is set to begin on January 11.
Authorities confirmed that the Calder Freeway has reopened after days of closure, but the status of train services between Bendigo and Melbourne remains uncertain due to damage to the railway bridge in Harcourt.
In a bid to support those affected, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters joined Allan at the Epsom incident control center to announce a $5 million relief package aimed at providing vital assistance, including access to housing and financial support. A recovery hub is set to open on Monday, January 12, at the Castlemaine Town Hall, where federal agencies will be present to assist victims.
Chesters emphasized the importance of community support, saying, “The recovery for these people is just beginning; many are still in shock and shattered.” The relief center at the Bendigo Showgrounds remains operational, although the number of evacuees seeking assistance has been low.
Acting City of Greater Bendigo Chief Executive Brian Westly praised local staff for their remarkable handling of the crisis, addressing issues such as fatigue and mental trauma among those who fled the fires.
As recovery efforts ramp up, the community’s resilience shines through amidst the devastation. The road to recovery will be long, but officials assure residents that they are not alone in this battle.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.
