2024 Grampians Bushfire

The following information is in relation to the current Grampians National Park - Yarram Gap Rd bushfire emergency, which started in December 2024. 

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I need to evacuate – where can I go?  

There are relief centres set up at: 

Stawell – Stawell Health and Community Centre (Grampians Community Health), 8-22 Patrick Street. Services you might be able to access here include shelter, food and water, public information, personal support/counselling, material aid and financial assistance. Companion animals are also welcome. 

Ararat – Alexandra Oval Community Centre, 1 Waratah Avenue 

Services available at the Stawell relief centre include meals, shower and toilet facilities, and other personal support services. Companion animals are also welcome. The centre is not accepting donations of goods or food but thanks the community for rallying behind impacted individuals and families. 

We kindly ask that people register either at the Stawell centre or online as follows:

  • Self-register with Red Cross at Register.Find Reunite to let people know you are safe. 
  • Self-register with council at Relief Registration to be eligible for further support as it becomes available or as you need it. 

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How do I stay up to date with what is happening? 

Use multiple sources to stay informed:  

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Accessibility services: 

The following services can help you, or someone you know, access information during an emergency.  

  • To access this information in other languages, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to call VicEmergency Hotline.  
  • If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment contact National Relay Service on 1800 555 677 and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline. 

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Animal welfare:

Agriculture Victoria is working with fire agencies and impacted communities to assess any agricultural impacts from the fires in the Grampians National Park.

Its immediate focus is on any urgent animal welfare needs. If your property has been impacted and you have urgent animal welfare needs, please contact the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

 

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Smoke:
There is currently plenty of smoke in the region. If you are affected by smoke, we recommend staying inside, closing windows and doors, and making sure you have any medication close by. If you are driving in smoky conditions, turn on your headlights and take extra care. If driving in thick smoke, close windows and put air-conditioning on re-circulation. If smoke becomes an issue and you need to pull over, make sure you're clear of the roadway and turn on your hazard lights.

 

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If you are unable to leave, you should seek shelter inside:  

  • Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and trousers, made from pure cotton or wool. Wear leather boots and heavy-duty leather gloves.  
  • Close all exterior doors, windows and vents. Turn off cooling systems. 
  • Shelter in a room that has a door and/or a window to the outside. The building can protect you from radiant heat. It is critical to keep an eye on what is happening with the fire.  

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If your home catches on fire:

  • Move away from the rooms that are on fire, closing doors behind you. 
  • As soon as the bushfire has passed the house, or the conditions inside become unbearable, you need to get out and go to an area that has already been burnt. Staying inside a burning building will almost certainly end in death.  
  • It may still be too hot to remain outside, so you will need to seek shelter in another structure or last resort option.  

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Support resources for those impacted:

Trauma counselling, general counselling and mental health services available(PDF, 171KB)

After a fire: returning home safely(PDF, 144KB)

After a fire: private drinking water and water tank safety(PDF, 139KB)

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