Registrations for free clean-up for the January 2026 Victorian bushfires have now closed.
Exceptional circumstances for late registrations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 (select option 3) to talk to a member of our team.
Every property is different. If you're not sure if you're eligible, that's okay. Call the Emergency Recovery Hotline to talk to the team about your situation.
What happens after you register
Forge Solutions has been appointed as the head contractor. They assess the damage and do the work on your property.
They look at how to:
- remove structures that are eligible under the program
- create safe access to the site if needed
- remove any hazards that could make the work unsafe.
Please tell the contractor if parts of your property are important to you. Tell them about anything that you want to keep.
This is considered where possible, taking into account safety and program requirements.
After the assessment we give you a Work Pack.
The Work Pack explains:
- what work can be done
- what you need to do.
Once you have the Work Pack you can then decide if you want to go ahead.
If you choose to continue, you need to agree to the scope of work and arrange a time to meet the contractor on site to talk through what will happen.
The contractor is then able to demolish and remove eligible structures. This program does not include repair or rebuild.
Please note: we never send people to your property without telling you. Anyone coming from us will wear Victoria Government or Forge Solutions branding. They will have photo ID. They will never ask you for money.
If you are unsure, call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 (select option 3) to check.
If your property is insured
If you have adequate insurance, contact your insurance provider.
If you are not sure how to make a claim or what you can get, these services offer free advice:
- National Debt Helpline - for advice from financial counsellors. Call 1800 007 007
- Anglicare - for financial counselling on cash settlements. Call 5440 1100 or email DisasterFC@anglicarevic.org.au
- Rural Financial Counselling Service - advice for farmers, fishers and foresters. Call 1300 735 578 or email admin@wswrcs.com.au
- Financial Rights Legal Centre - offers legal help for insurance issues. They have factsheets and sample letters you can use.
- Disaster Legal Help Victoria - answers for your legal questions. Call 1800 113 432.
Other recovery support available
Emergency recovery support is available for people directly impacted by the January 2026 bushfires. You can get advice on what services are available and help to connect you with programs that can help you.
Call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 (select option 2).
Find more recovery support by using the navigation below:
January 2026 Victorian bushfires
Relief and recovery support for people and communities affected by the Victorian fires that started on 7 January 2026.
Updated