The community-led recovery effort for fire-affected residents of the Ravenswood, Harcourt, Sutton Grange fire is gaining powerful momentum, marked by significant financial support and a series of events signalling a strong path forward.
Community Resilience on Display
The enduring spirit of Harcourt is shining through. Key local businesses, Harcourt General Store, Rodilesa Nursery, Woop Woop Gardens, Henry of Harcourt, the Harcourt BP Service Station and Post Office, have reopened, providing essential services and a sense of normalcy. In a vibrant sign of looking ahead, the Harcourt Applefest Committee has announced the beloved Applefest will proceed on Saturday, March 7, promising to be a “bigger and better” celebration of community resilience.
A symbolic ‘Harcourt Reopen’ event will be held on Saturday, February 21, hosted by the Victorian Miniature Railways (VMR) in conjunction with events at Woop Woop Gardens. VMR, whose members were instrumental in firefighting efforts and provided the initial coordination base for the relief hub, will be open for the entire weekend (February 21-22) to welcome the community back.
Significant Recovery Funding Announced
The recovery effort has received two major financial boosts:
1. The Harcourt Progress Association (HPA) community GoFundMe has surpassed the $300,000 mark, a testament to incredible statewide generosity.
2. Premier Jacinta Allen has announced a $500,000 support package specifically to assist the local cool store operations that were destroyed, providing crucial aid to the region’s agricultural heart.
Ongoing Essential Support Services
Core, in-person support continues for affected residents at two locations:
· Harcourt Leisure Centre Community Hub:
Open Wednesdays and Fridays (support services and community pantry 11am-3pm, free community lunch 12pm-2pm).
· Castlemaine Distribution Centre (5 Johnstone St):
Open for fire-affected individuals on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am-1pm, and working to connect residents with donors of larger items.
Available Support Services at the Leisure Centre include:
Services Australia
Anglicare
Dhelkaya Health
Red Cross
HPA desk
February Schedule: Learning, Wellbeing & Fundraisers
A full calendar of events supports various recovery needs:
· Practical Sessions:
“Livestock Management after Fire” Feb 4, 11am start
“Farm Fencing & Land Planning” Feb 11, 11am start
A recording of the Jan 30 clean-up session is on the HPA Facebook page.
· Wellbeing:
Free yoga at Symmetry Life (Feb-Mar) at the Harcourt Community House on Station St
The ‘Thread Together’ mobile wardrobe will be at the leisure centre the last three Fridays of February.
· Community Fundraisers:
-Marty Supreme screening for Harcourt: Feb 5, Star Cinemas, Eaglehawk.
-PubSing for Harcourt: Feb 6 & 14, The Taproom Castlemaine.
-Harcourt Bushfire Benefit & Art Auction: Feb 14, Old Castlemaine Gaol.
-Rock for a Cause: Feb 15 from 12:30pm, The Handlebar, 73 Mitchel St, Bendigo.
-Rods’n’Riffs for Harcourt: Feb 28 from 1pm, Union St Blues Club, 20 Trantara crt Bendigo.
A Commitment to the Long Term
“These funding milestones and events are powerful fuel for our recovery,” said a relief coordination spokesperson. “Our focus is firmly on ensuring this support translates into long-term resilience, responsible distribution of funds, and a stronger community for all.”
About the Harcourt Progress Relief Group
A volunteer-driven initiative, overseen by the Harcourt Progress Association, coordinating with local organisations, businesses, and government agencies to support the recovery of fire-affected residents of Harcourt, Ravenswood, Walmer, Sutton Grange and surrounds.
Website: www.harcourtprogress.org.au
Email: harcourtrelief@gmail.com
Relief Centre Phone: 54153101
