Harcourt Heritage Centre Chairman and longtime community member, George Milford, has shared a statement following Friday’s devastating fire.
‘Two days after the catastrophic fires, we still do not know of the extent of the losses of the homes and outbuildings in the Harcourt district. We have been told that more than thirty homes have been razed, this is tragic loss to the residents and of many precious memories.
We were present at the Castlemaine Town Hall meeting on Saturday afternoon. It was only fitting that there was prolonged applause for the first responders; a genuine heartfelt thanks for the courageous and effective firefighters and volunteers.
The Town Hall meeting enabled the locals to regroup after what has been “trauma on steroids” which occurred in Harcourt on Friday afternoon.
It was good to see people meet up with their friends and neighbours, to hug, to swap experiences and to check up on each other.
The good news is that Harcourt is alive, peopled by folk that have vision and determination, optimistic one and all, people who in recent times have built the Victorian Miniature Railway, the mountain bike park, a new preschool, who put together the annual Applefest and numerous twilight “Gather” events.
Although there has been much property lost, the precious community assets are all intact, namely; children’s playground, leisure centre, heritage centre, primary school, kindergarten, recreation reserve, bowling club, swimming pool, Uniting Church, community house, fire station, petrol station, post office, James Park and Stanley Park. None of these were damaged in the fire.
The Coolstore, unfortunately was burnt to the ground. It will be a big task to rebuild but the Coolstore was burnt down previously in 2001 and even with some delays, it was rebuilt in nine months ready for the next season’s harvest.
The great thing about Harcourt is that all the skilled trades are available within the shire. A whole range of tradies is just a stone’s throw away. There should be no delays due to travel time or remoteness.
It will be a big task to rebuild over thirty homes but we understand that insurance companies are already contacting their Harcourt policy holders to facilitate assessment of what will be a big swag of claims.
Remember that the Federal Government encourages insurers to cut the red tape after natural disasters. Remember also, that the sites of the homes that were destroyed already have connections for electricity, water and sewerage, so much of the preliminary work is already in place.
Plans are afoot for new housing developments to the south and north of the Harcourt township, so we can be confident that the town will not just bounce back but it will grow as more and more people move into one of the best situated communities in Central Victoria.
Harcourt survived the millennial drought, it survived a loss of thirty-eight homes when the Calder Freeway upgrade works took place, and each time grew back bigger and stronger.
So, despite the blackened paddocks, and the tangled ruins of many dwellings, Harcourt will once again be known as the core of a thriving, prosperous and forward- looking community.’ – George Milford.
It could be days before some Harcourt and district community members are able to safely return to their homes to assess the damage from Friday’s devastating Ravenswood-Harcourt fire event.
At Saturday’s Community Meeting at the Castlemaine Town Hall Incident Controller Michael Masters said the fire is still very active and was not yet under control and that may take days before that happens. At the same time they are looking for people impacted by the fire, who may be injured or have other issues that need to be addressed and providing immediate relief support. They are also looking out for animals, livestock and wildlife.
An Agricultural Victoria representative was in attendance to assist community members with any questions.
“Over the next couple of days, weeks and months we will start the recovery process. But today we are still in response mode and trying to provide the immediate relief of suffering,” Mr Masters said.
Their first priority is response, strengthening containment lines, asset protection and community safety, whilst working is also being done to assess the extent of the damage, and make the fire ground, hazardous trees and buildings safe to allow community members to return.
Mr Masters said the initial impact assessment teams had been into Harcourt and the majority of community buildings have survived the path of the fire.
“I do want to acknowledge that there are a number of houses have been lost both in Harcourt and in the fire affected area itself well.”
The full impact of the fire is still not clear, with conflicting reports about property losses, but emergency services estimate up to 50 structures (homes and sheds).
Mr Masters gave another update this morning. He said fire crews had worked hard yesterday and overnight to try and stop the spread of the fire. It has now increased by another 260 hectares and covers an area of 3780 hectares.
At yesterday’s meeting, Mr Masters said hazardous trees pose a big threat and often it is trees and falling limbs that cause more serious injuries to emergency service personnel than the fire itself.
He said he understood community member’s desire to to their return homes but their job is to keep community members safe. Some areas may not be opened up until the middle of next week.
Relief Centres will remain open over the weekend at Kyneton Sports and Aquatic Centre and Bendigo Showgrounds for community members who have been displaced.
Mr Masters explained he made the decision not to open a Relief Centre in Castlemaine on Friday because at that time the fire was impacting the Midland Highway. He did not want Harcourt and district community members to think it was safe to travel to Castlemaine as clearly it wasn’t. Castlemaine was also without power at the time.
However, Mount Alexander Shire Council staff had been working around the clock to support emergency services and will be opening an ‘Emergency Recovery Centre’ in Castlemaine asap. Details will be provided on the location will be advised.
The ‘Emergency Recovery Centre’ will have a focus on assisting community members who have lost their homes and been displaced with accommodation support, emergency relief, and assistance accessing financial support payments available from the state and federal governments.
Local Emergency Response Coordinator and Acting OIC at Castlemaine Police David Semmens said the opening up of the township and recovery would happen in a ‘staged’ approach as areas were declared safe.
In this morning’s update Mr Masters said the Calder Freeway was reopened around midnight last night and emergency services were working hard to be able to open the Midland Highway today.
Numerous road closures are still in place and are listed in the VicEmergency app and at and updates are available at https://traffic.transport.vic.gov.au/
The fire has also damaged a railway bridge in Harcourt and rail services are not expected to be back on line for at least a week or more. Buses will replace trains on the network until further notice.
Much of the township is without power and Powercor teams have a lot of work ahead of them.
“In particular they need to repair a 66,000 volt transmission line which runs in the north section of the fire, without that there is only one source of power supply coming into Castlemaine and if that gets impacted by another emergency Castlemaine is off the grid and that is a significant risk. So that’s important to us and the distribution lines to get properties off line back in the grid. But again it needs to be safe for those crews to move in,” Mr Masters said.
Coliban Water infrastructure on Mount Alexander and within the township has also been damaged. The water authority has issued a warning that the the water is not safe to drink until further notice. The water supply infrastructure on Mount Alexander has links to towns as far away as Donald so this is a priority for repair.
In this morning’s update Mr Masters said this vital infrastructure has been repaired. However, Coliban Water’s ‘Harcourt – A Do Not Drink Advisory’ warning still stands. The water authority is working to provide support and an alternative water supply, ahead of restoring supply as quickly as they can. For updates see the Coliban Water Facebook page or visit https://www.coliban.com.au/interruptions
Television, radio and telecommunications infrastructure was also damaged as the fire crossed Mount Alexander cutting off communication for many residents. Emergency services aim to allow contractors in to repair these as soon as it is safe to do so. He hoped this would be able to happen later today.
Community members can continue to follow the VicEmergency app for updates and tune into Phoenix FM 106.7 for ABC Radio Emergency Broadcasting coverage.
Victoria Police Superintendent WD5 (Central Victoria) Paul Gardiner said they are getting a lot of welfare checks. Some areas are very difficult to get to. Lot of heat in the buildings but they are working through this.
He assured Harcourt community members that there would be an active, visible police presence in the community in the days ahead.
At least one life has been lost. A man in his 60s is thought to have been fleeing the scene when he suffered a suspected medical episode. Ambulance crews were unable to access the scene as fire threatened the property. However, a CFA member who is also a paramedic reportedly tried to render assistance but the gentleman had sadly passed away.
Three emergency service personnel were also injured in separate incidents at fires which burned across the state Friday.
One interstate firefighter was airlifted to Melbourne for treatment after suffering a medical episode, one injured their hand, and another was struck in the face with a hose.
All three are reportedly now recovering in hospital.
As the Ravenswood fire took hold Friday, two ambulances, a MICA paramedic and Ambulance Victoria helicopter were seen at the Camp Reserve.
However, an Ambulance Victoria spokesperson told the Mail this was a separate unrelated medical emergency.
Mount Alexander Shire Mayor Cr Toby Heydon said it had been an incredibly distressing weekend and council was working to do what they could to support the local shire communities, especially the Harcourt, Harcourt North, Walmer, Faraday and other affected communities.
The mayor acknowledged the work of our incredible emergency services and this was met with a rousing round of applause from the 300 plus community members gathered.
The mayor said council’s primary focus up until now and continuing forward was supporting the emergency response.
“We are a very interconnected shire. We all know people impacted by this at Harcourt, Harcourt North, Walmer, Faraday and surrounding communities. Our thoughts and our planning is focused on how we can be support these families and individuals, businesses and broader communities, ” he said
In the meantime, the volunteer-managed Mount Alexander Shire bushfire Facebook page has been working hard to provide updates, as have several local brigades, and community members and community groups are rallying around fire-affected community members with offers of accommodation, donations of food and water, and support with animals and livestock.
Local GPs are also shuffling appointments to enable them to assist fire-affected community members with their medical needs.
UPDATE 6.10pm:
Mount Alexander Shire Council has just announced that the Emergency Relief Centres at the Bendigo Showgrounds and Kyneton Sports and Aquatic Centre will close tomorrow, Monday January 12, at 9am.
A huge thank you to the wonderful staff and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to provide support at these centres.
From tomorrow, Monday January 12, anyone needing temporary accommodation support can visit the Recovery Hub at Castlemaine Town Hall.
For this week, the Recovery Hub will be open:
Monday January 12 – Friday January 16
11am – 5pm
Castlemaine Town Hall, 25 Lyttleton Street
For affected residents, the Recovery Hub will include a number of agencies and organisations that can assist you through the recovery process.
Amy Hume
The Ravenswood Fogarty’s Gap Road fire that has impacted Harcourt is not expected to expand far beyond its current footprint tonight, authorities have told residents.
Incident controller Michael Masters explained what occurred during the fire and its current status at a community meeting this afternoon.
The meeting was held at Kyneton where about 80-100 fire-threatened residents have taken refuge overnight at an emergency relief centre.
Mr Masters acknowledged the regrettable loss of homes, environment impact and community hurt the fires have caused.
“The fire ran quickly with 100km plus winds, so the ability of firefighters to get closer to the fire to do anything just didn’t exist,” he said.
“The fire was spotting up to seven kilometres away. That’s significant behaviour for a fire.”
The exact total of homes and structures lost to the blaze is not yet known. Cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Mr Masters told residents containment lines were now being made around the fire. Rocky grounds could mean that process takes some time.
“There is still active fire and there’s still potential for that fire to become more active again,” he said.
“More than 600 firefighters have been out on the fireground and it is still not safe to return.
“Containment is occurring and spread of the fire is not active – mostly due to the change in weather.”
During the fires, infrastructure was impacted on Mount Alexander including facilities for Coliban Water and Telstra. ABC Radio broadcasts were also affected.
There is currently no power connected to the fire area, no drinkable water supply at Harcourt, a compromised sewerage system, and heat remains in the area. Roads in the area, including the Calder Freeway, also remain closed in both directions. Other dangers in the area are falling trees and powerlines down.
“There are a lot of risks on the grounds at the moment. It’s just been 24 hours and our crews are still working hard,” Mr Masters said.
Information is being provided to residents about agricultural care, health services, and accommodation options.
A total fire ban has been declared for tomorrow (Sunday) as fire fighters continue their efforts to contain current fires.
Coliban Water, following consultation with the Department of Health, has advised that customers in Harcourt do not drink tap water from 11.45am on Saturday January 10, 2026 until further notice.
This advice has been issued following the fires in Harcourt on Friday January 9, 2026, which impacted the water authority’s ability to safely access a burst water main that may have contaminated the water supply network.
They are asking all residents to not drink tap water until further notice.
Coliban Water are aware Harcourt residents were evacuated yesterday due to fires, and recognise this has been a distressing time for the community. As you safely return to Harcourt, they do not wish to add to your burden, however, they want to let you know the local water supply has been compromised.
Coliban Water teams are working as quickly as possible to provide support and an alternative water supply while we prepare to safely access the site, repair the damage to the supply system, and restore safe drinking water.
Please know that they are there to help. You can contact Coliban Water at any time on 1300 363 200 if you need assistance or have concerns.
While this ‘do not drink tap water’ advisory is in place, residents in Harcourt are advised not to use the tap water for:
Boiling water will not remove any potential contaminants that may enter the distribution system if there is pressure loss in the system.
Coliban Water will keep customers informed as the situation changes.
Regular updates will be provided at www.coliban.com.au/interruptions and via social media, or customers can call 1300 363 200.
Community Meetings have been scheduled for the Castlemaine Town Hall today at 3pm and Kyneton Town Hall today at 5pm to update community members on the fire event. The meetings will be live-streamed on Mount Alexander Shire Council Facebook page and the VicEmergency-Loddon Mallee page.
Mount Alexander Shire Council has made a statement about the – Harcourt and surrounds fire event:
Mount Alexander Shire Council extends its deepest concern and support to everyone affected by the devastating fires that have impacted Harcourt and other parts of our shire.
Our thoughts are with residents, families, businesses and emergency responders at this incredibly difficult time. We acknowledge the fear, uncertainty and loss that many people are experiencing, and we stand with our communities as they respond to this unfolding situation.
Council’s immediate focus has been on supporting emergency services and coordinating relief efforts for those who have been impacted. We are working closely with partner agencies to understand needs on the ground and to ensure assistance is directed where it is needed most.
Community Meetings
A community meeting has been arranged in Castlemaine at 3.00pm at the Castlemaine Town Hall on Lyttleton Street, where you will be provided with information and support, with representatives from the lead agency CFA, and other key agencies including Victoria Police and Emergency Recovery Victoria.
There will also be a meeting at Kyneton Town Hall at 5.00pm, which will have the same information.
Both meetings will be live streamed via the Mount Alexander Shire Council Facebook page.
Emergency Recovery Centre
We are also planning to open a Emergency Recovery Centre in Castlemaine as soon as possible. We will provide information when we have the details regarding venue and opening.
Fallen trees
We know there are many branches and trees fallen across the shire. Please log a request to have them removed as normal via the Report an Issue page on Council’s website. Understand that during an emergency there are several competing priorities and it may take up to a week for us to clear all reported tree fall.
As these fires are still less than 24 hours old and are still not under control, information remains limited and is continuing to change. We ask everyone to please avoid sharing unconfirmed reports or rumours, and to rely on official sources for updates.
Most importantly, we encourage people to look out for one another, check in on neighbours, and continue to support your local communities in whatever way you can.
Further information will be shared as it becomes available.
Community Meeting details
Castlemaine Town Hall
25 Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine
Time: 3.00pm
Kyneton Town Hall
129 Mollison St, Kyneton
Time: 5.00pm
Emergency Recovery Centre (opening date and time to be confirmed)
Location to be confirmed.
Please note: Emergency Relief Centres and Emergency Recovery Centres
The two sites at Kyneton Sports and Aquatic Centre and Bendigo Showgrounds are Emergency Relief Centres, providing basic support like somewhere to stay, food, water, and mental health first aid.
The Emergency Recovery Centre we are aiming to open in Castlemaine will provide coordinated support, offering information, financial help, and connection to services, acting as a hub for residents to begin rebuilding.
Premier Jacinta Allan has declared a State of Disaster for 18 Local Government Areas and one Alpine Resort following advice from the Minister for Emergency Services and the Emergency Management Commissioner.
The Premier is satisfied there is an emergency that constitutes, or is likely to constitute, a significant and widespread danger to life or property in the following part of Victoria:
A State of Disaster:
The declaration gives the Government, through the Minister for Emergency Services, the powers and resources it needs to keep Victorians safe. Examples of the Minister’s broad power to direct and allocate government resources include:
UPDATE: A second Emergency Relief Centre has opened at the Bendigo Showgrounds to assist residents evacuating due to bushfires.
Holmes Rd, Bendigo
Open from 7:15 PM. Animals are welcome at this location.
If you or someone you know is affected by the surrounding fires and needs help, please head to one of these centres for safety and support.
EARLIER:
Macedon Ranges Shire Council has opened an Emergency Relief Centre (ERC) at the Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre (KTSAC), support its neighbours at Mount Alexander Shire Council and those impacted by the Harcourt fire to welcome anyone who needs to evacuate the fire and does not have a safe place to go.
This ERC is now open providing a safe space for both human and animal relief (including power – yes, it has returned at time of writing – as well as showers and other amenities)
To support the focus on the ERC and any evacuees, for the time being, KTSAC’s business-as-usual services will not operate (i.e. no swimming pool or gym). Macedon Ranges Shire Council thank residents and members for their understanding during this time, and they’ll endeavour to communicate any functional updates as things progress.
Update: EMERGENCY WARNING – GRASS FIRE – Leave Immediately
Incident Location: Ravenswood South
Issue Date: Friday 09 January 2026, 05:52 pm
Next Update: Friday 09 January 2026, 08:00 pm
More details at http://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/…
This Emergency Warning is being issued for Elphinstone, Faraday, Golden Point.
– There is a grassfire travelling from Fogarty Gap Road, Ravenwood South in a south-easterly direction and has crossed the Calder Freeway that is not yet under control.
– People at Faraday, Golden Point and Elphinstone should leave immediately.
Faraday, Golden Point and Elphinstone could be impacted anytime. Leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous.
Update: Catastrophic conditions are pushing a fast-moving grassfire into Harcourt, Ravenswood South and surrounds.
There is an out-of-control grassfire at Harcourt, that is currently travelling in a southerly direction from Fogarty’s Gap Road towards Midland Highway.
People in this area should first check VicEmergency for current warnings. If you are not under an Emergency Warning – Take Shelter Now, you must activate your bushfire survival plan and leave immediately ahead of predicted worsening conditions. Leaving early is always the safest option to protect your life. Check warnings regularly as the situation changes.
Communities that could be impacted by fire front or embers until 11pm tonight include: Ravenswood South, Harcourt North, Harcourt, Barkers Creek, Dog Rocks Saddle, Barkers Creek, Faraday, Golden Point and surrounds.
These maps represent the potential spread of fire in a worst-case scenario – which is possible given the Catastrophic conditions in this area.
When leaving, be sure to let your family and friends know where you are going or use Register.Find.Reunite to ensure that emergency services know you’re safe.
Avoid any travel through bushland areas where possible.
It is vital to take action to protect your life. Your life may depend on the decisions you make.
Fire safety is a shared responsibility.
Victorians are reminded to never rely on one channel for emergency information. Connect to official sources of emergency information, including emergency.vic.gov.au, the VicEmergency app emergency and radio broadcasters.
For road closure information, visit https://traffic.transport.vic.gov.au/
VIC EMERGENCY WARNING – GRASS FIRE – Leave Immediately
Incident Location: Ravenswood South
Issue Date: Friday 09 January 2026, 03:57 pm
Next Update: Friday 09 January 2026, 04:30 pm
More details at http://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/…
This Emergency Warning is being issued for Harcourt, Harcourt North.
– There is a grassfire travelling from Fogartys Gap Road, Ravenswood South in a south-easterly direction towards Midland Highway and Calder Freeway that is not yet under control.
– There is an expected wind change that will push the fire in an easterly direction within the next 1-2 hours.
– People at Harcourt and Harcourt North should leave immediately.
Harcourt and Harcourt North could be impacted anytime up to 4:00pm. Leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous.
EMERGENCY WARNING – GRASS FIRE – Shelter Indoors Now
Incident Location: Ravenswood South
Issue Date: Friday 09 January 2026, 03:20 pm
Next Update: Friday 09 January 2026, 05:30 pm
More details at http://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/…
This Emergency Warning is being issued for Barkers Creek, Harcourt, Harcourt North, Muckleford, Ravenswood, Ravenswood South, Walmer.
– There is a grassfire at Ravenswood South that is not yet under control.
– The grassfire is travelling from Fogartys Gap Road in a southerly direction towards Midland Highway.
You are in danger, act now to protect yourself. It is too late to leave. The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately.
Do not get in the car and drive. It is safer to stay where you are.
