Powercor has restored power to Harcourt’s township and is continuing to rebuild parts of its fire-affected network to get power back on to about 317 customers.

Since Friday’s fires, field teams have replaced more than 215 damaged poles as well as powerlines and other infrastructure.

More than 200 field employees will be working across the fire-affected areas in Harcourt, Skipton, Natimuk and Cobram today, continuing repairs with the aim to get all affected customers back on by the end of tomorrow.

Today’s work includes

• Ravenswood and Harcourt:
  More than 700 customers were restored yesterday to large parts of Ravenswood and Harcourt townships. Work will continue today, with 17 poles to be replaced. Most of the remaining 153 customers off supply are expected to have power restored by tomorrow. Planning work is underway to rebuild power supply to Mt Alexander communications tower as soon as it’s safe to access the site.
• Natimuk:
  Crews completed construction work on a major powerline and final clean-up work is expected to be completed today. Power is expected to be restored to the 37 customers off supply.
• Cobram:
  Field teams are expected to finish all construction work in this area today and power is expected to be back on to the remaining 26 customers.
• Skipton/Streatham:
  Crews will be replacing at least another 30 poles, as well as transformers and powerlines. Yesterday, teams replaced over 60 poles. Power is expected to be restored to the remaining 46 customers by the end of tomorrow.
• Shelford/Meredith:
  Crews completed the final repairs yesterday and restored power to all customers.

Crews are still unable to safely access and assess some areas due to active fires.

Based on current assessments, Powercor expect to have customers back on by the end of Wednesday.

However, these estimated restoration times may change based on any further assessments by the Powercor team, and they will keep customers updated via their outage map, SMS, contact centre and other channels.

On-the-Ground Support

Powercor emergency response vehicles and community support teams will be on the ground in Castlemaine and Skipton from 10.30am today, providing assistance to residents affected by recent outages.

Customers can speak with their teams about their power supply, charge mobiles or other devices, or grab a coffee. They are at:

• Castlemaine Town Hall, 25 Lyttleton St, Castlemaine
• Skipton Mechanics Institute Community Hall (Town Hall), 5 Anderson Street, Skipton

Come down and have a chat with the Powercor team.

Reconnecting Private Properties

While supply is expected to be restored to all areas by end of Wednesday, some customers may need to conduct repairs on their private properties before they can reconnect to the network.

Customers returning to their properties are advised to make sure it’s safe before turning on appliances as water or fire may have affected electrical equipment.

• If any switches do not turn on, or automatically shut off, this indicates the wiring may be affected.
• You’ll need a licensed electrician to test your wiring and appliances.

If you have rooftop solar panels, then contact your installer or a licensed electrician to check the condition of these panels before turning the system on.

Powercor will be waiving reconnection fees for properties affected by these bushfires.

• If your property has been disconnected or affected by fire or water, you will need a registered electrical contractor:
• Search by location through Energy Safe Victoria at:
  https://esv.vic.gov.au/licensing-coes/public-register-and-searches/
• The electrician will complete a safety and compliance inspection
• Once any repairs are done they will issue a Certificate of Electrical Safety to us (at info@powercor.com.au)
• They’ll arrange the reconnection of your power through us by phoning 1300 360 410

More information is available at:
www.powercor.com.au/media-and-resources/blog/reconnecting-electricity-after-a-fire/

UPDATE 9.30am: Powercor has restored power to most customers in fire-affected communities where it is safe to do so. 

About 36 customers in the Harcourt fire area remain without power due to extensive damage to electricity infrastructure on Mt Alexander.  

With the fire still active on the mountain, our crews have not yet been able to safely begin repairs on the line that also supplies the local communications tower. 

We are working closely with emergency authorities and will start repairs as soon as it’s safe to access the site. This work will include replacing nine poles and installing new lines.  

A further two customers are still off due to fire damage in other parts of the network, with power expected to be restored today. 

Since Friday, our teams have replaced more than 270 poles, installed hundreds of kilometres of powerlines and other electrical infrastructure to restore power to areas impacted by the Natimuk, Skipton, Harcourt, Cobram, Meredith and Otways fires. 

We want to thank the communities for their understanding as we worked as quickly as possible to rebuild local networks. This is a challenging time for many people across these regions, and our thoughts are with them as they return to their communities. 

Over coming weeks, we will continue repairing damaged infrastructure across these regions. 

If customers have returned home and are still without power, please contact Powercor on 13 24 12. 

Emergency services are hoping to allow residents from the fire-affected areas to return home and assess their properties from 5pm this evening. Central Goldfield Area Coordinator for Victoria Police Andrea Turner speaking at the online meeting today, said the police will lead and coordinate the return.
“I will put a message with firm plans on the council Facebook and website at 3pm this afternoon,” she said.
“We are well aware the priority in the community is to return but community safety is the first priority.”
Ms Turner said while she knows things may not be moving as fast as people would like, they need to ensure there is no risk of injuries.
Bendigo Incident Controller Michael Masters said that over night the fire hasn’t moved much, but the past few days has demonstrated that fire activity usually starts around 3pm.
“We are establishing a control line on the southern edge of Mount Alexander with large tankers dropping retardant to help secure the containment line,” he said.
“Burning out operations either later today or tomorrow will see an increase in smoke off the fire. Don’t be concerned, this is part of the work that is needed to remove unburnt fuel within the containment.”
He continued stating that while the weather conditions have been reasonably kind and there is nothing in the forecast to be overly concerned about, it is only the first week in January.
Mr Masters confirmed that the majority of community structures in the area have not been damaged. The primary school, nursery, services station, chicken shop, post office, community hall, recreation reserve, football club and mobile tower in Gaasche’s Road have been saved with a combination of good luck and the work of the firefighters.
“As of 7.30pm last night 46 houses and several out buildings were lost, six houses damaged and a number of businesses impacted,” he said.
“There has also been significant damage to power and water infrastructure in the town which is holding up the safe return of residents on a fulltime basis.
“Powercor reported that they have identified all the infrastructure they need to repair and have 45 workers in the middle of Harcourt and surrounds working on power,” Mr Masters said.
“Coliban Water say the do not drink remains in place, but they are hopeful they will have the supply reconnected tomorrow. There are significant damage points in water mains in Harcourt, but they are working to get these repaired.
“V-Line is working to have the rail line repaired and are hoping to have that completed by the end of the day on Wednesday which should see the line open from Melbourne to Bendigo.”
Mount Alexander Shire Council have opened a Recovery Hub at the Castlemaine Town Hall open each day from 11am to 6pm at 25 Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine.
A range of organisations will be on site to help aid fire-affected residents in recovery. Coliban Water and Telstra will be available at the Hub tomorrow, Tuesday January 13 to answer questions.
Free Wifi will be available at the Hub.
For more information check the council Facebook page or online at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Community-and-Wellbeing/Emergencies-and-preparation/January-2026-fire-event.
Make sure to keep an eye on the Vic Emergency app or listen to ABC radio 91.1FM

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.

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:  

• – drinking 
• – preparing beverages 
• – washing and preparing food 
• – preparing baby formula 
• – brushing teeth 
• – making ice 

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:

• Alpine Shire
• Ararat Rural City
• Colac Otway Shire
• Corangamite Shire
• East Gippsland Shire
• Golden Plains Shire
• Greater Bendigo City
• Horsham Rural City
• Lake Mountain Alpine Resort (Unincorporated)
• Mansfield Shire
• Mildura Rural City
• Mitchell Shire
• Moira Shire
• Mount Alexander Shire
• Murrindindi Shire
• Pyrenees Shire
• Strathbogie Shire
• Towong Shire
• Wellington Shire

A State of Disaster:

• May be declared to exist in the whole, or parts, of Victoria
• Exists immediately upon the making of the declaration and remains in force for seven days (unless another declaration is made)
• Can be revoked or varied by the Premier at any time.

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:

• Directing any government agency to do, or refrain from doing, any function, power, duty, or responsibility
• Declaring that the operation of an Act or subordinate instrument is suspended, if compliance by a government agency with that legislation would inhibit response to or recovery from the disaster
• Take possession and make use of any person’s property to respond to the disaster
• Controlling movement in and out of the disaster area and
• Compelling the evacuation of persons from the disaster area or any part of it.

UPDATE: A second Emergency Relief Centre has opened at the Bendigo Showgrounds to assist residents evacuating due to bushfires.

Bendigo Showgrounds

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.