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Mind Australia’s thoughts are with the communities affected by the Victorian bushfires. We know from our experience supporting people in bushfires, floods and other natural disasters what a profound impact these have on people’s mental health and wellbeing, while these events are unfolding – and also in the longer term.

In Castlemaine, Mind staff from the Greater Bendigo Mental Health and Wellbeing Local are providing support at the bushfire recovery hub located at Castlemaine Town Hall. Staff there are available to help people impacted by the bushfires with any distress they may be experiencing, or to access emergency relief payments and other support services. (See the end of this article for support options in other locations).

Our deep thanks to our staff at the Haven Foundation’s housing with support residence in Seymour, who evacuated residents as a precautionary measure, due to the proximity of the fires. Residents were supported to transition into temporary accommodation until the threat of danger passed. 

The prospect of an emergency of this severity can be particularly distressing for someone with mental health challenges, but we are pleased to share that everyone has since returned back to Haven Seymour safe and sound.

Mind Executive Director Victorian Operations, Belinda McCullough, said staff in impacted areas had responded to the disaster exceptionally well, praising their leadership, resilience and ability to stay calm under pressure.

“Our teams have been brilliant in coordinating our disaster response, ensuring the wellbeing of themselves and our service users amidst very challenging circumstances,” Ms McCullough said. 

“Mind’s Work, Health and Safety team has also been outstanding in supporting service continuity and ensuring staff wellbeing through a coordinated and safety-focused response.

“From everyone at Mind, our hearts go out to everyone impacted. Look after yourself and those around you, and remember support is readily available if you or someone you know need it.”

How to access support

If you or someone you know has been impacted by the bushfires, support is available throughout Victoria.

Free mental health supports are available to help those affected by the recent bushfires and their families with recovery. Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals are now offering support in the following locations:

  • Bairnsdale and Orbost
  • Benalla, Wangaratta and Mansfield
  • Bendigo
  • Mildura
  • Shepparton.

Visit Better Health for contact details for these Mental Health and Wellbeing Local services.

Recovery hubs and information centres have been established to provide community members with important information and resources to support your recovery journey. These are located at the following locations:

  • Alexandra - Alexandra Library, 49 Grant Street Alexandra. Open 10 am to 3 pm.
  • Castlemaine - Castlemaine Town Hall 25 Lyttleton St, Castlemaine. Open 11 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. 
  • Cobram - Moira Recovery Information Centre, 3/29 Station Street, Cobram. Open 10 am to 2 pm Monday to Sunday.
  • Corryong - Davis Cottage - Jardine Street, Corryong. Open 9 am to 4.30 pm. 
  • Euroa - Visitor Information Centre, 50 Binney Street, Euroa. Open 11 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday and 9 am to 3 pm on weekends.
  • Harcourt - Harcourt Leisure Centre - Binghams Road, Harcourt. Open 10 am to 5pm, agencies on-site from 10 am to 2 pm. Closed over the long weekend 24 - 26 January. 
  • Mansfield - Mansfield Visitor Information Centre, 175 High st Mansfield. Open 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday. 
  • Natimuk - Natimuk Community Centre – 62 Main Road Natimuk. Open 10 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday. Closed Monday 26 January. 
  • Skipton - Skipton Mechanics Hall, 5 Anderson Street Skipton. Open Tuesday 12noon to 7pm, Wednesday - Friday 10am to 4pm.  Closed over the long weekend 24 - 26 January.
  • Yarck - Town Hall 6583 Maroondah Hwy, Yarck. Open 10 am to 4 pm. 
  • Yea - Yea Library, 15 The Semicircle, Yea. Open 10 am to 2 pm.

Emergency Recovery Support can be accessed via: