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Victoria Bushfire Relief 2026: How to support communities through GIVIT
Hundreds of Victorians have lost their homes in the January 2026 bushfires, with many also left without basic necessities. Find out how you can help by donating to the GIVIT VIC Bushfires Appeal.
The January 2026 bushfires have destroyed homes, disrupted livelihoods and left communities without access to basic necessities, such as clothing, toiletries and everyday household items. The most effective way to assist right now is to donate through GIVIT, Emergency Recovery Victoria’s official partner for essential goods and services.
GIVIT works with councils, recovery organisations and local charities to identify exact needs and deliver help quickly.
Visit the GIVIT website and view current requests and contribute items or funds. This way the support gets to where it’s needed and, where possible, is purchased locally to boost community recovery. Do not send unrequested goods into fire‑affected regions.
As part of the statewide recovery effort, RACV is supporting GIVIT to ensure essential items reach communities impacted by the January 2026 bushfires. As GIVIT’s National Disaster and Emergency Partner, RACV helps create safer, stronger and more connected communities by assisting with disaster response and long‑term recovery efforts.
To help people currently impacted by the bushfires in Victoria, visit GIVIT and donate to the GIVIT Victoria Bushfires Appeal.
Victorian farmers affected by bushfires urged to register for support
Leading rural charity Rural Aid has issued an urgent call for all Victorian farmers affected by the bushfires to register for assistance. The January 2026 bushfires have causing widespread damage to farmland and critical agricultural infrastructure, as well as major stock losses.
Visit Rural Aid to find out more about the services provided.
Recovering from a bushfire takes years. GIVIT still gets requests from organisations supporting people who lost their homes in the 2019–20 Black Summer Bushfires. All images: Getty
What is GIVIT?
GIVIT is a national online non-profit organisation matching generosity with genuine need. GIVIT connects donors and charities to make sure people and communities get exactly what they need, when they need it. GIVIT supports more than 4,000 of Australia’s most trusted charities as well as hundreds of local neighbourhood community centres, schools and community groups.
GIVIT is the official Emergency Recovery Victoria partner for donations of essential goods and services for people impacted by disasters and emergency events in Victoria and will continue to liaise with the Victorian Government to ensure people get the help they need to recover.
GIVIT is currently working with services on the ground in Victoria to assess the needs of people impacted by the bushfires.
How can I help people affected by the recent Victorian bushfires?
To help people currently impacted by the bushfires in Victoria, you can see what’s needed at GIVIT.org.au and donate to the GIVIT VIC Bushfires Appeal.
Please do not collect, send or take unrequested donations into bushfire impacted regions – there is nowhere to store donations, or people to sort or distribute them and they may end up damaged and ultimately in landfill.
GIVIT works directly with councils, outreach teams, recovery organisations, charities, community groups and schools to identify exactly what’s needed to make sure people get what they need, when they need it.
Browse GIVIT's list of required Victoria bushfire relief before donating.
How do I donate money?
You can make a direct contribution to the Victoria Bushfire Appeal to help ensure essential goods and services reach the people who need them most.
If you prefer, you can also choose to fund specific items or services listed on the GIVIT website. This way you are providing immediate, practical support to individuals and families recovering from the bushfires.
Every dollar donated by the public through GIVIT goes directly toward purchasing vital goods and services for those affected. Wherever possible, these purchases are made locally, helping communities not only rebuild but strengthen their economic recovery.
How do I donate goods?
GIVIT ensures donated goods match what communities genuinely need. By directing contributions through GIVIT, Victorians can avoid the challenges that arise when unrequested items reach bushfire‑affected regions.
To help Victorians impacted by the bushfires, visit the GIVIT website to view the current list of requested items. When physical goods are appropriate, simply select a specific request and click ‘give item’ to donate exactly what’s needed.
If you have items that aren’t listed, you can offer them via GIVIT’s Online Warehouse. Registered charities review available items and will connect with you directly if your goods meet an identified need. Please keep in mind that some items may not be required immediately, depending on the stage of community recovery.
What is the best time to donate to the bushfire relief?
Any time is the best time to donate to GIVIT! A financial donation allows GIVIT to deliver exactly what’s needed at each stage of recovery.
In the early days, your contribution might fund essentials like grocery vouchers for families in temporary accommodation. As recovery progresses, it can help replace everyday items such as books or toys for children. Longer term, your support may help families returning home purchase key appliances like fridges or washing machines.
Bushfire recovery takes time. GIVIT continues to receive requests years after major events, such as the 2019/2020 Black Summer Bushfires, ensuring people get support for as long as it’s needed. Your donation helps GIVIT provide the right assistance at the right time.
Victoria farmers affected by the bushfires should register with Rural Aid for support.
How do I get help after a bushfire through GIVIT?
If your home or property has suffered damage from bushfires, visit the Victoria Government website for essential information and support.
To access donated items or vouchers through GIVIT, you’ll need to connect with a local organisation involved in disaster recovery. They will assess your situation and, if appropriate, submit requests on your behalf via GIVIT.
Visit the GIVIT Need Help page and use the search tool to find an organisation near you. GIVIT will do its best to meet requests, although assistance cannot be guaranteed.
Bushfire assistance and support for primary producers
If you are a farmer - whether already impacted or at risk – register with Rural Aid so that assistance can be given, whether it's financial assistance, hay, water and counselling support.
Rural Aid provides support to registered farmers at no cost, including:
- Financial assistance for urgent and unexpected expenses
- Professional counselling and wellbeing support for farmers and their families
- Emergency hay deliveries to support livestock
- Water deliveries for drinking and household needs
- Volunteer assistance through the Farm Army program for response and recovery.
